2024 Best Value Colleges in West Virginia

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  2,849 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with these university classes has been a positive one. I have taken 6 online classes from American public universities, and I have found them to be well-organized, easy to follow, and convenient. The professors are responsive and helpful, the curriculum is challenging but not overwhelming, and the workload is manageable. There are some things to keep in mind when considering an online class: you will need to be organized and disciplined for it to be successful; you must make sure your internet access is reliable; and if you take an online class alongside other classes or a job, you must allow yourself enough time each week to complete all of your assignments. Overall, I highly recommend taking an online class if you can find one that fits your needs!... Read 2,849 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,916

• SAT range —

• Huntington, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,595 reviews

Alum: Marshall was an excellent experience for a 4-year state college! Location isn't the greatest and food options need to be more affordable. The university is growing and the facilities are actively being updated as of August, 2023, you can find the universitys Master Plan online and get an understanding of what they are doing. The city of Huntington, W.Va and the university have a true cap and gown relationship. The city is walkable and a car was not necessary for me to navigate life in the city. I enjoyed in my studies, enjoyed college parties on 5th avenue, and had plenty of technical learning opportunities that have made me a valuable option for employers. I'd recommend Marshall to most students... Not saying the university is perfect as they make many decisions that leave you scratching your head. But if you're wanting that college experience with history, a little bit of collegiate partying, modestly sized class numbers, and a walkable environment. WE ARE MARSHALL! You can be too!... Read 1,595 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $8,730

• SAT range 930-1150

• Morgantown, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  3,104 reviews

Freshman: There has always been a homely feeling to the atmosphere with WVU. I have been to the campus multiple times and everyone tends to show encouragement in the aspect of academics and good college life. I am majoring in Neuroscience this fall of 2023 and my advisor has truly helped me with I want to achieve in my life as soon as possible. There is a lot of flexibility according to my schedule and the classes are interesting as it includes with most professors that have great teaching ethics in their workplace. WVU has an easy way of communication between staff and students, I am hoping that you will enjoy such an amazing place for your college education!... Read 3,104 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $13,422

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Charleston, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  243 reviews

Sophomore: They show they care about their students and fighting for acceptance in a southern state. Resources are great, professors are a hit or miss as the higher ups seem to be throwing them around and hoping they can teach a lesson they've never taught before, and the foods pretty good. Theres many exchange students and they all feel well supported on campus with a dedicated faculty group that check in on them and handle all the confusing parts of being at a campus in a different country. The college absolutely supports LGBTQ+ students, but the locals are a different story. The campus is a safe haven in west virginia.... Read 243 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $20,086

• SAT range 940-1140

• Shepherdstown, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  727 reviews

Junior: Since I was a child and growing up in Shepherdstown, I hav always wanted to attend Shepherd University. The university is nested in the bucolic small town of Shepherdstown and is surrounded by mountains and pastures. It is the oldest town in West Virginia, rich in Revolutionary and Civil War history. Shepherd offers corresponding classes covering the Wars and Appalachian Studies. The faculty is very friendly welcoming and approachable. I have always received the personal educational help I have needed from the faculty. The student body is sharp, diverse and eclectic.I have made friends by attending classes, going to football games and participating in clubs. The relatively small student body fits my personality and I do not feel like I am “just a number.” The campus grounds are beautiful and well-maintained and the Rams relatively new football stadium is the iconic center of the university. I have treasured my time at Shepherd and the experiences it has impressed upon me.... Read 727 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $10,360

• SAT range 960-1180

• Wheeling, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  246 reviews

Junior: I am an athlete on the track team at Wheeling University from Michigan and I love it! I love how at home I feel at Wheeling. Everyone is so supportive and genuinely wants to see everyone succeed, including the professors, coaches, and students. It is easy to connect with others and create relationships that will last a lifetime. The students are mostly athletes and the professors are very understanding of sporting events and the lives of student-athletes. Wheeling Univesity is a very tight-knit community where you can get the support, guidance, or help you might need. I feel very safe on campus and have met incredible people all over the world. It is easy to get involved on campus through different clubs or activities happening often. I feel prepared to either continue my education or get a job after graduation. As a Catholic campus, Wheeling Univesity is the perfect place to grow spiritually, academically and learn about yourself while connect with others!... Read 246 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $28,844

• SAT range 950-1180

• Fairmont, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  680 reviews

Sophomore: Fairmont State University is very lovely and quant. Everyone is super lovely, especially the staff. When you first go to FSU during the beginning of school, there are so many people that are there to help you and guide you. You will certainly find how easy it is to fit in. The professors are super friendly and because FSU isn’t a massive college, you always will have a one-on-one connection with your professor. There are tons of activities and events happening all of the time too! At least one every day, actually!... Read 680 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $11,277

• SAT range 900-1090

• Buckhannon, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  485 reviews

Sophomore: This is an institution that I would highly recommend to everyone! The campus itself is beautiful and smaller than others, allowing for easy navigation. The campus life is also great. Campus life schedules activities for students throughout the school year for all students. Our academics are the perfect balance of fun, engaging, and intelectually challenging. The professors are always available via email, and then if you need additional help you can ask for an appointment and they will meet with you one on one to help you individually.... Read 485 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $20,512

• SAT range 930-1180

• Elkins, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  293 reviews

Sophomore: Davis and Elkins College is located in a rural and unpopulated town in West Virginia. This is somewhat nerve racking to those who are international students and those who come from across the country to further their education and athletics, but at D&E everyone is family. The student body is super connected and encouraging of one another, also very inclusive and diverse. You know everyone on campus and will never go a day without a couple friendly conversations and fun memories. One thing that is a little disappointing is the college is located in such an unpopulated area, so there might not always be an event being advertised or talked about that is happening locally. Do not fret, although something may not be advertised there is always an adventure awaiting in the hills of the wild and wonderful West Virginia. My dad found and started his family here and I have found those I would call family as well. If you are looking for a tight knit campus community D&E is the place for you.... Read 293 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $18,826

• SAT range 920-1140

• Beckley, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  206 reviews

Freshman: It is a smaller campus than many other schools I have toured, but I enjoy its size. Walking to classes is not a hassle, especially during the winter. The student-to-staff/teacher ratio is smaller than others, making it easy to talk to teachers when you are struggling. All teachers have a unique way of teaching, whether it be through PowerPoints or just vocal; there is a nice variety of teachers here. If one is looking to meet others from different countries, there are many students and teachers worldwide. This school is mainly sports-related I would say that most students like me participate in sports. The RA's and staff plan numerous events on campus to keep all students engaged with everyone and their surroundings as well as doing well in class. Though many coaches want their students to participate hard in their associated sports, all support the student's grades first and make sure they are doing everything they can to get good grades.... Read 206 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $10,966

• SAT range 920-1130

• Athens, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  490 reviews

Alum: Concord University instantly felt like "home" to me... as home as a college can feel anyway! I was a first-generation college student, with no financial help from my family. When I first arrived at Concord, everyone I encountered immediately welcomed me with open arms. The people that worked at the bookstore were ever so helpful in helping me save as much as possible on textbooks, the lunch ladies learned me (and others quickly) and always greeted me with a smile... even the president would be walking down the sidewalk and stop to say hello and ask how your day is going. I've only been to a few college campuses, but I am going to assume that that doesn't happen often everywhere else. Concord was everything I could've asked for in a university, with the exception of food choices! I am a foodie and I do have to say, that one of the only downfalls that I found at CU was the lack of options for lunch - but what they did have to offer was always delicious!... Read 490 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $8,785

• SAT range 890-1130

• West Liberty, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  336 reviews

Niche User: I first learned of West Liberty at a local college fair. I attended the black and gold day where I was able to get a feel of the programs offered, the campus and the food. The atmosphere made me feel comfortable, and I liked the size of the campus. I was able to tour with a student ambassador and was very impressed with the campus and programs offered. They seem to have so much to offer with their programs providing hands on and up-to-date equipment for classes. The application process has been easy and admissions helps with any questions. The financial aid office was available to answer any questions coming in as a new student. I am looking forward to furthering my education at West Liberty University.... Read 336 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $14,915

