Approximately one in five West Virginian adults have completed some college courses, yet do not hold a college degree. Over the past several years, the state has turned to online education opportunities as a way to increase degree completion rates among residents. In 2014, the West Virginia Network (WVNET), the organization that provides campus computing systems and wide-area networks to schools throughout the state received a $500,000 grant to expand service to adult learners statewide.
The state legislature and the Department of Education are also working together to further integrate digital and web-based learning platforms into West Virginia classrooms. For instance, the e-Learning for Educators initiative provides state educators access to professional development coursework and networking opportunities online.
While local and state educational grants have continued to increase since 2006, the rate of state spending per student fell 21.6% within the same period. Educational costs have also been on the rise in West Virginia; between 2008 and 2014, the average tuition inflation-adjusted rate at four-year public schools rose over 25%. Fortunately, at just over $6,000, the average tuition rate at four-year public universities in West Virginia is significantly lower than the national average of $9,139 in 2014-15. Rates at West Virginia's public two-year schools are comparable to national averages, running at just over $3,300 per year.
Explore distance education options in West Virginia by using the search filters below. You can find additional information about how the state's educational environment compares nationally in the state facts tab.
Featured Online Programs
37 Colleges in West Virginia
Additional Resources
Official State Links
- West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
- Community and Technical College System of West Virginia
- West Virginia GEARUP
College Savings
- Smart529 WVDirect: The Smart529 WVDirect plan is a direct-sold plan open to West Virginia residents or beneficiaries from West Virginia. There are two types of investment options: age-based portfolios and static portfolios; and two individual funds: the Smart529 Stable Value Fund and the Smart529 500 Index Fund.
- Smart529 Select: Portfolios in this plan are created and managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors. There are age-based portfolio options as well as static portfolios. This plan is administered by the Hartford Life Insurance Company and offered by the West Virginia College Prepaid Tuition and Savings Program Board of Trustees.
- The Hartford Smart529: The Hartford Smart529 is available nationally and offered by the West Virginia College Prepaid Tuition and Savings Program Board of Trustees. There are 15 age-based portfolios, 16 static portfolios and 15 individual fund options to choose from. Account holders are not subject to contribution limits until the account funds reach $265,000.
Education Nonprofits
- College Foundation of West Virginia: This organization helps non-traditional students finish their degree programs. They do so by creating seamless transition programs for students moving into college programs and offering career planning help.
- West Virginia University Foundation: The West Virginia University Foundation offers need-based scholarships for WVU students. It also supports programs at WVU.
- Southern Regional Education Board: This organization provides policy information and analysis of state progress in the education field. The SREB also creates school improvement programs and resource sharing for member schools.
Higher Education News
- West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy: This section of the blog focuses on education policy and budget concerns.
- West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission News Section: This is the news section for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, discussing trends and offering tips for success in higher education.