16 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, West Virginia
|
$3,613 | $4,420 | 30.6% | |
| 2 |
Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Keyser, West Virginia
|
$7,403 | $5,040 | 26.0% | |
| 3 |
Marshall University
Huntington, West Virginia
|
$8,327 | $8,942 | 48.7% | 96.9% |
| 4 |
Fairmont State University
Fairmont, West Virginia
|
$9,055 | $8,454 | 48.3% | 98.5% |
| 5 |
American Public University System
Charles Town, West Virginia
|
$9,104 | $8,400 | 53.2% | |
| 6 |
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, West Virginia
|
$9,957 | $8,064 | 36.1% | 64.6% |
| 7 |
West Virginia State University
Institute, West Virginia
|
$10,191 | $9,049 | 33.5% | 96.2% |
| 8 |
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
|
$12,391 | $8,642 | 49.5% | 95.9% |
| 9 |
Bluefield State University
Bluefield, West Virginia
|
$12,529 | $10,240 | 34.6% | 97.2% |
| 10 |
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
|
$12,997 | $9,648 | 61.2% | 88.4% |
| 11 |
Salem University
Salem, West Virginia
|
$14,469 | $10,750 | 27.3% | |
| 12 |
West Liberty University
West Liberty, West Virginia
|
$16,295 | $8,732 | 60.6% | 74.1% |
| 13 |
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, West Virginia
|
$18,148 | $33,494 | 49.5% | 96.4% |
| 14 |
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
|
$19,040 | $29,475 | 32.0% | 72.7% |
| 15 |
Davis & Elkins College
Elkins, West Virginia
|
$19,428 | $31,270 | 36.6% | 75.3% |
| 16 |
University of Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia
|
$22,012 | $32,842 | 46.3% | 67.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes West Virginia nursing programs so affordable compared to other states?
Public institutions receive substantial state funding, keeping costs low for residents. West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers the lowest net price at $3,613, while even mid-range options like Marshall University cost just $8,327. The PROMISE Scholarship covers full tuition for qualifying students, and the state's overall low cost of living reduces housing and living expenses. Ten of the twelve most affordable programs operate within the public university system.
How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable nursing schools?
Graduation rates range dramatically from 26% at Potomac State College to 61.2% at West Virginia University's main campus. Most affordable public institutions maintain graduation rates between 30-50%, with Marshall University and Fairmont State both achieving nearly 49%. American Public University System, despite being private for-profit, reports a 53.2% graduation rate at a competitive $9,104 net price. Schools with rates below 35% typically serve more non-traditional and part-time students.
Is the salary potential worth attending a more expensive nursing program in West Virginia?
Not necessarily, as some of the cheapest schools produce the highest-earning graduates. Fairmont State University costs just $9,055 but graduates earn $63,855 median salary, the highest in the state. Conversely, Bluefield State at $12,529 shows median earnings of only $48,041. American Public University System graduates earn $63,005 while paying just $9,104, demonstrating that program quality and employer recognition matter more than tuition price.
Where do most West Virginia nursing graduates find employment opportunities?
Rural healthcare systems, regional medical centers, and the state's energy sector provide primary employment for nursing graduates. West Virginia's healthcare infrastructure includes major employers like Charleston Area Medical Center and West Virginia University Medicine. The state's aging population creates consistent demand for all nursing specialties, particularly in administration and research roles. Energy companies also hire occupational health nurses, while the low cost of living makes nursing salaries competitive with metropolitan areas.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.