15 BEST VALUE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN WEST VIRGINIA

Concord University is the #1 cheap college in West Virginia - a distinction that it has worked hard to maintain, despite the competition from other universities in this extraordinarily affordable state. Concord's low cost and reputable academics also make it one of the most popular schools around, as evidenced by its 38% acceptance rate. The Princeton Review has even named it one of the Best Southeastern Colleges, while U.S. News ranked it the top public institution in West Virginia! Considering its low student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, admirable accessibility (which includes numerous online and hybrid courses), and competitive academic credentials (accreditations include CSWE, HLC, NCATE, and CAATE), it's pretty clear that Concord more than meets the standards for "best value" classification.

Located in the diminutive town of Mt. Hope, West Virginia, Appalachian Bible College offers a quiet, intimate college experience. The 150-acre campus houses a mere 300 students, ensuring that ABC learners enjoy plenty of space, personal attention, and access to professors. There are only a few academic programs available at this West Virginia college, almost all of which focus on religious vocations. But if you're dedicated to a career of spiritual service, ABC is one of the best universities in West Virginia that you could find. Study Music Ministry, Bible & Theology, or even Camping Ministry, all while enjoying the school's exceptional 63% graduation rate and nearly $200,000 net ROI. And who says you can't make money doing what you love?

Bluefield State College secures the #3 spot on this ranking because of both its selectivity (which stands at 38% acceptance, the second lowest in the state) and rock-bottom tuition (which is also one of the lowest in West Virginia). And with core values like Diversity, Excellence, and Community, there's plenty more to love about Bluefield State. The college's five academic divisions collectively offer degree programs like Criminal Justice Administration, Health Management, Civil Engineering, and Elementary Education - all great choices that will give you great career prospects after graduation. BSC also has plenty of unique support programs for students who need academic help, including "Smarthinking," a 24/7 online tutoring service.

Right away, it's easy to see why the West Virginia Institute of Technology deserves a spot on this list. First and foremost, it is the best college in West Virginia for securing your long-term financial success - at least, that's what its more than $530K 20-year net ROI suggests! And it's no surprise - with popular academic programs like Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, and Forensic Investigation, WVU Tech is overflowing with opportunities to get involved in some of the country's most in-demand career fields. The university's student clubs will give you just as many chances to build your repertoire of skills, from the Automotive Club to the Tech Media Crew.

Of all the affordable colleges in West Virginia, WVU is without a doubt one of the best investments. Not only is its annual tuition attractively affordable, but it also touts a 20-year net ROI of almost $375K! It's hard to find a school that will give you so much for so little. WVU is also one of the most innovative universities around; faculty members are currently leading some of the country's most groundbreaking projects, including work in renewable energy, neuroscience, and the digitization of healthcare. This passion tends to rub off on students at this cheap college in West Virginia, which claims an astounding 24 Rhodes Scholars, 40 Goldwater Scholars, and 22 Truman Scholars.

Alderson Broaddus University was born out of the merger of two private colleges in West Virginia - Alderson Academy and Broaddus University. Both schools supported a strong liberal arts curriculum and rich religious background, and a united ABU has continued to carry these values over the past nearly 100 years. All students complete a "liberal studies" program, regardless of their major. The idea is for all ABU learners to acquire a solid foundation in the liberal arts as well as solidify important skills before they narrow their focus to a single subject. It's also worth mentioning that the school's 43% acceptance rate puts it among the five best West Virginia colleges for selectivity, and its low cost only makes it more attractive to applicants!

Marshall University is a place for students with "enormous potential" and big dreams. Even if you don't know what you want to do with your life, this affordable West Virginia university can give you the guidance you need to have a successful career. What's more, Payscale.com reports that MU boasts an average 20-year net ROI of more than $180,000 - one of the highest in the state. And Marshall's list of undergraduate degrees is so long, students will be hard pressed not to find a subject to which they're willing to dedicate their lives. Some of the more unique options include Cytotechnology, Environmental Geoscience, Medical Imaging, Worksite Wellness, and Printmaking.

Located in the friendly city of Fairmont, this West Virginia university of 4,200 students is just as welcoming and sociable as its home town. The 120-acre campus is ideally situated in one of the region's burgeoning tech corridors, and the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center is just a short drive away. Fittingly, Aviation Technology is one of the majors at Fairmont State! Other high-tech degree programs include Architectural Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Graphics Technology, and National Security and Intelligence. If you're interested in one of these programs, you'll also be happy to know that this affordable university in West Virginia recently opened a state-of-the-art Engineering Technology program - but you'll still enjoy the same old low tuition rates!

West Virginia State University is a diverse, accessible school that prides itself on the ability to reach a wide range of learners. A historically black college in West Virginia, WVSU has earned a reputation as a top choice for nontraditional learners, including working adults, high school students, commuters, and students from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The cheap West Virginia college is made all the more accessible by its laudably low tuition, although its affordability doesn't translate to open admission. Actually, WVSU maintains an acceptance rate of just 41% - one of the most selective in the region!

At the heart of this "Christ-centered academic community" is a simple mission: to make a difference in the lives of students so that they might make a difference in the lives of others. Even a quick glance at OVU's list of majors will convince you that this heartfelt mission is embedded deep within its academic curriculum: programs in Wellness, Elementary Education (with numerous concentrations in Special Education), Criminal Justice, and Psychology will uniquely prepare you to offer a helping hand through your chosen profession. OVU is also one of the best universities in West Virginia for students who plan to adopt religious vocations. The School of Biblical Studies offers majors and minors that cover Christian Counseling, Christian Service for Women, and Youth and Family Ministry, among others.