Which West Virginia Schools Accept the Most Transfer Credits?

Colleges and universities in West Virginia maintain several transfer and articulation agreements. Four-year schools like West Virginia University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology hold agreements with two-year schools, which apply to students who want to transfer to a bachelor’s program after completing the initial credit hour requirements. This allows associate graduates to transfer 60 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in their discipline. As more schools enter into transfer and articulation agreements, students may benefit from easier access to bachelor’s degree options.

Will Any Online Colleges in West Virginia Accept a GED?

Virtually every college and university, include online colleges, accepts GEDs with the appropriate documentation. Applicants with their GED must still complete an ACT or SAT. Students who earn their GED in the state of West Virginia can take the Test Assessing Secondary Completion, or TASC, to demonstrate high school-level educational competencies. The TASC credential is accepted by 97% of colleges and universities in the country. Students who take the TASC should submit scores to their potential institutions. Many schools impose TASC score requirements —WVU, for example, requires students to score at least 2250 (450) for admission. Students who score below such requirements may still obtain conditional or provisional admission. Two-year schools in West Virginia also accept GED and TASC credentials. Students should request to send official scores to potential schools.

Which Online Colleges Will Accept FAFSA in West Virginia?

All online colleges and universities in West Virginia accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and encourage applicants to submit the form when they submit their college applications. Some U.S. schools, called "no loan" schools, choose not to use the FAFSA, but the vast majority of students in West Virginia benefit from the grant, loan, and scholarship opportunities afforded by the FAFSA. FAFSA aid may apply differently to online programs in West Virginia, depending on accreditation status. If your school or program does not hold the proper accreditation, your financial aid may not apply. Make sure to check your prospective school’s accreditation status. In addition to the FAFSA, students may apply for the College Scholarship Service (CSS). The CSS collects information from over 400 institutions about scholarships and nonfinancial aid. Learners can check the CSS website for eligible schools and programs in anticipation of applying for fee waivers and scholarships.

Best Online Colleges In West Virginia

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 89% of West Virginia's residents age 25 or older completed at least a high school education. However, less than 25% of West Virginia residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Employment projections by , Georgetown University show that from 2021-2031, 38% of jobs in West Virginia will require a postsecondary education.

Online colleges in West Virginia offer students and working professionals convenient, flexible courses and programs. These colleges provide learners with opportunities for personal and career advancement, and allow students with prior college coursework to transfer those credits. Online colleges in West Virginia offer affordable options for continued learning, ideal for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

West Virginia's Top Affordable Online Colleges

Why Choose West Virginia for Online Higher Education?

Online degree programs allows single parents, working professionals, and students with restricted schedules to earn their degrees at a pace that works for them. Full-time workers who want to advance their current positions can study while maintaining their professional commitments. Online options in West Virginia cater to the needs of undergraduate, graduate, and international students alike, providing them with access to programs at various educational levels.

Cost of Attending an Online College in West Virginia

The average cost of tuition and fees in West Virginia are close to the national average. However, tuition varies significantly based on academic program and school. Many schools charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, and some offer flat-rate tuition. Generally, online degree programs cost less than on-campus degree programs.

In-state tuition

$8,715 – public, four-year institution; $4,600 – public, two-year institution

Out-of-state tuition

$23,521 – public, four-year institution; $10,776 – public, two-year institution

Source:National Center for Education Statistics

Tuition at many colleges and universities in West Virginia costs more than the national average, but exact numbers vary between public and private institutions.

Tuition for online learners in West Virginia varies significantly based on academic program and school. Many schools charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, and some offer flat-rate tuition.

West Virginia University, a public, four-year institution, offers online degrees with tuition ranging from $396-$1,095 per credit hour. Davis & Elkins offers one online program, an RN-to-BSN degree, with a flat per-credit-hour tuition rate of $400.

Considering a West Virginia School as an Out-of-State Student

Nonresident students in West Virginia may receive reduced tuition through reciprocity agreements or metro-rate reductions. Online students at West Virginia colleges and universities enjoy accredited programs recognized by institutions around the country. Online degrees in subjects such as nursing prepare students to obtain licensure, which often has requirements that vary by state. This factor can influence where a learner completes his or her degree.

Tuition Discounts

Four regional interstate compacts for higher education in the United States provide learners with opportunities for collaboration and college affordability. As part of the Southern Regional Education (SRE) Board, many West Virginia colleges and universities participate in the Academic Common Market (ACM). The ACM offers in-state tuition reciprocity for certain programs at West Virginia schools. To qualify, learners must reside in one of the 15 SRE states and enroll in an approved program. West Virginia University also maintains a reciprocity agreement with the state of Ohio for students who meet specific criteria.

State Authorizations for Online Learning

Colleges and universities in West Virginia that participate in the ACM hold accreditation through the Higher Education Policy Commission. Reciprocity agreements within the ACM fall under the regulations by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). According to NC-SARA, participating institutions must be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. States and individual institutions choose to join NC-SARA, and participating schools do not have to accept transfer credits from other participating institutions.

Check with an admissions or financial officer. Tuition rates are ultimately program and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about the rates that would apply to you specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia's Online Schools

When researching online colleges and universities in West Virginia, learners should take several factors into consideration, including cost, tuition, admissions requirements, and start dates. Read on for answers to common questions from prospective students.

Online tuition at colleges and universities in West Virginia compares to that at other schools around the country, but online credit costs vary by school and program. Many schools offer online programs with tuition rates comparable to on-campus and out-of-state programs. Keep in mind that private institutions typically cost more than public schools.

Online credits may cost less in West Virginia at institutions that charge flat-rate tuition. Davis & Elkins, for example, offers an online RN-to-BSN degree with a flat $400 per credit-hour tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. The University of Charleston (UC) charges a $395 per credit hour tuition for all of its online undergraduate programs.

West Virginia Scholarships and Grants

Students in West Virginia benefit from federal, state, and institutional financial aid options. Federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant, provide excellent options for students seeking financial aid. Many states offer financial programs to assist first-generation students, adult learners, or underrepresented groups. Students pursuing a degree in West Virginia can apply for several grants that provide support to both residents and nonresidents.

West Virginia Scholarships and Grants
Scholarship	Amount	Who Can Apply
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant Program	Varies	The HEAPS Grant Program supports students in West Virginia as they pursue certificate, associate, and bachelor's degrees on a part-time basis. Students must demonstrate financial need and enroll in an approved institution.
West Virginia Higher Education Grant	Varies	The West Virginia Higher Education Grant provides need-based assistance to West Virginia students. Students pursuing postsecondary degrees must demonstrate academic promise, maintain West Virginia residency, and not hold a previous bachelor's degree. Students can apply funds to an approved program at an institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania.
Cavalier-Nichols Grant	Varies	Open to students attending any institution in West Virginia, the Cavalier-Nichols prefers to award funds to students enrolled at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. Students with an ACT score of 25 or higher and a minimum GPA of 3.5 can apply for this renewable grant.
R. Ray Singleton Scholarship	Varies	West Virginia students from Kanawha, Boone, Clay, Putnam, Lincoln, or Fayette Counties can apply for the R. Ray Singleton Scholarship, which is offered through The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. Students must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. Applicants can enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs.

Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia