Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
The state of West Virginia has major higher education aspirations for its residents over the next decade; the goal of the new West Virginia Climb initiative's is to help 60 percent of the workforce hold a college certificate or degree by the year 2030. In order to do so, the state's colleges and universities have committed to offering greater access to educational opportunities. One way to facilitate this is through online education. West Virginia students have 45 degree-granting institutions in the state to choose from, several of which offer online learning options. Read on for more information on how online college works, find answers on common online tuition and transfer credit questions and learn what makes the best online colleges in West Virginia stand out from the pack.
Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2020
Many online schools and colleges in West Virginia offer excellent educational options at affordable costs. According to CollegeCalc, West Virginia had the17th most affordabletuition rates for the 2017-2018 academic year. Distance education programs often provide flexible scheduling options, and many distance learners work full time while earning their degree.
This guide explores college options in West Virginia and covers tuition costs, salary potential by degree level, and the importance of accreditation. The following sections also include links to scholarships, grants, and free online resources for college students.
Top 2-Year Online Schools and Colleges in West Virginia
#1 | Mountwest Community and Technical College Huntington, WV |
#2 | Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Logan, WV |
#3 | West Virginia Northern Community College Wheeling, WV |
Top 4-Year Online Schools and Colleges in West Virginia
#1 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WV |
#2 | Marshall University Huntington, WV |
#3 | Wheeling Jesuit University Wheeling, WV |
#4 | University of Charleston Charleston, WV |
#5 | West Virginia State University Institute, WV |
#6 | Bluefield State College Bluefield, WV |
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Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I'm Looking for in West Virginia?
West Virginia institutions offer a variety of online programs. Prospective students should research options to find a program that suits their needs. Learners can find information about West Virginia universities on the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission website. They can also click the icon for details about accredited online schools and colleges in West Virginia.
How Much More Do College Grads in West Virginia Make?
While no degree guarantees a particular salary, degree-holders tend to earn more than those with less education. According todata from PayScale, professionals with a bachelor's degree from West Virginia's top universities earn median early career salaries of $77,000 to $100,000.
The table below features the median annual salaries of U.S. professionals by degree level. Throughout the nation, higher levels of educational attainment correlate with higher earning potential.
Annual Full-Time Wage and Salary by Educational Attainment in the U.S.
LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
$28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
BACHELOR'S DEGREE | MASTER'S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
$62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Paying for Online College in West Virginia: Tuition and Financial Aid
The tables below compare West Virginia tuition rates to the national averages. As the data shows, the average tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state learners at West Virginia institutions fall well below the national averages.
Even with affordable tuition rates, students should consider options for funding their education. Many learners pursue financial aid, loans, and scholarships. The following sections explore cost considerations for online learners and methods for financing a college education.
Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Public Colleges and Universities
IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
$7,924 | $20,061 | $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Private Colleges and Universities
TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
$36,807 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in West Virginia
The figures above only include the cost of tuition and fees. However, students should factor in other costs when creating their college budget. Below are common fees and expenses for students attending online schools and colleges in West Virginia.
- Evening/Weekend/Summer Classes:Some Schools charge higher tuition rates for evening, summer, or weekend classes. Students should contact their school to determine the rate for each course they plan to take.
- Program-Specific Tuition:Some universities charge higher tuition rates for more popular degree programs. Additionally, some programs require extra fees.
- Flat Online Fee:Distance learners sometimes pay a one-time fee, which is typically due at the time of the first tuition installment.
- Required Travel:Some online degree programs require students to travel to take exams, complete internships, or visit campus. Students should budget for travel costs each year.
- Textbook and Resources:Online learners should budget for physical or digital textbooks, supplies, and additional learning materials.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in West Virginia
Typically, to qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must prove that they have lived in West Virginia for a certain amount of time. However, some schools charge all online learners in-state or discounted tuition rates, regardless of residency. Students should contact their school's financial aid office for details about tuition rates.
Out-of-state learners can qualify for lower tuition rates through reciprocity agreements. West Virginia participates in theAcademic Common Market, a reciprocity agreement between southern states. This agreement provides reduced tuition rates for learners who reside in a participating state and attend a West Virginia school.
