10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in West Virginia
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.
FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in West Virginia
If you're still curious about completing your online education in West Virginia using the FAFSA, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.
Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in West Virginia?
Yes, many accredited schools that provide online classes and degrees in West Virginia accept the FAFSA, including all of the schools discussed in this article. If you aren't sure whether your school accepts the FAFSA, check with the admissions department to find out if they have a FAFSA school code. If they do, this means that they accept FAFSA funds.
Can You Go to College for Free in West Virginia?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements. A state-funded program called West Virginia Invests covers all tuition and fees for West Virginia students who attend a community or technical college and complete an approved associate degree or certificate program.
What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have in West Virginia?
If you don't qualify for the West Virginia Invests program, you can still receive funds from various sources to cover your education costs. In addition to completing the FAFSA, online learners can apply for scholarships through their schools or private organizations (e.g., businesses or nonprofits).
If you have a job, your employer may cover some or all of your costs through tuition assistance or reimbursement plans. Finally, if you have served in the military, you may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill or other sources.
Learn About Online Bachelor's Degrees
If you're ready to start your higher education journey, explore the colleges and universities discussed here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools listed to find out more about the degrees they offer and to discover which one is the best fit for you.