In this ranking, we look at the top 20 best affordable colleges in West Virginia for bachelor’s degrees. Although there are a number of features that draw students to this beautiful state, including its lush scenery and endless opportunities for exploring, yet another benefit of pursuing a low-cost bachelor’s in West Virginia is that tuition costs are among the lowest in the nation. A below-average cost of living and inexpensive real estate make West Virginia a magnet for the budget-minded and the academically ambitious alike. Schools like West Virginia Tech and Concord University offer a rigorous academic experience that pays off not only due to their low tuition rates but because they share a common goal: to prepare graduates for a lifetime of personal and financial success without breaking the bank.
Methodology
In order to capture the balance between quality and affordability, we identified three of the most common features that prospective students look for in a school: tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. Before we could award points, however, we first needed to develop our list of the most affordable schools in West Virginia. To do this, we conducted a search for colleges in West Virginia offering bachelor’s degrees at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) using the College Navigator tool.
Average Cost of Attendance
Since this is an article based on affordability, we would be remiss if we did not include the average cost of attendance as a basis for awarding points. Keep in mind, however, that while it may be tempting to select the cheapest program simply for the purpose of saving money, make sure the schools you are considering also offer the majors or concentrations in which you are interested as well as any other features you are looking for in your college experience. We ranked tuition based on the cost of one full year of study for an in-state student, according to the NCES data. We provided rates for out-of-state students for your reference.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
In order to get an idea of class size and the overall learning environment of a particular school, we looked at each institution’s student-to-faculty ratio, as reported by the NCES. Although there are certainly pros and cons to both large state universities and small private colleges, keep in mind that what works best for you might not be the ideal setting for another student. For this article, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios as stated by the NCES and, therefore, the smallest class sizes. These institutions may be more likely to offer superior academic support, individualized studies, or opportunities for one-on-one mentoring with faculty.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates from NCES and, therefore, the highest levels of student success. Colleges and universities with high graduation rates are likely succeeding in what they are doing; students are remaining in their programs, completing their requirements, and earning their degrees. On the other hand, schools with low graduation rates may be struggling to retain students, potentially due to a lack of academic support, unaffordable programs, or inexperienced faculty members. In other words, students at these schools are unsatisfied with the quality of their program and leave early to earn their degree elsewhere.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Colleges in West Virginia
20. Alderson Broaddus University
Philippi, West Virginia
Points: 4
School Website
Alderson Broaddus University, a private university located in Philippi, was founded in 1871 during the merger of two Baptist institutions: Alderson Academy and Broaddus Institute. Today, this high-value university in West Virginia confers four associate degrees, 27 bachelor’s programs, six pre-professional degrees and three graduate programs, and top affordable degrees include criminal justice, exercise science, business administration, nursing, and biology. AB was the first postsecondary institution in the state to offer a best-value bachelor’s degree in nursing and the first four-year college in the nation to provide a physician assistant baccalaureate degree. Approximately 99 percent of students receive some type of financial aid to help make AB’s tuition rates more affordable. AB aims to provide opportunities for students outside of the classroom through participation in various campus organizations, organized activities, professional societies, and interest groups.
In-State Tuition: $27,910
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,910
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
19. West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia Wesleyan College is an accredited private college in West Virginia affiliated with the United Methodist Church that enrolls around 1,400 students from 34 states and 29 countries. Established in 1890, Wesleyan’s small class sizes and 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio create a caring, intimate learning environment that has produced an impressive number of Fulbright Scholars. Students can choose from 56 low-cost undergraduate majors, 38 minors, and four graduate programs, and popular majors include education, nursing, exercise science, biology, and psychology as well as athletic training, business administration, criminal justice, physics, and chemistry/biochemistry. Students can join more than 70 student organizations, participate in 22 NCAA Division II athletic teams, or get involved through opportunities and programs provided by the Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development.
In-State Tuition: $31,640
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,640
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
18. University of Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1888 as the Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church, the University of Charleston is a private institution of higher education located in Charleston. With two additional locations in Martinsburg and Beckley, UC is organized into four schools: Business and Leadership, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, and Arts and Science. UC offers nearly 40 high-value undergraduate and graduate programs for a variety of majors as well as low-cost online degrees to students seeking a convenient and affordable education. Unique economical degree programs include radiologic science, frontline leadership, crisis and emergency leadership, and sports business. UC’s active campus provides opportunities for students to get involved, including student education and leadership, organizations, intramural sports, and community service. The school is also home to several clubs, including special interest groups, professional organizations, student government, and academic honor societies.
In-State Tuition: $30,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
17. Bethany College
Bethany, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Bethany College is a private liberal arts college and one of the most affordable colleges in West Virginia. Located in Bethany, the school was founded in 1840, making it the first institution of higher education in the state. BC offers 32 majors and 33 minors, each of which is grounded in a classic liberal arts education. Popular affordable degree programs include social work and youth services, communications, psychology, physical education teaching and coaching, history, business, and international relations. Professors and faculty work closely with students to build a strong foundation in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their respective careers. The school is known for its strong equestrian program, which competes in Dressage, Hunt Seat, and Western divisions, as well as a number of NCAA Division III athletic teams. Students also have more than 30 organizations and clubs to choose from, including student government, Greek life, intramural sports, and religious organizations.
In-State Tuition: $29,773
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,773
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
16. Davis & Elkins College
Elkins, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1904, Davis & Elkins College is a private liberal arts college located in Elkins. D&E, a small low-cost college in West Virginia, enrolls around 800 students, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and aims to unify spiritual and intellectual pursuits in postsecondary education and in life. D&E offers a range of inexpensive associate and bachelor’s degree programs in the traditional arts and sciences as well as in professional and pre-professional studies. Programs are available in inexpensive majors such as the humanities, education and sport science, creative arts, business and entrepreneurship, social science, nursing, and mathematics and science. In addition, students who are unsure of their major may choose to pursue the interdisciplinary studies program and design their own area of study based on their interests and professional goals. Students complete service projects, field research, and experiential internships throughout the local community to gain hands-on, real-world experience. Outdoor activities include snowboarding, skiing, canoeing, and camping.
In-State Tuition: $29,590
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,590
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
15. West Virginia State University
Institute, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
One of the most affordable colleges in West Virginia, West Virginia State University is a public HBCU located in Institute. Founded in 1891, WVSU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, enrolling around 3,800 students each year. The school focuses on academic excellence, offering an array of minors, certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate programs through the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Business and Social Sciences, and the College of Professional Studies. Students can choose from 23 cheap undergraduate degree programs in education, business, sciences, and the arts as well as professional studies. An honors program and various internship and research opportunities are also available. WVSU is home to a number of clubs and groups, including political, media and publication, honorary, Greek, faith-based, student leadership, special interest, and art, music, and theater organizations.
In-State Tuition: $8,212
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,666
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
14. Marshall University
Huntington, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Marshall University is a public research university and one of the cheapest colleges in West Virginia. Located in Huntington, the school was founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall. Students may choose from more than 100 low-cost degree options in a broad range of fields through 11 academic departments. Popular affordable degree programs include nursing, the liberal arts and humanities, business, psychology, biology, and elementary education. In addition to providing rigorous on-campus academic options, Marshall also recognizes an obligation to the community and the state by offering inexpensive online, off-campus, and evening courses as well as forums, conferences, artistic programs, lectures, and other field and campus activities. Notable buildings include the Visual Arts Center, which includes retail space and a 2,200-square-foot gallery, the Forensic Science Center, and the Marshall Medical Center, a state-of-the-art, comprehensive facility that offers patients specialty and primary care outpatient services.
In-State Tuition: $8,128
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,614
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
13. Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Shepherd University is an inexpensive university in West Virginia located in Shepherdstown. Established in 1871, the school’s first group was comprised of just over 40 students, and it has since grown to serve more than 3,700 students annually. From high school dual enrollment to cheap undergraduate and graduate degrees, Shepherd University’s renowned faculty offer an affordable, high-quality education in more than 80 affordable academic majors and minors. Popular low-cost degree programs at Shepherd include education, psychology, and business. Students also benefit from more than 100 social and professional organizations, building lifelong connections and friendships as they complete their degrees. Shepherd is known for its giving efforts, and students average around 17,000 hours of community service each year, coordinate events such as the Relay for Life, and incorporate service learning into their studies. Hundreds of applied learning and internship opportunities are also available, preparing students for graduate studies as well as an ever-changing global workforce.
In-State Tuition: $7,548
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,048
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
12. Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Keyser, West Virginia
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1901, Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a junior college associated with West Virginia University located in Keyser. It is the only residential junior college in the state, allowing students to pursue cheap associate degrees and begin the first two years of a bachelor’s degree before transferring to the main WVU campus. Inexpensive four-year programs are offered in six areas: sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship, nursing, criminal justice, computer information systems, business management, and a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) for adult students. The criminal justice program is also available online. This affordable college in West Virginia is home to a number of organizations through which students get to know others with similar interests, network with professors, and explore career paths and hobbies. Recreational activities include an obstacle course, climbing wall, 5K Fun Run/Walk, humans versus zombies game, bowling, camping, hiking, and WVU Morgantown’s zip line and ropes course.