Paying for College in West Virginia: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students attending online schools and colleges in West Virginia can qualify for various financial aid opportunities. Learners can reduce their student debt by applying for scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment. The list below includes scholarships and grants available to West Virginia students.
Scholarships for West Virginia College Students
West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship
West Virginia Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarship
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program
Air & Waste Management Scholarship
Innovation in Education Scholarship
Grants for West Virginia College Students
West Virginia Higher Education Grant
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Education Grant
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Federal TEACH Grant
Financial Aid for Online Schools
Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in West Virginia
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in West Virginia
Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets high educational standards. TheU.S. Department of Educationand theCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA) oversee accrediting agencies in the U.S. and ensure that the evaluation process is fair and accurate.
Students should verify their school's accreditation status before applying. Certain types of financial aid are only available to learners at accredited schools, and many employers and graduate schools only recognize degrees earned from accredited institutions. The sections below explore various types of accreditation for online schools and colleges in West Virginia.
Regional and National Accreditation
The two main types of institutional accreditation in the U.S. are regional and national accreditation. National accrediting agencies typically evaluate vocational schools and technical colleges.
Regional accreditation, the more prestigious form, generally applies to public and private degree-granting institutions. Six accrediting agencies award regional accreditation based on geographic location. TheHigher Learning Commissionconfers regional accreditation to West Virginia schools.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
While regional and national accreditation apply to entire institutions, subject-specific accrediting agencies evaluate individual degree programs. These accrediting bodies ensure that programs prepare learners to succeed in the field, and individuals in some industries need a degree from an accredited program to qualify for licensure. Students can learn about programmatic accrediting agencies and accredited programs through theDepartment of Education databaseand theCHEA directory.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
To ensure that they receive a high-quality education, students should only consider accredited schools. Most accredited institutions display their accreditation status on their official website and note programmatic accreditation on each degree program's page. Learners can identify or verify the accreditation status of any U.S. school using theDepartment of Education databaseor theCHEA directory.
Online College and Adult Education in West Virginia
Online schools and colleges in West Virginia deliver flexible programs that are often ideal for adult learners. Additionally, the state offers programs to help residents gain basic skills and career training. The sections below include facts and resources related to adult education in West Virginia.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in West Virginia
Nearly42% of West Virginia college studentsenrolled exclusively in online courses in 2015. | About82% of exclusively online learnersin West Virginia lived out of state in 2015. | Nearly55% of all West Virginia college studentstook at leastone online classin 2015. |
Adult Education Programs for West Virginia Students
- WV Adult Education:The West Virginia Department of Education offers resources for adult learners, including GED classes, digital literacy courses, and distance education classes. Students can choose from in-person and online options.
- West Virginia Adult Education:This website helps adult students with distance education options, career development opportunities, and English as a second language classes.
Online College Resources for West Virginia Students
Learners applying to online schools and colleges in West Virginia can use online resources to simplify their college search. The resources below include information and tools that help students learn about academic options in the state, complete applications, and locate financial aid opportunities.
- College Foundation of West Virginia:This foundation guides students through the college application process. The organization provides resources and information about college and career planning and financial aid.
- West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission:Part of the West Virginia Department of Education, this commission helps students research West Virginia institutions and access financial aid resources from the state government.
- West Virginia Department of Education:This department provides information for all types of learners in the state. Through the department's website, students can learn about state initiatives, government programs, and free online resources.
- StudentAid:This website provides information about federal financial aid programs, scholarship options, and federal aid requirements. Site visitors can also learn about federal grant and loan opportunities.
- BigFuture:This resource from the College Board offers college planning tools. Students can access information about budgeting for college, submitting applications, and improving their chance of acceptance.
Search All Accredited Colleges and Universities in West Virginia
FAQs
What is the easiest online school to get into? ›
Antioch University in Culver City, California, offers an online degree program for Liberal Arts. It is arguably considered as the easiest online college – or an 'easy' pick because it takes a well-rounded, generalist approach. The university's online B.A in Liberal Studies accepts up to 75 transfer credits.
Is it harder to get into college if you do online school? ›As long as a school is regionally accredited, colleges won't typically have any issue with whether the school is online or in-person.
Are online colleges worth it? ›The opportunity cost of your degree is less because you can continue to earn income while pursuing your degree (plus tuition and fees can be lower than on-campus programs). You experience the incremental worth of a degree, as you can apply the skills you learn to your day-to-day job from day one.
Which online degree is best? ›- Computer Science Degree. There is an ever-increasing demand for computer professionals and a wide range of options within the hi-tech industry. ...
- Business Administration Degree. ...
- Education. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Marketing.
- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
What is the fastest and easiest degree to get? Often students focus on Business Administration, Psychology, or Education degrees for the fastest degrees; however, General Studies, English, and Communications may be considered some of the easiest, along with Psychology.
Can you get denied for an online college? ›While some schools do have a policy of accepting 100% of all students who apply, other programs are much more selective. Some traditional schools offer students the chance to complete their degrees online, but those students will still need to submit the proper paperwork and face rejection from the school.
Why is online college so hard? ›The physical distance between students and teachers due to the online learning environment has made it difficult for students to be able to connect with their teachers. When working online it is much harder to show your teachers exactly what you are struggling to learn.
Is it easier to get accepted to online school? ›Contrary to what some prospective students believe, online bachelor's programs aren't always easier to get into than those offered on a physical campus. That's one of several findings based on an analysis of data that schools submitted to U.S. News in an annual survey about admission to online colleges.
Are online degrees looked down upon? ›Online colleges are becoming more popular, but prospective students may still worry about their credibility. We're here to set the record straight: An online degree holds just as much weight as a traditional degree. In fact, data shows that most employers don't even differentiate between the two types of degrees.
Can you get a job with an online degree? ›
In short, yes. Historically, recruiters have had concerns about unaccredited online programs known for offering degrees to anyone who can pay for it. These days, they're far less concerned – as long as your degree comes with accreditation.
What degree gets the most jobs? ›- Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Health Science. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Finance. ...
- Human Resources.
- Decide on and find your major. ...
- Verify the program and classes are offered fully online. ...
- Check admission requirements and application fees. ...
- Compare tuition, fees, and financial aid. ...
- Keep an eye out for fees above tuition costs. ...
- Ask about the faculty credentials.
- Nursing. ...
- Hospitality. ...
- Education. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Pharmaceutical Sciences. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Construction Management.
- University of the People. Accredited tuition-free online college. ...
- Columbia University. No financial aid limit – Columbia University offers free online degree programs and classes. ...
- Stanford University. ...
- edX. ...
- University of Cambridge. ...
- Columbia University. ...
- Massachusetts Information of Technology.
People regret their study choice
According to data from the Federal Reserve Survey 1 Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences graduates report the highest level of regret. Almost half, or 50%, of all graduates in the Humanities or Arts, regret their choice.
- Business. Online business degrees prepare learners for diverse careers. ...
- Liberal Arts. Liberal arts programs hone critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. ...
- Education. ...
- English. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Agriculture Science.
The easiest majors that pay well are as follows: Psychology Criminal Justice Education Religious Studies Social Work Sociology Communications History Anthropology Supply Chain Management Humanities Business management Fine Arts Foreign Language Marketing.
What are easy degrees that pay well? ›- Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ...
- English. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Supply Chain Management. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Communication.
- Police Officer. Although many police officers do have college degrees, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma. ...
- Commercial Pilot. ...
- Gaming Manager. ...
- Electrical Powerline Installer and Repairer. ...
- Elevator Installer and Repairer. ...
- Transportation Inspector.
What's the easiest bachelor's degree? ›
Business Administration. According to most sources, a bachelor's in business administration is the most commonly sought-after college degree among all majors. CollegeVine ranked it as their No. 1 easiest college major because the average GPA and ROI are high while the weekly workload is low.
What to do if no college accepts you? ›- Apply to a Community College. If you are determined to attend school in September, use a community college as your next step. ...
- Consider a Gap Year. ...
- Find a Job That Enhances Your Application. ...
- Look Into Trade Schools. ...
- Wait Until You Can Reapply.
If they've already accepted people who fill out certain niches and you fill that same niche, you might get rejected because your app was read after someone else's. Other factors that can influence your admission include the state that you are from, the high school you attended, and/or your economic background.
How many online classes is too much? ›For most online students, 1-2 classes with an intense workload is the most they can manage. Most online students have other responsibilities, usually family and/or employment. The more classes a student takes, the more important time management is.