• SAT range 890-1150

• Bluefield, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  162 reviews

Junior: I am currently in the process of transferring to Bluefield State University from Wytheville Community College. During this process, the administrators at Bluefield State have been really understanding about my situation and were very helpful when it came to putting me in the correct major, considering my ambitions. I am now studying business in hopes to open my own childcare center in Bland County, Virginia. The only changes I would recommend to the staff at Bluefield State University is becoming more open contact. It is a little difficult to get ahold of someone to talk to but once you do, they are amazing!... Read 162 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $11,309

• SAT range 880-1110

• Bethany, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 2.88 out of 5  288 reviews

Freshman: The campus is scenic, condensed, and easy to navigate. All the staff I met with were friendly and the sports facilities are modern and well equipped. The dorms are cozy and provide ample living space. Overall the campus is impressive especially considering it’s small size.... Read 288 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $14,848

• SAT range 870-1110

• Philippi, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  295 reviews

Sophomore: Alderson Broaddus is an amazing school the professors try their best to work with you and give you a great education. All the staff are sweet and kind, there isn’t one staff member that doesn’t say hi or good morning. It is a small campus so learning your way around the college isn’t hard at all. They have a variety of majors you can choose from. The financial aid office is willing to help you find scholarships and grants so you don’t feel like you can’t afford to go, and the business office helps you make your bill as low as possible. Overall the campus is friendly and I recommend it for anyone who likes small schools.... Read 295 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $20,845

• SAT range 900-1110

• Parkersburg, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  268 reviews

Freshman: WVUP is an amazing school with really great and professors that are always willing to help! The professors that I've had for my first semester were almost always easy to contact if i needed help. The classes and professors push you to think beyond getting answers. The campus is a beautiful place, however the only issue i notice is that some of the staff don't wear their masks correctly; while this is concerning, they require you to be 6ft apart and to always have your mask on. If you're caught without one, they will give you one and insist you wear it. The division that i am to be greatly associated with in the Spring 2021 semester is Nursing. The experience that i have with this specific division has been nothing but helpful-expensive- but helpful. They're all extremely knowledgeable and respectful. I took my HESI exam and while taking it, I continuously experienced internet troubles, but the person proctoring my exam was extremely kind enough to allow me more time. WVUP is great... Read 268 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,267

• SAT range —

• Glenville, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  317 reviews

Freshman: Glenville State University is a great institution. I love the environment and more importantly, the people. Almost everyone here is welcoming. The lecturers are already ready to receive students at any time. Send them an email , and you will get a detailed explanation and a great response in a few hours. Glenville State University has great facilities, especially the Robert Kidd library. My laptop's cord and my phone are both not working , and do not have money to repair them, but I can move to the library at anytime for my assignments, and print my homeworks for free. I would love to see more scholarships on campus for international students. I understand that domestic students should be favored more than international students, but we should be given a little more attention when it comes to financial aids.... Read 317 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,129

• SAT range —

• Institute, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  384 reviews

Senior: I had a great experience at West Virginia University, but I do wish that they paid more attention to students voices and feedback. There were various times that students stated that they wanted various classes added to the major and it took a long time or they still have not listened to the feedback. Otherwise my experience at WVU has built my education and many friendships!... Read 384 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $10,889

• SAT range 870-1090

• Salem, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  153 reviews

Graduate Student: Salem University was the perfect school for me to attend while working full time and being a single mother. The classes were paced good and it allowed me enough flexibility to continue with my daily activities. The professors at Salem University were a great help and made the process even smoother. From admissions, counselors, and professors everything was great! Customer service at Salem University from everyone was above and beyond.... Read 153 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,343

• SAT range —

• Mount Hope, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  88 reviews

Junior: Appalachian Bible College focuses on training Christians to spread the gospel effectively. Because the college is relatively small, student life is unique to ABC. All the students know each other by name, and the professors genuinely care about their students and take time to get to know them!... Read 88 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $15,977

• SAT range 1000-1110

• Martinsburg, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  45 reviews

Freshman: The helpful professors in the LPN program. They make you feel like you are capable of achieving your goals and let you know that they are there to assist in any way that they can!... Read 45 reviews

• grade D+

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $24,385

• SAT range —