In-State Tuition: $4,488
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,376
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 21 percent
11. Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1954 as Wheeling College by the Society of Jesus, Wheeling Jesuit University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Wheeling that enrolls more than 1,100 students from 32 states and 21 countries. Students at this accredited top-value university in West Virginia can choose from 16economical programs of study, including eight bachelor’s degrees, three master’s programs, one doctoral degree, and four certificates. Best-value degree programs include business, education, the health sciences, criminal justice, and psychology. WJU’s 65-acre main campus is home to the 96,000-square-foot McDonough Athletic Complex, the Challenger Learning Center, and the Bishop Smitt Outdoor Athletic Field. WJU also owns Lantz Farm, a 550-acre retreat farm and research preserve complete with ponds and streams, prairies and woods, rolling hills, a farmhouse, and a barn-dormitory complete with a full kitchen and sleeping quarters for more than 30 people. Students may also participate in 18 NCAA Division II athletic teams and nearly 30 student-run clubs, groups, and organizations.
In-State Tuition: $29,290
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,290
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
10. Ohio Valley University
Vienna, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
Students looking for a low-cost degree in West Virginia may consider Ohio Valley University, a private Christian college located in Vienna that is affiliated with the Church of Christ. Founded in 1958, OVU reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 and enrolls students from 27 states and 24 countries. OVU’s programs offer an affordable Christian education through rigorous academic training in specific fields relevant to today’s marketplace. The school’s Church of Christ heritage and the experience and knowledge of its faculty intertwine to bring a unique classroom experience to every student. Areas of study include Bible and ministry, Christian humanities, and vocational Bible and ministry as well as nonsecular options in athletic training, integrated marketing communications, business administration, and wellness education. OVU is home to four social clubs: Delta, Kappa, Sigma, and Theta. Throughout the year, these four clubs compete through community service points, highest average grade-point average, intramural sports, and a student variety show to earn the esteemed Club of the Year title.
In-State Tuition: $21,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
9. West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
West Virginia University is not only a public space-grant, land-grant, research-intensive university, but it is also one of the most affordable colleges in West Virginia. Located on a campus spanning more than 1,800 acres in Morgantown, its additional campuses include Potomac State College of West Virginia University and the West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Keyser and Beckley, respectively. WVU enrolls more than 26,800 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 118 countries at its main campus and offers more than 350 low-cost professional, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its 14 schools and colleges. Popular undergraduate majors include biology, engineering, and physiology. The WVU System also includes divisions of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Martinsburg and Charleston as well as four forests, 10 experimental farms, and WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp. Outside of the classroom, students may choose from more than 480 student organizations or participate in club sports or intramural programs.
In-State Tuition: $8,856
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
8. Concord University
Athens, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Athens, Concord University is an affordable public university in West Virginia known for its picturesque campus and its scenic location on a knoll overlooking a spectacular mountain region. Established in 1872 as Concord State Normal School, Concord University is comprised of three colleges: the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Health; and the College of Professional Studies. Students may pursue a variety of inexpensive Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in popular majors such as teacher education, pre-med/biology, and business. Student life at Concord consists of the Student Government Association and Student Activities Committee as well as fraternities, sororities, and NCAA Division II athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $8,211
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,655
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 38 percent
7. West Liberty University
West Liberty, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
With a rich heritage as the oldest institution of higher learning in the state, West Liberty University was founded in West Liberty in 1837. WLU’s picturesque campus is nestled on a beautiful hilltop just two hours from Columbus and one hour from Pittsburgh. In addition to its main campus, WLU also operates a nearby satellite campus at the Highlands Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Complex. This affordable college in West Virginia offers more than 70 inexpensive majors through the School of Professional Studies, Gary E. West College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, and the College of Arts and Communication. Experienced, highly qualified faculty deliver personalized education and a supportive student experience both in the classroom and online, thanks to the schools 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and its average class size of 25 students. Student life includes NCAA Division II athletics, study-abroad options, art, music, theater, and clubs.
