Best Colleges in West Virginia

West Virginia University is a public, land- and space-grant research university with a main campus in Morgantown and two additional campuses in Beckley and Keyser. Together, these locations enroll nearly 30,000 students. WVU also stands out as one of the best online colleges in West Virginia. WVU Online offers over 600 courses, as well as 31 degrees, 23 minors, and 13 certificates. Bachelor's degrees are available in areas like business, child development and family studies, and nursing. Students may also select a multidisciplinary studies option or a bachelor of arts completion option, allowing participants to combine transfer credits, online classes, and practical experience to fulfill 120 credits. Master's degrees are available in more than a dozen disciplines, including education, social work, software engineering, and music industry. Admission requirements vary by student status and program selection. All applicants must supply applicable transcripts and a completed application. Out-of-state online students pay the same tuition as residents, with some additional fees.

A historically black college, BSC was founded in 1895. Today, this West Virginia institution offers courses on its Bluefield campus, as well as at satellite centers located throughout the state. Learners can select an undergraduate program from one of five schools. Most degree-seekers enroll in the School of Arts and Sciences, which offers majors in English, interdisciplinary science, and criminal justice administration, among other subjects. Student athletes can choose from five men's and five women's teams that include golf, basketball, and cross country. In recent years, BSC teams have won many regional championships. High school students interested in playing for a BSC team can submit a letter of interest through the school's website. Applicants with high school transcripts should possess a minimum 2.0 GPA and a score of at least 18 or 950 on the ACT or SAT. BSC waives its standardized test requirements for prospective students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Transfer applicants should hold at least 32 transferable credits. The college offers many scholarship opportunities, some of which require a separate application.

Although the institution has a similar name, WVU Parkersburg has no formal connection with West Virginia University. WVU Parkersburg awards certificates and associate and bachelor's degrees in 37 subjects, including child development and strategic communication. Students planning to transfer to a bachelor's completion program can complete the university's AA or AS program. Additionally, the school boasts an extensive dual-enrollment program that allows local high school students to earn college credit. Through the school's Professional Advising Center, students can receive academic and career planning advice from highly trained counselors. Additionally, the university's program-specific advisors help degree-seekers stay on track for graduation. The school also boasts specialized software that allows all learners to stay up to date with course and graduation requirements. WVU Parkersburg accepts high school transcripts and GED scores. The university's many departmental scholarships require only one application, and some scholarships cover full tuition and fees.

The final school on our list of the best online colleges in West Virginia is Alderson Broaddus University -- a private institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the West Virginia Baptist Convention. More than 2,000 students attend classes at the school's Phillippi campus each year. AB is dedicated to leadership in health-related and professional education. The university expands this dedication to distance learners, offering an 18-month RN-to-BSN degree and a 1-2-year teacher leader master of education. The RN-to-BSN pathway consists entirely of asynchronous courses, with no campus visits or hospital clinicals required. Cohorts in the education program enjoy the benefits of synchronous and asynchronous course delivery. RN-to-BSN admission requires an unencumbered RN license, an associate degree or nursing diploma (with a minimum 2.5 GPA), transcripts, and a certified background check/drug screening. Prospective education students must submit transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and proof of state teaching licensure. State residency does not impact tuition costs.

Located in Athens, CU boasts a 123-acre campus and mountain scenery. The university's three colleges award undergraduate degrees in professional studies, the natural sciences, and the humanities. Additionally, this West Virginia university delivers four master's programs in teaching, social work, health promotion, and education. The undergraduate honors program at CU features many benefits, including an exclusive lounge, priority registration, and travel opportunities. Honors students can take specialized honors courses or supplement a standard course with an honors component (e.g., an independent study project). In their final year, honors students complete a capstone course. First-year applicants must possess a high school diploma. However, CU accepts transfer applicants with GED scores. If transfer applicants hold fewer than 24 transferable credits, they must also submit ACT or SAT scores. West Virginia residents with an outstanding high school GPA can qualify for up to $5,500 per year in merit-based scholarships.

A junior college that is affiliated with West Virginia University, WVU Potomac State College dates back to 1901. Today, the college awards two-year and four-year degrees in diverse areas, including business technology, general architecture, and horticulture. Learners who earn a bachelor's degree at this West Virginia college benefit from the school's small class sizes. Additionally, the college offers dozens of online courses and an entirely online bachelor's in criminal justice. WVU Potomac State College boasts an honors program that prepares participants for a bachelor's completion program or a lucrative career. Application requirements include a minimum 3.3 high school GPA. Participants who remain in good academic standing can transfer seamlessly to the Honors College at WVU. First-year applicants can apply by submitting TASC or GED scores, and incoming learners may qualify for a merit-based scholarship based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores. Other financial aid opportunities include on-campus student employment.

