13 Cheapest Universities in West Virginia for International Students

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In West Virginia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in West Virginia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 13 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in West Virginia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in West Virginia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in West Virginia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
West Virginia State University 14,600 USD 40%
West Liberty University 17,100 USD 30%
Fairmont State University 17,900 USD 27%
Shepherd University 18,800 USD 23%
Concord University 18,800 USD 23%
West Virginia University at Parkersburg 19,600 USD 20%
Marshall University 19,700 USD - 21,400 USD 19%
West Virginia University 26,600 USD -9%
Wheeling University 29,100 USD -20%
Bethany College 30,800 USD -26%
University of Charleston 31,400 USD -29%
West Virginia Wesleyan College 31,700 USD -31%
Bridgewater College 38,800 USD -60%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 24,200 USD for universities in West Virginia.

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1. West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University was founded in 1891 in the town of Institute in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was first named West Virginia Colored Institute, then West Virginia Collegiate Institute on 1915, then West Virginia State College on 1929, and finally its current name on 2004. Its latest data states 4337 students enrolled, with over 100 programs offered at undergraduate and graduate levels. Aside from the accessible education, the field of athletics is not left out with NCAA Division II varsity teams in both men’s and women’s sports. Simply put, West Virginia State University is a well-rounded university that provides everything a student needs.

2. West Liberty University

West Liberty University is a forward-looking, general university drenched in a rich heritage. It is considered West Virginia’s oldest higher education organization. Launched as West Liberty Academy in 1837, it was developed to respond to the demand for higher academic prospects. Since its establishment, the university has lived up to its mission of providing quality and life-changing education.

3. Fairmont State University

Established in 1865, Fairmont State University started as a private school to educate teachers. However, the institute wanted higher education to be more accessible, so it began making changes and improvements to become a reputable state university. Today, it is considered one of the largest public institutions in West Virginia, offering numerous academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

4. Shepherd University

Shepherd University is a state-funded college for liberal arts established in 1871. Its location in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is known as one of the best college towns in the United States. The university currently offers over 100 academic programs. As they move with their history, they aim to build an international community of learners that will foster growth in society.

5. Concord University

Concord University is a public university in Athens, West Virginia. It was founded in 1872 as a normal school by Union and Confederate veterans. The university is well-known for its scenic setting and beautiful campus that overlooks the surrounding mountains. Concord University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, business, humanities, science, and social work.

6. West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Founded in 1961, West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU Parkersburg) was primarily established as a branch of West Virginia University. Initially operated as a community college, the university has expanded and undergone several redevelopments, eventually becoming an independent college providing top-quality undergraduate education. Currently, WVU Parkersburg is the only public community institution authorized to award bachelor’s degrees in West Virginia.

7. Marshall University

The namesake of Marshall University was the United States’ fourth and longest-serving Chief Justice, John Marshall. It started as an academy before becoming a university in 1961. Various programs are available, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate degree, educational specialist, and professional courses. Nationally, Marshall is well-ranked and placed 288th in the US News Rankings.

8. West Virginia University

West Virginia University welcomes a fresh sight of rolling hills and mountains. With over 350 degree programs, it takes pride in producing nearly a hundred recipients of reputable scholarships. West Virginia University ranks highly on the international scale for innovative research.

9. Wheeling University

Wheeling University is a private institution in the Southern area of the United States. It is ranked 80th in the region by US News. As a relatively small university, the student population barely exceeds 1,000. Thus, the student-to-faculty ratio is optimal at 11:1.

The variety of available programs is limited to 16 only, most of which are for bachelor’s students. Master’s courses are also offered, but most are conducted in an online or hybrid setup only. The university also has certificate courses and a doctoral program.

10. Bethany College

Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. It was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a minister in the Restoration Movement. Over 25 different fields of study are available at the college. Students can also use the interdisciplinary major program to create their own major or choose Dual Majors.

11. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston offers a remarkable opportunity for those who want an outstanding education in a smaller, private location. Its mission is to provide lifetime support to its students and keep doing more and improving. Their leadership delivers a strong vision for making the university the best it can be for its students, faculty, staff, and the community.

12. West Virginia Wesleyan College

West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. It was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The college offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. Wesleyan students are strongly encouraged to participate in community service projects, organizations, and athletic teams.