In-State Tuition: $7,680
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,620
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
6. Fairmont State University
Fairmont, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
Fairmont State University is a public institution of higher education in Fairmont, West Virginia that also operates a satellite campus in Clarksburg and the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport. Established in 1865 as the West Virginia Normal School at Fairmont, the first private normal school in the state, the school is currently known for being one of the most affordable colleges in West Virginia and for its academic offerings in the field of technology. Cheap bachelor’s degrees are available in computer science, civil engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, and aviation technology with concentrations in aviation maintenance management and aviation administration, and other popular majors include nursing, education, and criminal justice. Students may join more than 80 student organizations ranging from an anime club to Greek fraternities and sororities.
In-State Tuition: $7,514
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,324
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
5. Bluefield State College
Bluefield, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
Bluefield State College, a public HBCU in Bluefield, West Virginia, is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the only non-residential four-year institution of higher learning in the state system. Established in 1895, BSC was initially founded to educate the children of African-American coal miners. Today, the affordable college in West Virginia confers a number of cheap bachelor’s degrees across five departments, and areas of study include elementary education, civil engineering, health management, and criminal justice administration. More than 60 percent of BSC students pursue degrees in engineering, biology, nursing, and STEM fields. On-campus student support services include peer mentoring, workshops, and seminars as well as a 24/7 online tutoring service known as “Smarthinking.” Students may take advantage of cultural enrichment trips offered every semester in order to experience cultural events and historical sites in the local community.
In-State Tuition: $7,056
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,536
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 26 percent
4. Glenville State College
Glenville, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
Glenville State College is a public four-year institution of higher education that was founded in 1872 as a normal school to educate teachers. Known as the “Lighthouse on the Hill,” GSC is the only centrally located public college in the state and recognized as a leader in higher learning The school confers cheap online, associate, and bachelor’s degrees in areas such as natural resource management, computer and information systems, education, health and human performance, and history and political science. Student life is comprised of special interest, Greek, religious, political, and academic groups and organizations. Approximately 81 percent of students receive financial aid, making this low-cost school one of the most affordable colleges in West Virginia.
In-State Tuition: $6,919
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,580
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 32%
3. West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Points: 6
School Website
With the lowest tuition on our list, West Virginia University at Parkersburg has certainly earned its place among the most affordable colleges in West Virginia. Established in 1961 as the Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University, the school enrolls more than 4,300 students each year, making it the largest community college and the fifth-largest public college in the state. WVU Parkersburg offers cheap certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees in fields of study such as software engineering, legal studies, digital communications, child development, and accounting. Transfer students looking to save money can complete their first or second year at WVU Parkersburg before completing their degree at WVU or another credited school, and transfer degree options include international studies, physics, mining engineering, music, and aerospace engineering. Outside of the classroom, WVU Parkersburg is home to a variety of organizations and clubs that allow for discovery and further exploration in both non-academic and academic areas.
In-State Tuition: $3,722
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,234
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
2. Appalachian Bible College
Mount Hope, West Virginia
Points: 7
School Website
Located on a beautiful 150-acre campus in Mount Hope, Appalachian Bible College is one of the most affordable Bible colleges in West Virginia, offering scholarships and financial aid to 96 percent of full-time students. Since 1950, ABC has prepared students for a life of service and ministry, offering inexpensive certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs as well as low-cost online Bible classes and courses. Every student seeking a cheap Bachelor of Arts degree receives a double-major: one in Bible and theology and the other in a ministry major of his or her choice. Available best-value options include camping ministry, interdisciplinary ministry, and elementary education as well as music, missions, youth and family ministry and pastoral ministry. Through guided Christian service, the development of Christlike character, and quality theological and biblical classes, ABC produces students who are trained to serve. Student life is comprised of intercollegiate athletics, ministry opportunities, and spiritual life through worship, weekly devotions, personal Bible study, and local attendance of a community church.
In-State Tuition: $14,720
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,720
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
1. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, West Virginia
Points: 7
School Website
West Virginia University Institute of Technology, located in Beckley, is ranked as the best affordable college in West Virginia for a bachelor’s degree. Serving more than 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students, WVU Tech offers a number of cheap degrees, including nine ABET-accredited engineering programs. Other unique and low-cost areas of study include adventure recreation management, aviation management, forensic investigation, and industrial technology. Students are paired with interesting internship and co-op experiences that supplement their coursework and make them attractive candidates to future employers. WVU Tech students are also active in more than 30 student-run organizations, from student government and Greek life to media and gaming clubs, and they participate in 17 varsity athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $7,464
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,648
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Most In-Demand Careers in West Virginia for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?