A public research university, MU educates over 13,000 learners in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. On-campus undergraduate degree-seekers can choose from more than 60 majors, including advertising, dietetics, and medical laboratory science. Graduate students have even more options, and online learners benefit from asynchronous curricula delivered by the Blackboard virtual learning system. The Honors College at MU confers many benefits, such as merit-based scholarships, exclusive living-learning communities, and priority registration. The honors curriculum emphasizes three semester-long seminars and a study abroad experience. Honors College students remain in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 3.3 GPA. MU accepts GED, TASC, and HiSET scores, making the university a good option for prospective students who do not hold a high school diploma. MU uses standardized test score cutoffs; however, some applicants who do not meet these cutoffs may still receive conditional admission. In-state learners can receive up to $5,000 per year in automatic scholarships.

From its Shepherdstown campus, Shepherd educates over 4,000 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrollment students. The school's undergraduate catalog boasts many majors, including biopharmaceutical sciences, Civil War and 19th-century America, and jazz performance. Each year, Shepherd selects 40 academically gifted students to join the honors program, where students complete a rigorous curriculum that includes multiple honors seminars and a capstone requirement. Shepard offers many valuable support services. For example, the TRiO Program provides first-generation and economically disadvantaged students with free tutoring and mentoring. Additionally, all learners at Shepherd can visit the Academic Support Center — or schedule a virtual appointment — to receive help with coursework and improve their writing skills. The average Shepherd applicant possesses a 3.45 high school GPA and a 23 ACT score. Transfer applicants should hold a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Incoming first-year and transfer students can earn $500-$5,000 per year in merit-based scholarships.

Founded in 1837 -- more than two decades before West Virginia was admitted into the United States -- West Liberty University is the state's oldest institution of higher education. Today, this public university serves more than 2,500 students each year, both on campus and online. Each semester, WLU offers a wide selection of individual courses online, which are ideal for supplementing an on-campus schedule. Students can also pursue seven programs entirely from a distance. Undergraduate options include a general business bachelor's degree and an RN-to-BSN pathway. Available master's degree disciplines include business administration, criminology, dental hygiene, and biology/zoo science master's -- the only program of its kind in the nation. Zoology students have the option to gain hands-on experience at a collaborating institution. Admission requirements -- including minimum GPAs and prerequisites -- vary by student status and program. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates.

Wesleyan is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school's most popular undergraduate majors include education and business. In class, students benefit from a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students pursuing any major develop valuable critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Wesleyan does not require that learners attend religious services but offers clubs and support services so that students can reaffirm their faith and give back to the community. Other extracurricular activities include an e-sports program, which the school launched in 2018. The university holds membership in the National Association of Collegiate e-sports and the American Video Game League. Wesleyan accepts the Common Application and GED scores. All applicants also submit ACT or SAT scores. Automatic merit-based scholarships for incoming first-year students award $13,000-$17,000 per year. Transfer students should research outside financial aid opportunities.

A Roman Catholic university, WU offers 10 undergraduate degrees, three graduate degrees, and two certificates. The criminal justice, business, and psychology programs offer some online courses, and learners can earn a degree in a hybrid format. Additionally, an annual research and scholarship symposium allows students to present their research findings and network with peers. Prospective degree-seekers can review a syllabus for each course. To ensure students' academic success and personal growth, WU offers a variety of student groups and support services. The campus ministry encourages learners to attend religious services and participate in volunteer programs. Additionally, at the career center, counselors help degree-seekers explore job opportunities and find internship placements in the local community. First-year applicants should possess a high school diploma and submit standardized test scores; transcripts must meet WU prerequisite requirements. Additionally, transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA. WU uses high school GPA and standardized test scores to determine scholarship awards, which range from $3,000-$16,000 per year.

Originally founded near the end of the Civil War, FSU features six colleges and schools, an honors program, and graduate-level programs. Many departments offer associate and bachelor's programs, and some offer accelerated master's degrees. Additionally, FSU's online courses allow degree-seekers to learn in a hybrid format. FSU promotes students' career readiness in many ways. For example, learners can visit the school's career services center to receive one-on-one help with resume writing and interview preparation. FSU accepts GED and TASC scores, and the university requires a minimum score of 18 on the ACT or 950 on the SAT. The university prefers applicants who have completed certain high school course prerequisites. Institutional scholarship amounts vary, and incoming students need not submit an additional scholarship application. Other financial aid opportunities include a work-study program.

Affiliated with the Church of Christ, OVU educates nearly 400 undergraduates on its Vienna campus. The university awards BS and BA degrees in many subjects, including integrated marketing, education, and sports management, preparing learners for in-demand careers. Additionally, professors instruct courses from a Christian point of view. All students attend religious services at least once per week, and OVU hosts chapters of the Alpha Chi and Sigma Beta Delta honor societies. On-campus dormitories boast high-speed internet access and 24/7 security. Student athletes at this West Virginia university can try out for baseball, basketball, and soccer teams, among others. OVU extends provisional admission to applicants who provide GED scores. High school graduates should possess a minimum 2.5 GPA and a score of at least 18 or 1290 on the ACT or SAT. First-year and transfer students may qualify for merit-based scholarships, and awards range from $2,000 to full tuition.