13. Bridgewater College

With 70 undergraduate and graduate programs and 23 NCAA III teams, Bridgewater College can bridge the academic and athletic gap some higher educational institutions usually have. The school was founded in 1880 and currently has around 1500 students enrolled. Over 60 clubs and organizations have been formed to cater to students’ varying interests along. Despite being a private school, education at Bridgewater College remains accessible because of generous financial aid offers.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in West Virginia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in West Virginia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
West Virginia Wesleyan College 5,460 USD - 11,600 USD 63%
University of Charleston 6,375 USD - 13,500 USD 57%
West Liberty University 9,000 USD - 10,400 USD 39%
Bethany College 9,900 USD 33%
Shepherd University 13,000 USD 13%
Concord University 16,000 USD -8%
Bridgewater College 18,900 USD - 23,400 USD -28%
West Virginia State University 20,000 USD -35%
Fairmont State University 20,300 USD -37%
Marshall University 21,500 USD - 31,100 USD -45%
West Virginia University 21,800 USD -47%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,800 USD for universities in West Virginia.

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1. West Virginia Wesleyan College

West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. It was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The college offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. Wesleyan students are strongly encouraged to participate in community service projects, organizations, and athletic teams.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, West Virginia Wesleyan College should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,460 USD to 11,520 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Charleston

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Charleston. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Charleston is 6,375 USD to 13,425 USD.

The University of Charleston offers a remarkable opportunity for those who want an outstanding education in a smaller, private location. Its mission is to provide lifetime support to its students and keep doing more and improving. Their leadership delivers a strong vision for making the university the best it can be for its students, faculty, staff, and the community.

3. West Liberty University

West Liberty University is a forward-looking, general university drenched in a rich heritage. It is considered West Virginia’s oldest higher education organization. Launched as West Liberty Academy in 1837, it was developed to respond to the demand for higher academic prospects. Since its establishment, the university has lived up to its mission of providing quality and life-changing education.

The tuition fee at West Liberty University for incoming international master’s students is 9,000 USD to 10,350 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Bethany College

Another affordable university to consider in West Virginia is Bethany College.

Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. It was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a minister in the Restoration Movement. Over 25 different fields of study are available at the college. Students can also use the interdisciplinary major program to create their own major or choose Dual Majors.

The tuition fee in Bethany College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,900 USD.

5. Shepherd University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Shepherd University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 12,906 USD yearly.

Shepherd University is a state-funded college for liberal arts established in 1871. Its location in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is known as one of the best college towns in the United States. The university currently offers over 100 academic programs. As they move with their history, they aim to build an international community of learners that will foster growth in society.

6. Concord University

Concord University is a public university in Athens, West Virginia. It was founded in 1872 as a normal school by Union and Confederate veterans. The university is well-known for its scenic setting and beautiful campus that overlooks the surrounding mountains. Concord University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, business, humanities, science, and social work.

7. Bridgewater College

With 70 undergraduate and graduate programs and 23 NCAA III teams, Bridgewater College can bridge the academic and athletic gap some higher educational institutions usually have. The school was founded in 1880 and currently has around 1500 students enrolled. Over 60 clubs and organizations have been formed to cater to students’ varying interests along. Despite being a private school, education at Bridgewater College remains accessible because of generous financial aid offers.

8. West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University was founded in 1891 in the town of Institute in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was first named West Virginia Colored Institute, then West Virginia Collegiate Institute on 1915, then West Virginia State College on 1929, and finally its current name on 2004. Its latest data states 4337 students enrolled, with over 100 programs offered at undergraduate and graduate levels. Aside from the accessible education, the field of athletics is not left out with NCAA Division II varsity teams in both men’s and women’s sports. Simply put, West Virginia State University is a well-rounded university that provides everything a student needs.

9. Fairmont State University

Established in 1865, Fairmont State University started as a private school to educate teachers. However, the institute wanted higher education to be more accessible, so it began making changes and improvements to become a reputable state university. Today, it is considered one of the largest public institutions in West Virginia, offering numerous academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

10. Marshall University

The namesake of Marshall University was the United States’ fourth and longest-serving Chief Justice, John Marshall. It started as an academy before becoming a university in 1961. Various programs are available, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate degree, educational specialist, and professional courses. Nationally, Marshall is well-ranked and placed 288th in the US News Rankings.

11. West Virginia University

West Virginia University welcomes a fresh sight of rolling hills and mountains. With over 350 degree programs, it takes pride in producing nearly a hundred recipients of reputable scholarships. West Virginia University ranks highly on the international scale for innovative research.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in West Virginia?

Applying to cheap universities in West Virginia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in West Virginia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in West Virginia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in West Virginia is the Bethany College, which offers Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Economics and Mathematics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Bethany College offers Teaching, and Teaching and Learning.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in West Virginia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in West Virginia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in West Virginia for international students was helpful!