Best Online Colleges in West Virginia (WV): Top Schools for 2024

Earning your degree online from an accredited West Virginia college gives you the best of both virtual and in-person learning. You can enjoy the flexible scheduling of taking some or all of your classes online while still being able to go to on-campus events and get face-to-face support when you need it. Staying in-state for school also gives you access to state and local financial aid, resident tuition rates, and programs that you can be confident meet WV licensing requirements.

If you’re ready to start looking for an online degree program in West Virginia, you’re in the right place. This guide lists the best online colleges in the state, breaks down the different online learning formats, and provides other helpful resources that can help make your online college experience a success.

2024’s Top Online Colleges in West Virginia

The best online colleges in West Virginia are ranked below based on affordability, quality of education, and the academic support available to online students. Schools that help students reach their academic and career goals, have low student-teacher ratios, and offer generous financial aid packages were also considered. Finally, these top-ranked schools include a wide variety of programs, so you’ll most likely find a college with your desired degree on the list. See who stands out for 2024.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Public $$
With over 40 degree programs and 30 certificates, West Virginia University provides education choices that are as diverse as the school’s student body. Maybe you’re a new college student fresh out of high school. Maybe you’ve been in your career for a while and want to advance to the next level. Maybe you’re ready for a career change after being in the workforce for a long time. No matter what your circumstances, West Virginia University has an online program to help you get where you want to go. After enrolling in an online degree program at West Virginia University, the school provides a menu of services to help you get the most out of the experience. From academic advising to mental health services to career coaching, you have access to what you need, just as an on campus student does, in order to help you succeed and move on to the next stage of your life.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $235/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $376/credit in state; $406/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $658/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

21/1
2
Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia

Public $$
If you want to become one of the 17,000 students taking advantage of online learning at Marshall University, you will be able to take coursework conveniently through the Blackboard learning management system on an asynchronous basis—so you don’t have to worry about attending classes at specific days and times. If you prefer to spend some time on campus, you can also choose hybrid classes that combine traditional and online learning. Whether you want to go on campus for some of your classes or not, Marshall University offers a seamless experience for online students that includes access to library services, writing assistance, an IT service desk, and academic advisors.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $359/credit in state; $819.75/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $359/credit in state; $819.75/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Arts in Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $497/credit in state; $1,194.25/credit out of state
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
3
West Virginia State University

Institute, West Virginia

Public $$
When you enroll in an online degree program at West Virginia State University, you get access to the same student-centered education that on campus students enjoy. With online undergraduate and graduate programs available, you get the useful skills you need for your career, no matter what level you are on. For example, on the undergraduate level, if you’re interested in entering business careers, you can choose bachelor’s degrees that focus on accounting or management so you get the knowledge and skills employers expect. On the graduate level, you can pursue a criminal justice administration degree so you’re able to get the education that will help you move to the next level in your career.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $8,856/year in state; $14,544/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $8,856/year in state; $14,544/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $9,168/year in state; $19,974/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
4
Appalachian Bible College

Mount Hope, West Virginia

Private not-for-profit $$$
Since 1950, Appalachian Bible College has been providing an education rooted in Christian values so students can go on to use their degrees to pursue ministry. If you’re interested in pursuing virtual education at the school, you’ll be able to earn a certificate in biblical studies completely online. Throughout this program, you will get a combination of biblical and ministry classes that cover the principals of the Old and New Testaments, the foundations of ministry, and discipleship. In addition, students are required to take general education classes in areas like English composition, music, and speech, so they get a well-rounded experience.
Program Highlights:
Certificate of Biblical Studies
- Credits: 30
- Length: One year
- Cost: $635/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

7/1
5
University of Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia

Private not-for-profit $$$$$
The University of Charleston offers online degree programs on the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels that can be earned completely online or in a blended delivery format. Since the school is dedicated to providing opportunities for non-traditional students to advance, these degrees are the perfect choice for students who cannot enroll in a traditional program because of personal and professional obligations. When you enroll in an online degree program at the University of Charleston, you can choose a variety of disciplines to reach your career goals. For example, if you want to earn an undergraduate degree, you can choose areas like psychology, organizational leadership, nursing, or cybersecurity. On the graduate level, you can choose programs in business administration, strategic leadership, and nursing.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Frontline Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost:$380/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $380/credit
- Mode: Fully or partially online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Credits: 42
- Length: One year
- Cost: $625/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
6
Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
7
Fairmont State University

Fairmont, West Virginia

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
8
West Liberty University

West Liberty, West Virginia

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

11/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College

Moorefield, West Virginia

Public $
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College offers five fully-online degree programs in areas like accounting, business management, and administrative support technology. These programs are a great way to lay the foundation to land an entry-level position or to move on to continue your education. No matter what you choose to do after you’ve completed your program, you will take web-based courses that are provided through the school’s Brightspace system, where you can access instructional materials, stay in touch with professors, and hand in assignments. In addition, the learning management system allows you to communicate with your peers on electronic bulletin boards, so you’re not missing out on vital connections with other students.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $3,840/year in state; $8,520/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $3,840/year in state; $8,520/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

7/1
2
Mountwest Community and Technical College

Huntington, West Virginia

Public $

Mountwest Community and Technical College offers online, hybrid, live remote, and flex courses so students can enroll in classes that best fit their needs. These courses give students both an affordable and a convenient option for getting the same high-quality education as traditional, in-person students. Mountwest prides itself on its faculty that have completed multiple trainings that can improve course design and instruction in a distant education environment. Instructional material is delivered through Blackboard, and may include videos that students have the opportunity to rewatch as many times as they need to properly learn the material — which is a great feature that only online students get to benefit from.

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
3
West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown

Morgantown, West Virginia

Private for-profit $$$
Since 2013, WVJC Online has provided virtual education to students at West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown, as well as other schools within the WVJC system. If you’re looking for a convenient way to earn an associate’s degree so you don’t have to worry about juggling your education with your job, this is a great choice to help you train for a new career while still earning a living. The school has online degree programs in several academic disciplines, including pharmacy technician, healthcare administration, dental assisting, accounting, and human resources degrees. If you need extra help as an online student, you can leverage the school’s personal, academic, and career advising services.
Program Highlights:
Associate Degree in Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $11,985/year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate in Clinical Medical Assistant
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $11,985/year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate in Medical Coding
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $11,985/year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

26/1

A Look at Online Learning Modes in West Virginia

Online learning isn’t one size fits all. From fully-online programs with set class times to part-time, self-paced options, different learning formats fit different students. And you want to choose the type that is best for how, when, and where you learn best. Below is a look at the most popular online learning modes in West Virginia.

Hybrid & Blended vs. Fully Online

A fully online program is usually 100% online, meaning you won’t have to go to campus once to get your degree, though some do have in-person elements. This type of program is great for learners with demanding work schedules, personal obligations, or health conditions. Hybrid/blended classes, on the other hand, require students to come to campus at some point. These formats are great options for students who want the benefits of both in-person and online learning. Blended classes are courses with online and in-person components while hybrid learning means some classes are fully in-person and others are fully online. Below are two top-rated programs in West Virginia offering these formats.

Associate Degree in Cybersecurity at West Virginia Junior College (Fully Online)

If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, this associate degree from West Virginia Junior College might be for you. In this two-year program, students learn the basics of cybersecurity and then decide if they want to enter the workforce or get a bachelor’s degree from a partner institution. No matter which option a student chooses, they have online support and a mainly online class schedule. While all coursework is online, you’ll complete an externship at a local business to gain hands-on experience that makes you a more attractive candidate when applying to a bachelor’s program or when getting a job after graduation. Students also have the option to take some classes on campus if they want more of a hybrid academic experience.

BS in Health Science at West Virginia State University (Hybrid/Blended)

West Virginia State University offers a Bachelor of Health Science that can be completed online for the community health education track. In this track, which takes four years, students complete their degrees without having to set foot on campus thanks to the synchronous class sessions and fully online lab modules. This degree is also offered in an in-person leadership in allied health concentration designed for those who already have their associate degrees in an allied health field and want to get their bachelor’s and leadership training in two years. Either program comes with access to West Virginia State University’s library of online resources, including fully online tutoring and career consultations.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

Online courses can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous classes are live, online class sessions that require in-class participation. They’re great if you want more accountability to finish coursework on time or if you learn better when you can actively participate. Asynchronous classes are self-paced modules you take at any time that works for you. Often, asynchronous classes consist of pre-recorded lectures and assignments you must complete before the end of the marking period. To get a better idea about how these programs work, continue reading about the popular asynchronous and synchronous programs in West Virginia detailed below.

Integrated Marketing Communications BS at West Virginia University Online (Asynchronous)

West Virginia University has multiple campuses, including a fully online campus offering virtual degrees with rigorous curriculums. One of its most popular programs is the undergraduate degree in integrated marketing communications. This four-year degree is delivered in an asynchronous format where students can watch prerecorded modules or complete coursework at their convenience. The college guarantees students can complete this degree without ever going to a scheduled lecture or class. The program also pairs you with an academic advisor who helps tailor this asynchronous degree to your interests. As part of the curriculum, students take courses in social media, public relations, media planning, advertising, audience analysis, and marketing.

Medical Laboratory Science BS at Marshall University (Synchronous)

The online undergraduate degree in medical laboratory science from Marshall University is unlike any other program in its discipline. The degree can be taken fully online even with a large laboratory component. In fact, the program is the only online degree accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). Online students attend weekly class sessions that are at a set time, and class participation is expected. There are also virtual, synchronous labs and research opportunities available to deepen your expertise and give you hands-on experience. If students don’t have associate degrees in the field, they must complete in-person hours in a medical lab. A job in a medical laboratory setting can count toward this requirement.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

Traditionally, many students earn degrees on a full-time basis and spend most of their time in classes or working on classwork and don’t usually don’t have full-time jobs. While this is a great option available through many online programs, it doesn’t work as well if you do have a full-time job or other time-consuming obligations. In these cases, a part-time program will likely work better. Many part-time programs also have flexible class schedules, so you can fit them around your professional and personal life.

