West Virginia is known for its friendly communities, scenic beauty, and, most importantly, its affordable higher education system. The state is home to several public and private institutions that offer quality degree programs at remarkably low tuition rates compared to many other parts of the U.S.
Whether you’re planning to study business, education, healthcare, or technology, you can find a school in West Virginia that fits your budget without compromising academic excellence. Explore our list below for the cheapest colleges in the Mountain State and discover where affordability meets opportunity.
Though the colleges on this list are described as the cheapest in West Virginia, they still offer quality education and accredited programs that meet national standards. These institutions combine affordability with strong academic offerings, dedicated faculty, and solid career preparation.
If you’re looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, or even an online degree, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for cost. If you’re searching for cheap colleges in West Virginia that still deliver value and respected credentials, check out these schools; they’re some of the best affordable options in the state.
Cheapest Colleges in West Virginia
1. WVU Potomac State College (Keyser, West Virginia)
WVU Potomac State College (Keyser, West Virginia) is a branch of West Virginia University that offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as agriculture, business, computer information systems, and criminal justice.
The college offers affordable education to in-state students, with tuition averaging around $2,808 per semester, while out-of-state students pay approximately $7,020. Residents of nearby states also enjoy reduced “Metro Tuition.”
The institution is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring recognized and high academic standards.
2. Glenville State University (Glenville, West Virginia)
Glenville State University (Glenville, West Virginia) offers a variety of programs, including teacher education, business, sciences, health, and online degrees. The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring that its graduates meet the high standards required for teacher licensure.
Tuition for in-state undergraduates is about US$9,578/year, while out-of-state students pay around US$11,354/year. Semester costs include mandatory fees, housing, meal plans, and books, putting the total cost of attendance for resident students living on campus at roughly US$14,000-15,000 per semester, depending on room/board choices.
3. West Virginia University at Parkersburg (Parkersburg, West Virginia)
West Virginia University at Parkersburg (Parkersburg, West Virginia) is a public community & technical college that also offers bachelor’s degrees. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and specific programs like Elementary Education have additional accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); its Surgical Technology associate program is accredited by CAAHEP.
In-state tuition and fees are approximately US$4,612/year for undergraduates, while out-of-state students pay about US$9,124/year. The college also provides certificate, associate, and applied science programs.
4. West Virginia State University (Institute, WV)
West Virginia State University (Institute, WV) offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, health sciences, engineering, social work, and online degrees such as Criminal Justice Administration and Sport Studies.
In 2024-2025, its in-state undergrad tuition & fees are about US$9,570 and for out-of-state students about US$14,990, with living, books, and other costs raising the total yearly cost of attendance significantly.
The university is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and many specialized programs are also accredited: its Social Work program by CSWE, its Teacher Education by CAEP, its Nursing by CCNE, Business and Economics by ACBSP, and Chemistry by the American Chemical Society.
5. Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, WV)
Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, WV) provides undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing, as well as multiple graduate and certificate programs. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
For the academic year 2024-2025, in-state undergraduate tuition & fees are US$9,056, while out-of-state undergrad charges are about US$19,082, with graduate in-state tuition around US$9,410. Living costs raise the total cost of attendance significantly, depending on housing/off-campus choices.
6. Fairmont State University (Fairmont, WV)
Fairmont State University (Fairmont, WV) offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and certificate programs in business, engineering technology, education, nursing, and others. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and external accreditors cover many of its professional programs, for example, ACBSP for business, ABET for engineering, CAEP for teacher preparation, and ACEN / CCNE for nursing fields.
For 2025-2026, undergraduate tuition & fees for in-state students are roughly US$8,708 and for out-of-state around US$13,064, with full cost including room & board rising accordingly.
7. Concord University (Athens, WV)
Concord University (Athens, WV) delivers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, health sciences, arts, and sciences, with additional support via scholarships for many students.
The undergraduate tuition & fees for 2025-2026 are approximately US$9,464 for residents and about US$20,800 for out-of-state students; housing, meals, and additional fees push the total cost higher.
Nearly all undergrad students receive grants or scholarships (97%), with an average aid award of ~$10,461. The school also participates in the WV Promise Scholarship program to help reduce costs for state residents.
8. Marshall University (Huntington, WV)
Marshall University (Huntington, WV) offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including engineering, business, health sciences, education, fine arts, and a Physician Assistant program.
For 2025-2026, undergraduate tuition for West Virginia residents is about US$4,694 per semester, while non-residents pay about US$10,195. Graduate tuition is slightly higher for each category. The university participates in “Metro Rates” for nearby county residents to reduce costs.
Marshall is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and many of its specific programs (e.g., business, health, education) are also recognized by specialized accreditors.
9. West Liberty University (West Liberty, WV)
West Liberty University (West Liberty, WV) provides over 70 undergraduate majors and more than a dozen graduate programs, both on campus and online.
Beginning Fall 2025, they are expanding online offerings to include Psychology and Criminal Justice alongside General Business, with a new online undergraduate tuition rate of US$375 per credit hour, available nationally.
For West Virginia residents, the “Tuition Free Toppers Program” covers base undergraduate tuition for eligible students (Pell Grant eligible, meeting GPA and other criteria), up to four years.
10. American Public University System (APUS)
American Public University System (APUS), which includes American Public University (APU) and American Military University (AMU), focuses mostly on online education and offers numerous undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, especially in business, public administration, and security studies.
It is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its business school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). APUS is also authorized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which helps ensure its online courses are recognized across U.S. states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are cheap colleges in West Virginia good?
Yes! Most affordable colleges in West Virginia are fully accredited and provide quality education. They keep tuition low mainly because they’re state-supported, not because they cut corners on learning or facilities.
2. Can out-of-state students also study at these schools?
Absolutely. Out-of-state students are welcome, though they usually pay a little more in tuition. Some schools even offer “Metro” or “Neighbor State” rates that reduce costs for students from nearby states.
3. Do these colleges offer online programs?
Yes, many of them do. Schools like American Public University, West Liberty University, and Marshall University have strong online degree options, making it easy to study from anywhere.
4. What types of degrees can I get at these schools?
You can earn associate, bachelor’s, or even master’s degrees depending on the college. Some schools also offer certificate programs and technical courses that prepare you for quick entry into the job market.
5. How can I apply for financial aid?
All the colleges listed participate in federal and state financial aid programs. You can start by filling out the FAFSA form to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities.