Top Value West Virginia Colleges

Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in West Virginia that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students.  In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education.  Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value West Virginia colleges for you to research further.  Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.

List of Top Value West Virginia Colleges

Mercer County Technical Education Center

Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) is a public career and technical education school serving the individuals of Mercer County in Princeton, West Virginia. It is accredited by various institutions and organizations like the United States Department of Education and the West Virginia State Board of Education.  MCTEC offers on-campus and online high school and adult programs in various fields. Some of the high school programs are Therapeutic Services, Pre-Cosmetology, Marketing Management, Dental Assisting, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Graphic Design, and Carpentry. On the other hand, the school offers 4 adult programs that can be taken either part-time or full-time, and these include 22-month Cosmetology, 10-month Dental Assisting, 10-month Electrical Technician, and 12-month Practical Nursing. Students also have access to student services such as job placement services, Career & College Day, and financial assistance.

Advanced Institute of Hair Design - Greenfield

Operating under the Advanced Institute of Hair Design, Inc., VICI Beauty School is a small cosmetology school in Greenfield, Wisconsin. The first campus of VICI was first opened in 1969 by Marvin and Penelope Rushing who are now the owners of Advanced Institute of Hair Design, Inc.  As an accredited institution of the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, VICI offer two career pathways namely the 1800-hour Cosmetology and 600-hour Esthiology. As a Pivot Point member school, the programs in VICI use a Learn About Beauty (LAB) curriculum which is a ground-breaking integrated and social learning environment for students in the beauty industry as well as Aveda’s earth-friendly and ecologically sustainable approach to training. Upon program completion, students are qualified to sit for the Wisconsin certification exams in their respective fields. The school also manages a student salon and spa where students can work with actual clients and gain real-world experience with the guidance of licensed instructors.

Morgantown Beauty College

Morgantown Beauty College is a college offering quality education and training in cosmetology and related fields for over 68 years. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, the college has a strong sense of professional self-discipline in its students as they gain theoretical knowledge and reliable practical skills in different fields.  The college offers 5 programs namely 1800-hour Cosmetology, 600-hour Esthetics, 1000-hour Hair Stylist, 750-hour Massage Therapy, and 400-hour Nail Technology. It is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences to award diplomas in the programs mentioned. Students may choose to take the programs full-time or part-time, and 100% on-campus or hybrid (50% on-campus & 50% online). Upon completion of the programs, graduates are eligible to take the certification and licensure exams in the state for their respective fields. The college also offers spa and salon services to be public which are performed by trained students under the supervision of licensed instructors.

Mountain State College

Founded in 1888 by Albert Grant Sine, Mountain State College (MSC) is a community college based in Parkersburg, West Virginia that offers quality education and training in various fields. It is among the first few colleges that offered a Medical Assistant program.  MSC offers two programs namely Medical Assistant and Dependency Disorders Technology which both last for 24 months on a full-time basis. The college and its associate degree programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Both programs include a general education curriculum which includes courses in English Grammar, English Composition, Communication Skills, and Psychology. Students have access to a wide variety of academic and student resources like academic advising, financial guidance, career services, and library and learning resource systems. Graduates of the Medical Assistant program are eligible to take the Certification Exam from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

College of Health Care Professions

College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) is an accredited private college with nine campuses all around Texas. Founded by a group of doctors, it has been offering career-oriented health care education and training for over 30 years already.  CHCP offers over 20 administrative and clinical health care programs which are fast-paced, comprehensive, and flexible and these include Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vocational Nurse, Physical Therapy Technician, Rehab Technician, and Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, the college also offers 10 online degree programs that can be finished in as early as 8 months. With this, the college partnered with different online universities like Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University to credit some online hours towards select degree programs. Each student has access to academic services and resources such as a specific student success advisor, 24/7 IT support, tutoring services, financial aid advisor, externship and job placement assistance, and student assistance program.

Bellus Academy of Poway

With campuses in California and Kansas, Bellus Academy of Poway is among the most awarded beauty and wellness institutions in the United States. Recently renovated in 2009, the campus is owned by the Poway Academy of Hair Design, Inc.  The academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences to offer 6 main programs namely Barbering, Cosmetology, Barbering & Cosmetology, Esthetics, Make-up Artistry, and Spa Nails. With day and night options, the programs typically last for 400 to 1800 hours, depending on the schedule and level of expertise. There are also additional mini-programs and combined courses offered to widen student’s knowledge and training in certain specializations. In 2014, the academy was awarded as the top college with the highest Job Placement in the nation by Modern Salon – Excellence in Education.

Valley College - Martinsburg

Valley College is a small career and training college that offers quality programs in various business and healthcare areas. It was founded in 1987 in the state of West Virginia where it has 3 campuses in Martinsburg, Princeton, and Beckley. The college also has campuses in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio.  With programs that can be completed in as little as 6 months, the Martinsburg campus offers 6 on-campus programs namely Practical Nursing, Medical Clinical Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Veterinary Technician, and Truck Driving. As an accredited institution of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), the college also offers 5 online degree programs in the fields of medical billing and coding, medical administrative assistant, business administration, cybersecurity, and health services administration. The college was also recognized as the ACCSC’s Schools of Distinction for 2018 as it offers career-focused programs, on-campus and online options, various financial assistance options, extensive career services, and specialized training and workshops. The programs are also offered every 3 weeks to allow greater flexibility to students and applicants.

Cleveland Institute of Art

Formerly known as Cleveland School of Art, Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is a private college in Cleveland, Ohio that specializes in art and design education. It was chartered in 1882 as Western Reserve School of Design for Women. The campus is situated in University Circle which was recognized as “one of the ten prettiest neighborhoods in the country” by Forbes Magazine. With over 600 students, the college offers 15 majors in the areas of art, design, digital media, and craft, and these include Animation, Printmaking, Sculpture + Expanded Media, Graphic Design, and Illustration. As one of the best-dedicated colleges of art and design in the United States, CIA is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The core curriculum of each major includes Foundation, Liberal Arts, and Business + Professional Practices aspects which provide both depth in the specific area and breadth in as many areas as possible. CIA also offers art and design continuing education courses and classes, providing adults and children access to cutting-edge faculty and facilities

West Virginia Wesleyan College

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private liberal arts college located in Buckhannon, West Virginia. It was established by the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1890. WVWC offers more than 80 programs in the undergraduate arts and sciences, pre-professional and professional, and graduate studies to more than 1,400 students across 14 departments and 4 schools. The undergraduate programs are in the fields of health sciences, social sciences, environmental sciences, natural and applied sciences, communication, computer science, business, and visual arts while the graduate programs include Master of Business Administration, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Master of Science in Athletic Training, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Qualified students may also apply for special programs such as the Summer Gifted Program, Study Abroad programs, and Honors program. As an accredited institution of the Higher Learning Commission, the college houses more than 70 diverse student organizations such as music, drama, and literary organizations, sororities and fraternities, recreation programs, and community service programs.

B.M. Spurr School of Practical Nursing

As a member of the West Virginia University Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital since 1951, B.M. Spurr School of Practical Nursing is a small nursing school based in Glen Dale, West Virginia. It aims to train nursing graduates in various health care settings in order to provide a solid foundation for lifelong learning, service, and collaboration in the health care industry.  The school is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing to offer a 12-month diploma program in Practical Nursing. Some of the courses in the program are Obstetrics, Body Structure and Body Function, Growth and Development, Medical Surgical Nursing, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics. The program includes extensive classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical training and experience at Reynolds Memorial Hospital. Graduates of the program can practice nursing in any setting upon passing the State Licensed Practical Nurse Exam.

Wheeling University

Founded in 1954 as Wheeling College, Wheeling University is a private Roman Catholic university headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia. Formerly called Wheeling Jesuit University, the university ended its affiliation with the Society of Jesus in 2019.  Nearly 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in 30 certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs offered by Wheeling. The most common programs are Business Administration, Nursing, Engineering Science, Education, Liberal Arts, Theology, Psychology, and Accounting. Aside from these, several accelerated and online learning programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students also have the option to apply in various experiential and research programs like Career and Professional Development programs, English as a Second Language Training, Honors Program, Research Day, Study Abroad programs, and Student Research and Scholarship Symposium.

West Virginia University

Established in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU) is a public, land-grant, research university headquartered in Morgantown, West Virginia. With four more campuses within the state namely Beckley, Martinsburg, Keyser, and Charleston, the university is classified as R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest research activity by the Carnegie Classification.  With nearly 27,000 students on the Morgantown campus, WVU houses 14 schools and colleges which include School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Reed College of Media, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, and John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Morgantown campus offers more than 500 majors, minors, concentrations, certificates, and top-ranked graduate degree programs. Aside from these, WVU offers over 600 online courses and 60 online certificates and online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university is also home to prestigious scholarships and fellowships with 25 Rhodes Scholars, 45 Goldwater Scholars, 24 Truman Scholars, and many more.

Davis & Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College (D&E) is a small private liberal arts college located in Elkins, West Virginia. It was officially opened in 1904 as a college and academy that has an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church.  The college offers roughly 45 certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and pre-professional degree programs which include Sport Science, Criminology/Psychology, Creative Arts, Nursing, Education, and Environmental Sciences as the most popular ones. As a small college of 800 diverse students, students may also choose to enroll in the Interdisciplinary Studies program where they can design an interdisciplinary program of study under the guidance of the Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator. Throughout the student’s stay, they can explore experiential learning opportunities like internship placement and networking opportunities within and outside the college through the Office of Career Services and Student Employment. Aside from these, D&E assures that its students are engaged with the community through programs offered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Center for Railway Tourism.

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center

Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia, Fred W. Eberle Technical Center (FETC) is the first multi-county career and technical center established in the state that was opened in 1968. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the West Virginia Department of Education.  FETC offers four main programs namely Career Training for high school students, and Practical Nursing, Cosmetology, and Adult Evening Classes for post-secondary students and adults. Some of the programs under Career Training are Carpentry, Collision Repair Technology, Practical Nursing, Cosmetology, Robotics, and Truck Driving. The Practical Nursing and Cosmetology programs, on the other, allow graduates to take the board exam and licensure application within the state. Students in the Adult Evening Classes may choose from Truck Driving, Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, and Electrical Technology programs which roughly range from 8 to 10 months to complete.

Charleston School of Beauty Culture

Charleston School of Beauty Culture is a full-service cosmetology school in Charleston, West Virginia. The school also offers spa and salon services to the public that are performed by trained students.  The school offers 9 programs namely 1800-hour Cosmetology, 1500-hour Barbering with Chemical Services, 1200-hour Barbering, 1000-hour Hair Styling, 600-hour Aesthetics, 600-hour Advanced Manicuring, 400-hour Manicuring, 300-hour Cosmetology Crossover, and 125-hour Waxing. Charleston School is licensed by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education to offer these programs. In addition, the school is also accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Qualified students may also ask for financial assistance through Federal Assistance Programs like the Federal Pell Grant and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Los Angeles College of Music

Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) is a for-profit music school based in Pasadena, California. Founded as The Los Angeles Music Academy in 1996, it is recognized as one of the best music conservatories in the United States.  Since 2003, LACM has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music to offer diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degrees in different areas of music. The school offers 10 majors namely Bass Performance, Brass & Woodwinds Performance, Drum Performance, Guitar Performance, Piano Performance, Vocal Performance, Composing for Visual Media, Music Producing and Recording, Music Business, and Songwriting. LACM also organizes community programs such as the Summer at LACM program with one to three weeks program options, and College Prep Program for those who want an introductory program to music. All students also have access to numerous academic and career services such as academic advising, tutoring, workshops, professional development support, job and internship placements, and a learning resource center.

University of Charleston

Established in 1888 as the Barboursville Seminary, the University of Charleston (UC) is a private university headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia. The university also has a campus in Beckley, West Virginia.  With more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students, the university is one of the fastest-growing universities in West Virginia. UC offers nearly 50 degree programs across 4 distinct schools namely the School of Arts and Sciences, Bert Bradford School of Health Sciences, School of Business and Leadership, and School of Pharmacy. As an accredited institution of the Higher Learning Commission, the university awards associate, bachelors, and graduate-level degrees through the schools mentioned. Aside from on-campus programs, UC also has a wide range of online degree programs in the fields of Frontline Leadership, Cybersecurity, Psychology, Management, Executive Leadership, and many more.

West Liberty University

As one of the best colleges in the United States, West Liberty University (WLU) is a public university based in West Liberty, West Virginia. Established in 1837 as West Liberty Academy, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the state.  WLU offers more than undergraduate majors as well as a wide selection of graduate programs with specializations that lead to master’s degrees. The university provides these programs as well as other learning opportunities through 7 colleges and schools namely College of Arts and Communication, Gary E. West College of Business, College of Education and Human Performance, College of Liberal Arts, College of Sciences, Honors College, and School of Professional Studies. As an accredited institution of the Higher Learning Commission, WLU also offers 100% online courses and degree programs in education, criminology, dental hygiene, nursing, business, and biology. The university also has a dedicated office handling faculty-led study abroad programs in different countries to provide students more opportunities to learn and grow beyond the university.

Monongalia County Technical Education Center

Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) is a technical school that aims to prepare students for high-demand professions and secondary education. Almost 17 schools in the county that are at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels are members of MTEC.  MTEC offers daytime high school programs namely Automotive, Energy, Power and Engineered Systems, Building Maintenance, Graphic Design, HVAC Technician, Carpentry, Law and Public Safety, Coding, App & Game Design, Pharmacy Technician, Culinary and Baking & Pastry, Medical Assistant, and many more. There are also adult daytime programs in the health and technical areas such as Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Medical Assistant, HVAC Technician, and Commercial Driver's License.   Aside from these, adults may also choose from a wide variety of evening classes and courses like Computer Basics, Google More Than Searching, Microsoft Excel, Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Real Estate Salesperson, Beginning Electricity, and HVAC Tech in Training. The school also has an Adult Learning Center within the same city that offers free classes and courses to the public such as job readiness skills, basic skills, life-coping skills, computer literacy, and specialized examinations preparation.

Marshall University

Marshall University is a public research university headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia with additional campuses in South Charleston, Point Pleasant, Teays Valley, and Beckley. Having a Carnegie Classification of Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity, the university was established in 1837 as Marshall Academy.  Accommodating nearly 13,000 students, Marshall is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees in various academic fields. Students may choose to enroll in more than 100 programs across 11 colleges and schools which include College of Arts and Media, Lewis College of Business, College of Education and Professional Development, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, College of Health Professions, Graduate College, and College of Liberal Arts. Aside from these, Marshall offers 100% fully online courses for students to choose from more than 40 certificates and undergraduate and graduate degrees in different fields. Students may also take advantage of their Handshake profile which provides career education and support services such as interview preparation, internships, resume building, and student affinity groups.

Ohio Valley University

Ohio Valley University (OVU), formerly Ohio Valley College, is a small private Christian university based in Vienna, West Virginia. The university, physically located on two separate campuses, was founded in 1958 to provide education that incorporates biblical faith and public service.  With an accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, the university offers nearly 25 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across 3 colleges namely College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. Undergraduate students may also choose from more than 20 minors such as Alternative Dispute Resolution, Christian Counseling, Human Resource Management, Music, Psychology, and Women's Ministry. OVU has a total enrollment of 300 every year who makes up the students clubs within the university like Phi Beta Lambda, Timothy Club, and Psi Chi. The university offers many scholarships through its Pick 2 Scholarship Program which includes Congregational Match Scholarship, Alumni Legacy Scholarship, Mid-Ohio Valley Grant, Performing Arts Awards, and Club Captain.

Fairmont State University

With multiple regional campuses across the state, Fairmont State University (FSU)is a public university located on its main campus in Fairmont, West Virginia which is known as “The Friendly City.” It is the first private normal school in the state that was established in 1865 as the West Virginia Normal School.  Nearly 4,000 students may choose from more than 90 fields of study available in the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels as accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. FSU houses 6 colleges and schools namely the College of Liberal Arts, College of Science & Technology, School of Business & Aviation, School of Education, Health & Human Performance, School of Nursing, and Graduate Studies. Qualified students also have the option to enroll in the Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree Program and in the Honors Program, while high school students may enroll in the Dual Enrollment Program through the Falcon FastTrack program where they can receive credit courses for high school and college. The university also offers career services such as Job & Internship Placements, Professional Spotlight Workshop Series, Interview Techniques, and Resume Building & Cover Letter Curation.

Concord University

Founded in 1872 as a state Normal School that prepares teachers in providing quality education, Concord University (CU) is a public university situated in Athens, West Virginia. It is recognized as the best regional public institution of higher education in the South.  With more than 1,800 students yearly, CU offers nearly 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of education, social work, health, business, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. With 100% online degree programs, the university offers online classes on select programs as well as accelerated on-campus degree programs. The university, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, grants associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across three colleges namely College of Professional and Liberal Studies, College of Science, Mathematics, and Health, and College of Graduate Studies. International students are also welcome to learn, explore, and grow their knowledge base at CU which is home to more than 100 students from 24 countries.

Additional College Research

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