Knowing the most in-demand careers in West Virginia can be helpful, particularly for students who are unsure of the career path they wish to follow. Also, even students who have a major and occupation in mind may find that the job outlook is not ideal, leaving them ample time to change their minds and pursue a more in-demand career instead. To find the most in-demand careers in West Virginia for graduates who have earned a bachelor’s degree, we consulted WorkForce West Virginia. The following are the top 10 fastest-growing industries statewide, many of which provide opportunities for bachelor’s recipients to find work:
- Ambulatory Healthcare Services
- Hospitals
- Social Assistance
- Residential Care and Nursing Facilities
- Support and Administrative Services
- Technical, Scientific, and Professional Services
- Waste Management and Remediation Services
- Messengers and Couriers
- Hosting, Data Processing, and Related Services
- Recreation, Gambling, and Amusement Industries
Specifically, the top five in-demand occupations in West Virginia from 2014 to 2024 include management analysts, market research analysts and marketing specialists, and computer systems analysts followed by software developers for applications and elementary school teachers except for special education.
What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in West Virginia?
Having a basic understanding of the highest-paying jobs in West Virginia can be useful, especially if you are attempting to decide between two or more occupations. To provide our readers with the most up-to-date occupational employment and wage estimates, we turned to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, the annual mean wage across all occupations, employers, and industries throughout the state was $42,370 as of May 2018. The top five highest-paying occupations include anesthesiologists, physicians and surgeons, and family and general practitioners followed by nurse anesthetists and podiatrists.
However, we wanted to provide information pertaining to undergraduates as this ranking is geared toward affordable bachelor’s colleges in West Virginia. Below are 10 high-paying occupations that students can pursue either immediately after earning a bachelor’s degree or after graduating with a bachelor’s and obtaining additional experience, training, licensure, and/or certification.
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $139,030
- Purchasing Managers: $132,930
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $119,430
- Compensation and Benefits Managers: $117,970
- Construction Managers: $113,320
- Petroleum Engineers: $111,400
- Training and Development Managers: $109,270
- Funeral Service Managers: $108,730
- Industrial Production Managers: $108,490
- Advertising and Promotions Managers: $105,150
What are the Best Schools in West Virginia for Bachelor’s Recipients?
As you narrow down your options for an inexpensive bachelor’s degree in West Virginia, it is important to think of your financial investment. In other words, not all undergraduate programs are created equal, and some degrees have a higher earning potential than others. Below, we have ranked five of the smartest options in terms of each school’s 20-year net return on investment, or the amount a graduate will earn after 20 years of working in the field with a bachelor’s degree. Each school’s ROI was calculated for in-state students who completed a program without financial assistance. We also provided salary information for early career pay and mid-career earnings based on the cost of an undergraduate degree, according to PayScale.
- 1. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
– 20-Year Net ROI: $493,000
– Early Career Pay: $55,800
– Mid-Career Pay: $102,200 - 2. West Virginia University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $385,000
– Early Career Pay: $52,900
– Mid-Career Pay: $99,000 - 3. Alderson Broaddus University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $282,000
– Early Career Pay: $49,900
– Mid-Career Pay: $89,300 - 4. Shepherd University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $194,000
– Early Career Pay: $46,300
– Mid-Career Pay: $83,600 - 5. Fairmont State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $159,000
– Early Career Pay:$42,900
– Mid-Career Pay: $72,700
West Virginia is celebrated for its beautiful and rugged countryside, a vast assortment of outdoor recreational opportunities, its coal mining and logging industries, and its colorful history. The state is also home to a number of high-quality, top-ranked universities and colleges, many of which boast a solid ROI. Not only does West Virginia University Institute of Technology top our list of the most inexpensive colleges in West Virginia, but it also takes the number one spot on our list of schools that offer the best bang for your educational buck — both in terms of ROI and average salary. Whether you pursue a major in business management, nursing, or engineering, this list of best affordable colleges in West Virginia for bachelor’s degrees will provide a rigorous academic experience that prepares you for your professional goals.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable colleges in West Virginia for bachelor’s degrees for 2020.
Other Rankings of Interest:
25 Best Affordable Online Business Administration Degree Programs (Master’s)
40 Best Affordable One-Year Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
25 Best Affordable Online Mathematics/ Statistics Education Degree Programs (Master’s)
25 Most Affordable Master’s of Statistics Degrees
20 Best Affordable Online Colleges for Computer Networking Degree
10 Most Affordable Law Schools in the United States
15 Best Affordable Animation Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
40 Best Affordable Pre-Med Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
15 Best Affordable Film Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns