3 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in West Virginia

A career in human resources management can be a great professional decision. If you're considering this career path, you probably know you need a bachelor's degree in HR management, or even a master's degree for some roles. Perhaps you're concerned about having the time and money to get this degree and you might wonder if there are any affordable online human resources degrees to match your schedule and budget.

In this article, we'll look at some top low-cost online colleges in West Virginia and the human resources management programs they offer. We'll also talk about some top out-of-state schools with HR degrees and answer some questions you may have.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in West Virginia

When choosing your online program, you'll want to find one that aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) standards. Below, we'll explore three in-state schools offering online HR management degrees that meet these standards and offer affordable tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

1. Bethany College

Bethany College is a private liberal arts school located in Bethany. It is a very small college enrolling fewer than 700 students. The school offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in human resources management; it teaches strong business management and organizational leadership skills while providing an emphasis on HR topics like:

• negotiation
• compensation and benefits
• labor relations.

The total tuition for the program is $21,600, which works out to about $600 per credit hour. The school offers an affordability guarantee stating it will cover 100% of demonstrated needs through state, federal, and school financial aid options, ensuring students can afford their education.

2. American Public University

American Public University is a private, for-profit school headquartered in Charles Town. It is an online-only school providing distance education opportunities to more than 88,000 students. Those enrolled can pursue both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in human resource management.

Both programs feature flexible coursework ideal for full-time and part-time students. Programs cover an array of topics such as training and development, employee relations, and performance management. The undergraduate and graduate degrees cost $350 and $455 per credit hour, respectively; however, tuition discounts are available for some students, as well as scholarships, financial aid, and a generous transfer credit policy.

3. Salem University

Salem University is a private, for-profit school located in Salem. It enrolls around 830 students in online and on-campus programs.

Undergraduate students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resource management, while graduate students can earn an MBA in human resource management. Both programs are designed to help students begin or advance their careers with strong understanding of HR competencies and methodologies.

The bachelor's degree costs $476 and the master's degree costs $650 per credit hour. Tuition discounts are available for some students, and students can apply for a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help them pay for school.

Other Affordable Online Human Resources Programs

The great thing about online schools is that they offer flexible coursework you can complete anywhere in the country. Let's look at some online human resources management degree programs available from top out-of-state schools.

1. Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public school with an enrollment of around 2,800 students. Its campus is located in Americus, GA. Students here can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management on-campus or online.

This program teaches various topics and skills relating to employment law, organizational development, and more. This online bachelor's program costs just $199 per credit hour. Students can apply for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses even further.

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online college headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It enrolls almost 157,000 students. The school offers bachelor's and master's degrees in human resource management.

Learners study on their own time and progress through classes at their own pace, making this one of the most flexible online schools. Students are charged $3,755 per six-month term for the bachelor's degree and $4,755 per term for the master's degree, but they can complete as many courses as they'd like with this flat fee. They can save money by earning and applying transfer credits, taking heavy courseloads, and applying for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.

3. Athens State University

Athens State University is a public school with about 3,500 students � some of whom study online. The school's campus is located in Athens, AL. A bachelor's degree completion program and a master's degree are available for online HR students.

The programs provide a flexible learning environment for students to build their human resources skills and prepare for various careers. The bachelor's program costs $256 per credit hour, and the master's program costs $369. The school offers various scholarships and financial aid options to help students afford school.

4. Avila University

Avila University is a private Catholic university located in Kansas City, MO. It has around 1,500 students enrolled in its online and on-campus degree programs.

Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration in human resources. Both programs are transfer-friendly and provide flexible online coursework ideal for busy nontraditional students.

Tuition is $290 and $600 per credit hour, respectively. Pay-by-the-course tuition helps students afford their degree, and various forms of financial aid can help them save on their out-of-pocket costs.

FAQs About HR Degree Programs at Online Colleges

If you still have questions about completing an online academic program in HR management, keep reading. In this section, we'll answer some commonly asked questions you may be curious about.

How Much Does an Online Human Resources Degree Cost?

The total cost of your higher education experience can vary depending on the type of degree you're pursuing, the school you attend, average tuition, and various other factors. Tuition rates at the schools featured in this article range from $199 to $476 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees, and $369 to $650 for master's degrees.

Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Degree Worth It?

Getting a degree in human resources can be well worth the time and effort. HR professionals are always in demand and earn a high average income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the HR field is growing and expanding, so human resources managers can expect a great deal of job security over the next several years.

Which Online Colleges Will Accept FAFSA in West Virginia?

All colleges and universities that maintain regional or national accreditation can use FAFSA funds. Each of the schools discussed in this article accepts the FAFSA. If you're wondering whether the school of your choice accepts FAFSA funds, you can search for the school's FAFSA code on their website or using the studentaid.gov school search function.

Explore Online Degrees and Apply Today

If you're ready to start your online learning experience and become a human resources professional, consider the schools discussed here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools that interest you to learn more about their online programs and discover which one is the best fit for you.