Criminal Justice BAS at West Virginia University Potomac (Part-Time)

West Virginia University offers a fully online Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree at their Potomac campus. This degree offers both a standard, four-year program and an accelerated, part-time one. Acceptance into the accelerated program is based on previous education, such as an associate degree in the field. Many students in the accelerated program work while earning their degrees, and the entire program can be completed in two years. All courses are in asynchronous, pre-recorded modules that last eight weeks. Students choose how many modules they take at a time, giving them complete control over how they’ll fit their classes around work and personal obligations.

Bachelor in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston (Full-Time)

The undergraduate degree in organizational leadership is a great full-time educational program from the University of West Virginia. While the campus is based in Charleston, West Virginia, students can complete their degrees without setting foot on campus once. However, the program also offers a hybrid option for anyone who wants to take some classes in person. A main feature of the program is the small class sizes. With a small cohort, students have more one-on-one time with professors and can participate more often in classes. Since the degree is set up on a semester basis with synchronous sessions during normal working hours, the program is designed to be attended full-time, and it would be difficult to balance a full-time job or other time-consuming obligations while in this program.

Accreditation & Online Colleges in West Virginia

When applying to online programs, make sure each program you apply to is accredited. An accredited program assures employers and other colleges will accept your degree, you’ll be eligible for state licensure in regulated industries like nursing and engineering, and you’ll receive as high-quality of an education as possible.

For programs in West Virginia, find a school that is nationally or regionally accredited. Regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission is optimal since it is the regional accrediting body covering the state. If you entering a highly-regulated field, make sure the specific program is also accredited by a national accrediting body for that profession.

To learn more about finding an accredited program, check out this guide to accreditation.

What It Costs to Earn Your Online Degree in West Virginia

Getting your degree in West Virginia is much more affordable compared to the average tuition cost across the United States. In-state students in West Virginia pay $19,034 a year on average compared to the national average of $21,035. Out-of-state students pay an average of $22,475 a year, less than the US average of $27,091.

The exact cost varies depending on if you attend a private or public school. The learning format can also influence the price with many online students saving significantly on student fees and room and board expenses. Being a resident of West Virginia can also bring down the price dramatically since residents usually pay a reduced, in-state rate. To get a better idea of how much you might expect to pay, check out the online and in-person tuition prices for five popular online West Virginia schools in the table below.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
West Virginia University Potomac	$5,856/year	$13,560/year	$5,856/year	$13,560/year
Marshall University	$4,302/year	$9,829/year	$4,302/year	$9,829/year
West Virginia University Online	N/A	N/A	$11,280/year	$11,280/year
West Virginia State University	$8,122/year	$13,810/year	$8,856/year	$14,544/year
University of Charleston	$42,100/year	$42,100/year	$31,400/year	$31,400/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid in WV that Supports Online Students

While the price of tuition is a good starting point to calculate costs, financial aid packages can bring down the cost significantly. When looking for aid, consider national, university-funded, private, and state-provided sources. Learn more about national financial aid, including how to apply to the FAFSA, through this guide to financial aid.

Along with scholarships, loans, and grants available to all students in the United States, there are also some specific for West Virginia residents that are funded by the state government. These include the:

West Virginia Division of Highways Scholarship for those interested in working in transportation
West Virginia Higher Education Grand Program for those qualifying for need-based aid
HEAPS grant for adult students attending part-time
WV Nursing Scholarship Program for nursing students at any level
WV STEM Scholarship for anyone in a STEM field
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars for education majors

For more scholarship opportunities, check out this guide to scholarships.

In-Demand College-Level Careers in West Virginia

If you’re unsure what to major in, choosing a career with plenty of job opportunities and high earning potential is always a good idea. Check out the fastest-growing career in West Virginia below to get an idea of how much you can expect to make in each occupation.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Nurse Practitioners	73.4%	$104,750
Physical Therapy Assistants	55.2%	$55,160
Occupational Therapy Assistants	51.7%	$58,500
Physician Assistants	48.9%	$117,430
Information Security Analysts	39.1%	$91,160
Audiologists	36.4%	$77,490
Medical and Health Services Managers	35.7%	$109,290
Physical Therapists	34.8%	$94,100
Computer and Information Research Scientists	33.3%	$127,770
Data Scientists	33.3%	$64,360

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Additional Resources for Online College Students in West Virginia

College for West Virginia

This state-funded site provides resources to help students adjust to college life and offers scholarships to ease the financial burden for state residents.

College for West Virginia Scholarship Database

This state-run database includes all the private and public scholarships in the state. It even lets you set up a profile to help you find the scholarships you are eligible for.

College Planning Guide

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan for college! Check out this free guide from a private Charleston, West Virginia-based company to set yourself up for success.

Financial Aid 101

Not only does this site provide free resources on planning to pay for college, but it’s also made by the West Virginia government with all information applicable to the state.

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Along with maintaining state funding for different universities, the Commission also hosts a website full of financial aid resources for college students and spotlights affordable colleges in the state.

Inside the Best Online Colleges in West Virginia