10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in West Virginia

Updated on:

February 9, 2026

Several online schools in West Virginia accept the FAFSA including West Virginia University, Marshall University, and the American Public University System.

If you are hoping to attend an affordable online college in West Virginia that accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may be wondering what your options are. Which schools in your state have online degree programs and allow you to use financial aid from the FAFSA?

Read on as we take a closer look at this question. We'll discuss several top online colleges that accept FAFSA and answer a few questions you may have.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in West Virginia

There are many great accredited colleges and universities in West Virginia, and quite a few of them offer online learning opportunities. Whether you're a graduating high school student or a busy adult just going back to school, the following institutions can help you get your college degree online using various forms of financial aid funds through the FAFSA.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public school headquartered in Morgantown. This large university boasts an enrollment of more than 24,000 students.

The school offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, along with both graduate and undergraduate certificates. Online programs provide the same high-quality instruction as in-person programs, and students have many areas of study to choose from. Options include:

  • business administration
  • social work
  • multidisciplinary studies
  • nursing
  • hospitality and tourism management

Marshall University

Marshall University is a public school located in Huntington. It currently enrolls around 11,000 students in online and on-campus programs.

Those interested in distance education can complete part-time or full-time online programs in an array of subjects. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and certificate programs are all available. Common majors include:

  • creative writing
  • medical laboratory science
  • geography
  • history
  • regents Bachelor of Arts

American Public University System

The American Public University System consists of American Public University and American Military University. These schools are fully online, but the system is headquartered in Charles Town. More than 88,000 students attend these schools.

Students can choose from numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Online coursework is tailored to working adults, so it is highly flexible and affordable. Some of the programs available include:

  • healthcare administration
  • cybersecurity
  • entrepreneurship
  • military history
  • natural sciences

Concord University

Concord University is located in Athens. It is a small public school that enrolls around 1,700 students.

The school offers several fully online educational opportunities for students interested in distance learning. Bachelor's and master's degrees are both available. Programs include:

  • elementary education
  • sociology
  • health promotion
  • business administration
  • social work

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston is a private school located in Charleston. It enrolls around 3,000 students in its campus-based and online courses.

Both two-year and four-year degrees and certificate programs can be completed online. Flexible coursework makes finishing college accessible for many students. Areas of study to choose from include:

  • criminal justice leadership
  • cybersecurity
  • psychology
  • management
  • workforce leadership

Glenville State University

Glenville State University is a public school located in Glenville. This small state college enrolls around 1,600 students.

The school offers flexible, high-quality undergraduate degrees for online learners. Two bachelor's degrees and three associate degrees are available in the following subjects:

  • criminal justice
  • business administration
  • general studies

Wheeling University

Wheeling University is a private Catholic school located in Wheeling. It is a small school enrolling around 1,300 students.

The school offers three bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees in an online format. These flexible programs make it possible for busy students to finish their degree on a schedule that works for them. Majors include:

  • accountancy
  • nursing
  • business administration
  • criminal justice
  • psychology

Valley College

Valley College is a career-focused school with locations in West Virginia and Ohio. It provides career training programs, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees.

Though many students attend this school on campus, many more complete some or all of their classes online. The school provides a flexible, supportive learning environment to help students every step of the way. Degree programs include:

  • cybersecurity
  • business administration
  • health services administration

Martinsburg College

Martinsburg College, headquartered in Martinsburg, is a distance education school. It provides various certificates and associate degrees.

All programs at this school are designed for busy adults who need a flexible learning environment. Career-focused training covers a variety of study areas, including:

  • integrated technologies
  • business administration
  • healthcare administration
  • information technology
  • applied behavior analysis

West Virginia Junior College

West Virginia Junior College is a private school headquartered in Charleston. It is a very small school, enrolling just over 200 students.

Those attending this school can complete online or in-person degree and certificate programs. All programs are available at the undergraduate level. Areas of study include:

  • dental assisting
  • medical coding
  • human resources
  • accounting
  • pharmacy technician

Applying for FAFSA in West Virginia

To get FAFSA funds to cover your academic program, you must meet some basic eligibility requirements and follow specific steps. Let's look at the requirements and steps in greater detail.

Eligibility

All college students who receive FAFSA funds must meet the following requirements:

  • be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
  • have a Social Security number
  • be enrolled or accepted at a school accredited by an organization (e.g., Higher Learning Commission)
  • be willing and able to submit all required financial documents
  • maintain satisfactory academic progress

Steps To Apply

Once you are ready to apply for the FAFSA, follow the steps below:

  • If this is your first time applying, create an FSA ID on studentaid.gov. If you have already done this, skip to the next step.
  • Fill in the personal information sections of the application. Your parents or guardians will need to fill out sections as well if you are filing as a dependent.
  • Complete the financial information section. Your parents or guardians may need to help with this part if you are filing as a dependent. Upload all required financial documents.
  • All parties involved in filling out the application must sign it when they are finished.
  • Once you have completed and signed the application, submit it through studentaid.gov.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in West Virginia

West Virginia offers multiple state-funded financial aid programs that work alongside FAFSA to help students afford college. These programs support both traditional and online learners across the state’s public and private institutions.

West Virginia Invests Grant

The West Virginia Invests Grant is a last-dollar program that covers tuition and fees for residents pursuing certificates or associate degrees at community and technical colleges. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA, pass a drug screening, and complete community service hours.

Online students enrolled in eligible programs can use this grant to cover remaining tuition after other aid is applied. It’s designed to prepare residents for high-demand fields while minimizing student debt.

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant provides need-based financial aid to undergraduate students attending eligible public or private institutions. FAFSA completion is required to determine financial need and eligibility.

Online learners who meet residency and enrollment requirements can apply these funds toward tuition and required fees. The grant is renewable each year for students who maintain satisfactory academic progress.

PROMISE Scholarship

The PROMISE Scholarship is a merit-based program for high-achieving West Virginia high school graduates. Students must meet GPA and standardized test score requirements and complete the FAFSA before the annual deadline.

This scholarship can be applied toward tuition and fees at eligible West Virginia colleges, including those offering online degree programs. It rewards academic excellence while supporting in-state education.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in West Virginia

FAFSA helps West Virginia students access both federal and state aid to make earning a degree more affordable. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility, tuition, and funding opportunities.

Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in West Virginia?

Yes, most accredited online colleges in West Virginia accept FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA allows you to access federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs, which can all be used toward online degree costs.

If you’re unsure whether your school accepts FAFSA, ask for its FAFSA school code or check the U.S. Department of Education’s database. Accredited institutions with a valid code are eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Can You Go to College for Free in West Virginia?

Yes, some students can attend college tuition-free through the West Virginia Invests Grant. The state-funded program covers tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students enrolled in community or technical colleges.

To be eligible, you must live in West Virginia, complete the FAFSA, and meet additional program requirements. This initiative makes higher education accessible to more residents pursuing career-focused training.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have in West Virginia?

In addition to FAFSA and state programs like the Invests Grant, online learners can apply for scholarships offered by schools, private organizations, or nonprofit foundations. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs to help cover educational costs.

Military-affiliated students can use benefits such as the GI Bill to pay for tuition and fees. Explore multiple sources of funding to ensure you maximize your aid and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Find an Affordable Online College in West Virginia

West Virginia students have access to generous financial aid options designed to make college more attainable. Explore accredited online degree programs on Learn.org to compare tuition rates, discover scholarships, and find the best path toward your career goals.