5 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2025

There are many online colleges in West Virginia. In fact, more than 50% of college students in West Virginia attend school exclusively online. Perhaps you'd like to learn more about online college programs in your state. So, what are some top online colleges to consider?

Keep reading as we explore online degrees in West Virginia from accredited online colleges. We'll also discuss some of the best online degree programs for West Virginia students and provide some general information to help you prepare for enrolling in online programs.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in West Virginia

Students who might not be able to attend campus can find a blend of convenience and quality at some of the best colleges online. Let's take an in-depth look at the top five online colleges in West Virginia, including average tuition rates and some of the degree programs they offer.

1. West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public school located in Morgantown. It offers various online graduate and undergraduate programs, including:

• business administration
• social work
• integrated marketing communications
• economics
• game design

About 97% of students attending this school receive financial aid. The online coursework taught by experienced allows students to receive a world-class education in a format that works for them.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,648

Out-of-State: $27,360

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,908

Out-of-State: $28,260

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 81%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University is located in Institute. It offers a non-traditional Regents Bachelor of Arts program designed for adult learners, as well as several online bachelor's and master's degree programs, including:

• English/technical writing
• health science
• criminal justice administration
• education/ instructional leadership

The school provides financial aid for 88% of students. The online courses provide both flexibility and practicability, preparing them for their future careers while giving them options when it comes to education.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,049

Out-of-State: $14,623

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,443

Out-of-State: $20,972

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 63%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

3. Marshall University

Marshall University is a public school located in Huntington. Students can pursue many online undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees and certificates. Areas of study include:

• creative writing
• cybersecurity
• humanities
• geography
• medical laboratory science

As many as 98% of students receive financial aid at this school. Flexible courses make it easy for students to study on their own schedules and can accommodate a diverse array of needs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,942

Out-of-State: $20,294

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,710

Out-of-State: $20,574

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

4. American Public University

American Public University is a private, for-profit school headquartered in Charles Town, WV. It is a fully online college offering dozens of degree and certificate programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Some of the options include:

• emergency and disaster management
• esports
• information technology
• healthcare administration
• philosophy

As many as 97% of students at this school receive financial aid. Tuition rates are affordable for all students, and military discounts are available for those who qualify. This is considered a top school in the state due to the number of programs available and the affordable, flexible curriculum.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,400

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $7,650

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 94%

Institution Type: Private for-profit university

Accreditation: HLC

5. Wheeling University

Wheeling University is a private school located in Wheeling, WV. It has a small enrollment of around 1,300 students, many of whom study online. Several remote bachelor's and master's degrees are available, including:

• psychology
• RN-to-BSN (nursing)
• criminal justice
• accountancy
• business administration

The school awards financial aid to 80% of students, and tuition rates are affordable by private school standards. Online programs enable students to get a top-notch private school education in a flexible and convenient format.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $29,475

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,900

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

Online learners can study at schools across the country without having to leave their homes. With this in mind, let's talk about some good out-of-state schools for online students throughout the country, including those in West Virginia.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university enrolling the majority of its students online. A wealth of online degrees and certificates at every program level are available. Options include:

• accounting and finance
• computer science
• environmental science
• graphic design and media arts
• health information management

Students can take advantage of affordable tuition rates, accelerated eight-week course sessions, multiple yearly start dates, and generous transfer policies. This school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school in Virginia. It is known for providing hundreds of degree and certificate programs � many of which are available online. Some of these programs include:

• applied statistics
• business administration
• Christian leadership
• early childhood education
• fire administration

Students can transfer up to 75% of their credits from another institution, and eight-week course sessions allow for flexibility and accelerated study if desired. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Pennsylvania State University's World Campus is an online school offering high-quality degrees from a well-known university. Undergraduate and graduate options are both available, with majors including:

• energy and sustainability policy
• international politics
• organizational leadership
• software engineering
• marketing

The programs are mostly self-paced while providing opportunities for students to interact virtually with professors and peers. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits this school.

How We Rank Schools

We used data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources for this article. Selection criteria for the schools above included:

• Accreditation: All of the schools above are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting bodies.
• Reputation: Each school has a reputation for providing high-quality academic programs for both online and on-campus students.
• Accessibility: All of the schools provide flexible study options, generous transfer credit policies, affordable tuition, and other features to make school accessible for the greatest number of students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in West Virginia

Though online learning has many benefits, there are a few drawbacks as well. Let's discuss a few of the pros and cons.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexible coursework: Online college programs typically provide asynchronous coursework, enabling students to work their study schedules around other commitments.
• Study from anywhere: Students taking online courses can take them from whatever location is convenient for them as long as they have an internet connection.
• Affordable prices: Distance learning is often more affordable than on-campus learning because students pay lower tuition rates or face fewer fees and associated expenses.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Employer skepticism: Some employers are still skeptical of distance education, preferring to hire those who completed their education in person.
• Lack of structure: Since online programs are more flexible than on-campus programs, they also tend to lack structure; this may make it challenging for some students to stay on track.
• Feeling isolated: Distance learners sometimes feel isolated from professors and peers, which can lead to feeling unsupported.

How To Choose the Best Online College in West Virginia

When exploring West Virginia online colleges, it's important to ensure that any school you consider is accredited and has a strong reputation. This will ensure your education meets national academic standards and that your degree is accepted in the workforce.

Consider factors like affordability, in-state tuition costs, financial aid options, available majors, student resources, and admissions requirements. If you have previous college experience or test credits, you'll want to find out about transfer policies as well. Make a list of what's most important to you in your future school, then compare each college against this list to find out which one most aligns with your priorities.

How Much Does an Online Degree in West Virginia Cost?

College degree costs vary widely depending on whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student and whether you attend a private or public school. Among the colleges in this article, tuition costs range from around $7,600 to more than $29,000.

Additional expenses can add to the overall cost of the degree. Technology costs, books, and mandatory fees are common examples of added expenses online students may face.

Tips on How To Make Online College in West Virginia More Affordable

Even the cheapest online colleges in West Virginia can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, students have many resources they can take advantage of that can help them cover their costs.

Filling out the FAFSA can help students obtain federal aid like Pell Grants and work-study programs. Many schools and organizations offer scholarships, and transfer credits can help students save both time and money. Finally, students attending schools with payment plans or those that waive application fees can save some extra cash and manage their tuition payments more effectively. Learn more about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

West Virginia Scholarships & Grants

You can use scholarships and grants to pay for accredited colleges online. Some top scholarships for students in West Virginia include the following.

West Virginia Promise Scholarship

The West Virginia Promise Scholarship is a state-funded program for academically strong students in the state. It provides annual scholarship funds for students with at least a 3.0 GPA attending a public or private two-year or four-year school in West Virginia. Students must complete the FAFSA and Promise Scholarship application to be considered for this award.

Award Amount: up to $5,500 per year

Deadline: March 1, 2025

West Virginia STEM Scholarship

This is another state-funded program, and it's available for students interested in pursuing STEM-related degrees and careers. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0, enroll in an approved college program, and agree to work or volunteer in West Virginia after graduation.

Award Amount: up to $3,000 per year

Deadline: March 1, 2025

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

This state-funded grant is need-based instead of merit-based. West Virginia residents can apply for this grant by completing the FAFSA by the grant deadline. Those eligible to receive it will be notified within one to two months of the deadline.

Award Amount: up to $6,800 per year

Deadline: April 15, 2025

Top Majors for West Virginia Graduates

Students can pursue numerous degree programs online in West Virginia. Some of the most popular online majors in the state are as follows:

• Nursing: Online nursing degrees are typically available for registered nurses hoping to advance their careers. They are common online bachelor's degrees but may also be available at master's and doctoral levels.
• General Studies: General studies degrees provide a broad educational foundation in many subjects, preparing students for various career paths and graduate studies. They are commonly offered as associate degrees, with some schools also offering bachelor's programs.
• Accounting: Accounting majors prepare for careers in taxation, auditing, fraud examination, and related fields. These degrees are commonly available online at bachelor's and master's levels.
• Criminal Justice: Criminal justice degrees prepare students to work in legal and law enforcement capacities. They are common online bachelor's degrees but may also be offered as master's degrees.
• Business Administration: Business administration degrees prepare students to work in all areas of business, especially in management and leadership positions. They are common online master's degrees but are also available at every other program level.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in West Virginia

If you still have questions about pursuing online educational opportunities in West Virginia, you're not alone. Keep reading as we explore some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in West Virginia?

Typically, full-time students can earn a bachelor's degree within four years and a master's degree within an additional two years. However, those enrolled in accelerated online degrees in West Virginia can finish much more quickly. Bachelor's students may complete their degree in as little as one to three years and master's students can finish in a year or less.

Should I Enroll in an Online College in West Virginia?

Though many people benefit from online college, it isn't for everyone. Students who do best in a structured classroom environment or prefer to work closely with peers and instructors may prefer traditional on-campus programs. However, if you are self-motivated, do best working alone, and have other work and life commitments to balance with your schooling, an online degree program may be ideal for you.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in West Virginia?

The easiest schools to get into in West Virginia are those with the highest acceptance rates. There are several schools in the state boasting 100% acceptance rates, including American Public University.

Are There Any Affordable Online MBA Programs in West Virginia?

A few online schools in the state offer affordable Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The two most affordable programs in West Virginia are available through Marshall University and West Virginia University, with total tuition and fees for the programs averaging around $19,000 to $24,000.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees in West Virginia

If you're ready to explore online colleges in West Virginia, check out any of the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to learn more about their programs and student support services and to discover which one is right for you.