What are the disadvantages of online classes? ›- Online courses require more time than on-campus classes. ...
- Online courses make it easier to procrastinate. ...
- Online courses require good time-management skills. ...
- Online courses may create a sense of isolation. ...
- Online courses allow you to be more independent.
Around 71 to 72 percent of students and parents also said they experienced “failing to attend online classes due to problems with gadgets, internet connection, and distance learning expenses.”
What online college has the highest acceptance rate? ›- Academy of Art University. Acceptance Rate: 100% ...
- University of Maryland University College. Acceptance Rate: 100% ...
- New England College. Acceptance Rate: 98% ...
- Utah State University. Acceptance Rate: 97% ...
- Lubbock Christian University. ...
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University. ...
- Tiffin University.
Among the many benefits of online learning, you'll find that virtual education allows you to enjoy a more flexible schedule, can reduce the cost of your degree, and can allow you to more easily develop your career alongside furthering your education.
Why is online school better than in-person? ›Online programs are usually less expensive than on-campus classes since online students don't need to be provided with the same type of resources as traditional students need. Taking online classes means you don't need to worry about paying any student amenity fees or about getting expensive on-campus parking passes.
Are online diplomas worth anything? ›Many Students worry about getting an online degree wondering if they have any value or if the employers and recruiters consider it as a traditional degree. A straight answer to that dilemma is, yes!
Is an online degree as good as a regular degree? ›
Because of accreditation standards and processes, graduates of online degree programs receive the same rigorous level of education as traditional degree program students. The degree is the achievement earned.
How does an online degree look on a resume? ›These students simply list the name of the university or school they attended, omitting the term “online” from the education section of the resume. Using this strategy can help you bypass the issues you may face as a graduate of an online degree program.
Are online degrees cheaper? ›The Cost of Online College
Not only does tuition tend to be lower, but many additional expenses, such as transportation costs and course materials, are eliminated in an online program. However, it's important to note that the average cost of online college is still a significant investment.
- Data Science.
- Big Data Engineering.
- Data Analytics.
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Software Development.
- Cyber Security.
- Web Development.
According to a survey conducted by Gallup and released by the Lumina Foundation, the vast majority of hiring managers really don't care where a job candidate went to school. Corporate bosses were far more interested in a job applicant's knowledge and experience when determining whom to hire.
What field has the most job opportunities? ›# | Occupation | Workers 2020 |
---|---|---|
1 | Cashiers, except gaming | 171,990 |
2 | Retail salespersons | 162,690 |
3 | Waiters and waitresses | 146,620 |
4 | Customer service representatives | 110,840 |
- Project Management. With companies taking a more hybrid approach to working, project management courses have become more important than ever. ...
- SEO. Posting your content online is a great idea, but how do you make sure people actually see it? ...
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) ...
- Marketing. ...
- Computer Courses. ...
- Sales Management.
- Architecture 10.6%
- Linguistics & comparative literature 10.2%
- International Business 8.5%
- General social sciences 8.2%
- Commercial art & graphic design 8.1%
- Studio art 8.0%
- Liberal arts 7.6%
- Fine arts 7.4%
- What can I expect to experience as an online student with your school?
- How are the academic terms structured?
- Are all courses I will take full term, partial term, or both? ...
- Can I attend part time/full time?
Online classes typically have an asynchronous, or self-paced, portion. Students complete coursework on their own time but still need to meet weekly deadlines, a format that offers flexibility for students.
What do you need for online University? ›
- 1) A device with an internet connection.
- 2) A place you can concentrate.
- 3) Self-motivation.
- 4) In some cases, a qualification.
- Data Scientist.
- Data Analyst.
- Blockchain Developer. Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses.
- Digital Marketer.
- Cloud Computing Professional.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expert.
- Manager (MBA)
- Software Developer.
- Engineering. Engineering is a large scientific branch focused on the practical design and building of structures or machines. ...
- Healthcare. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Business. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Economics & Finance.
- Computer Science. Technology is a major player when it comes to industries with the highest starting salaries. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Math and Sciences. ...
- Social Sciences. ...
- Business. ...
- Agriculture and Natural Resources. ...
- Communications. ...
- Humanities.
- Find affordable online degree tuition fees. ...
- Choose only fully online programmes. ...
- Seek financial aid from the school. ...
- Look for merit-based scholarships. ...
- Consider a student loan.
An accelerated, online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. Students in these programs can take more credits at once, leading to early graduation — sometimes in 1-2 years. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years, and part-time online programs can take much longer.
What online school has the cheapest tuition? ›- Thomas Edison State University.
- University of Alabama.
- The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
- West Texas A&M University.
- Columbia College.
- Eastern New Mexico University.
- American Public University.
- Grantham University.
Popular majors include business, early childhood education, elementary education, nursing, liberal arts, and humanities. With the lowest tuition on our list, Great Basin College is the cheapest online college for 2022.
How fast can you get a degree online? ›An accelerated, online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. Students in these programs can take more credits at once, leading to early graduation — sometimes in 1-2 years. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years, and part-time online programs can take much longer.
Which university in USA is easiest to get into? ›Rank | College | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|
Rank 1 | College University of Kentucky | Acceptance Rate 90.79% |
Rank 2 | College University of Kansas | Acceptance Rate 93.01% |
Rank 3 | College Kansas State University | Acceptance Rate 94.07% |
Rank 4 | College Iona College | Acceptance Rate 91.46% |
What is the best online school in UK? ›
Cambridge Home School Online boasts: The only UK online selective elite school for high-ability students from 7 to 19 years old. Most trusted school – widely viewed by parents and education experts as the most trusted online school in the UK. Over twenty years of successfully teaching children online.
What is the cheapest college to go to? ›- University of the People. ...
- The City University of New York. ...
- 3. California State University, Long Beach. ...
- Alcorn State University in Mississippi. ...
- Minot State University in North Dakota. ...
- South Texas College. ...
- Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York.
- Computer Science. ...
- Communications. ...
- Government/Political Science. ...
- Business. ...
- Economics. ...
- English Language and Literature. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Nursing.
Is WGU a Good College? Yes, Western Governors University is a good college because it provides quality education and financial aid opportunities. At WGU, students are encouraged to learn independently and earn their degrees at an accelerated rate.
What is the shortest degree in college? ›Associate's Degrees
Associate's degree programs typically require about 2 years to complete. They're mostly offered by community or technical colleges and have both a general education component and a concentration or major. Associate's degrees predominately come in two varieties as well.
Answer to the above question is: Yes. Graduation in One Year program, pursued under lateral entry or credit transfer scheme, is absolutely valid. It is approved by UGC, AICTE, AIU & DEB.
How do you finish school online fast? ›Many online schools offer accelerated classes. These classes can be completed in five to ten weeks instead of the traditional 18 week semester. This allows you to complete more classes per year. If they also offer year-round continuous classes you can gain even more time.
What is the cheapest course to study in USA? ›- United States Military Academy at West Point, New York – Bachelors start at 0 USD/year.
- Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia – Bachelors start at 0 USD/year.
- South Dakota State University, South Dakota – Bachelors start at 351 USD/year.
USA. For decades, the US has reigned supreme as the world's most popular study abroad destination. The country's prestigious institutions dominate global university rankings, attracting students from across the world with an appetite for academic excellence.
What is the most difficult college to get into? ›- Columbia University. ...
- University of Chicago. ...
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ...
- Yale University. ...
- 4. California Institute of Technology. ...
- Princeton University. ...
- Stanford University. Stanford University via Facebook. ...
- Harvard University. Robert Spencer / Getty Images.
How do I apply for online schooling? ›
The department has urged parents and guardians to apply online on www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to secure their child's space at a Gauteng public school in 2023. After applying, they will receive SMS notifications of placement offers to either accept or decline from 3 – 31 October 2022.
What do you do in online school? ›- Digital escape rooms. No room needed! ...
- Two Truths and a Lie. ...
- Virtual journal writing. ...
- Virtual Scavenger Hunt. ...
- Read aloud videos. ...
- Virtual brain breaks.
Distance learning – also referred to as 'online learning' – is an alternative route to studying a degree course offered by a university. Instead of attending lectures and seminars on campus, you study at home or work. All teaching, materials, and support are delivered online. You submit assessments online too.