Online and On-Campus Colleges in WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia University is not only one of the top universities in West Virginia, but it is also the largest. It enrolls more than 31,000 students across three campuses. In addition to its main campus in Morgantown, the West Virginia University System includes WVU Tech in Beckley and Potomac State College in Keyser.

In Morgantown, West Virginia University has 14 colleges and schools that offer more than 340 majors. In addition to liberal arts fields, students can pursue professional degrees in the areas of law, dentistry, medicine and pharmacy. For those seeking online colleges, WVU also offers hundreds of online courses.

Affordable tuition, experienced teachers and hundreds of student organizations and clubs also are what help make WVU one of the best colleges in West Virginia.

At Wheeling Jesuit University, the values of leadership and service are embraced. The Catholic college was founded in 1954, making it the youngest of the nation's Jesuit institutions.

WJU may be an ideal school for students seeking universities in West Virginia that offer a small learning environment. With only 1,385 students enrolled, the university features small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio. There are dozens of degree programs available, including certificates, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and a doctoral program. A number of institutional grant and scholarship programs are available to reduce costs for students.

Students can also find plenty to love in the City of Wheeling, a small community that notes it was the first gateway to the west. Today, it offers arts, adventure and good food to those enrolled at Wheeling Jesuit University.

As another of the top schools in West Virginia, Marshall University says it offers students more than a degree. The institution notes it provides inspiration to changes lives. While that isn't something that can be measured by any analysis, we can vouch for Marshall's strong retention rate which means students must like the school enough to return year after year.

Founded in 1837, Marshall University is a historic institution. It was named for John Marshall, who was the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The accredited school enrolls more than 13,500 students today and offers academic options that range from associate degrees to professional degrees. It has 13 colleges and schools.

On its campus in Huntington, Marshall hosts more than 200 registered student organizations, and students have access to more than 250 study abroad sites.

Another of the top colleges in West Virginia can be found in Buckhannon. That's where West Virginia Wesleyan College is located.

Established in 1890, West Virginia Wesleyan College is a liberal arts institution that invites students to call it their home. The college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and offers a Christian education. Upon graduation, students should be prepared to think critically, communicate effectively and act responsibly if the school has met its mission.

Nearly 1,500 students at enrolled at West Virginia Wesleyan College. The school has a low student-faculty ratio and small class sizes. Of its dozens of majors, popular options include education, nursing and exercise science. About 95 percent of undergrads receive financial assistance.

If you're looking for West Virginia universities with affordable tuition, give Concord University a closer look. The university gets high marks for its low net price, which is the cost after financial aid is factored.

Concord University is a public institution that was founded in 1871. Its accredited programs are contained in three colleges: the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Natural Science, Mathematics and Health; and the College of Professional Studies. Academic programs at Concord result in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online courses are also available.

A low student-faculty ratio helps the school provide personalized attention to students. Among West Virginia schools, it is also notable for having policies that make it a good choice for veterans. Its campus is in Athens.

There are many reasons to consider the University of Charleston one of the best schools in West Virginia. It features a small size, rigorous academics and an environment welcoming to innovation.

UC enrolls nearly 2,500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It has a First-Year Experience program to help freshman succeed, and 90 percent of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of earning their degree. What's more the University of Charleston is considered a military-friendly school for service members who want to complete their education.

While established as Barboursville Seminary in 1888, UC now focuses on providing an education in the liberal arts tradition. In addition to its campus-based programs in Charleston, the school offers a number of online degree programs as well.

Fairmont State University was originally established as a private teacher's college in 1865. It is now a public university that is large enough to offer diverse education opportunities while small enough to provide a personalized learning environment.

FSU has eight colleges and schools as well as a distance education catalog that includes numerous online courses. As one of the top West Virginia universities, Fairmont State works to make its degree programs accessible to adult learners as well as traditional students. In addition to online classes, night and weekend courses are also available to meet the needs of those who may work during the day.

More than 4,000 students are enrolled at Fairmont State University, and nearly three-quarters of them receive financial assistance.

Shepherd University is another of the top colleges in West Virginia. Among other things, the school has a strong graduation rate and provides an affordable education that helps minimize the need for student loans.

Although located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the university is only 90 minutes from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. It draws a significant percentage of its student body from these areas as well as Pennsylvania and Virginia. Overall, there are more than 3,500 students enrolled in Shepherd.

Founded in 1871, Shepherd University is a public institution. It has dozens of degree programs although its most popular options include recreation and sport studies, nursing education and business administration. The university also features small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio.

Founded in 1837, a quarter of a century before the state was even admitted to the Union, West Liberty University produces some of the highest student success numbers in the state. It has strong retention and graduation rates while also providing generous financial aid to keep student costs affordable. More than 90 percent of those enrolled receive financial assistance.

It's the oldest of the West Virginia schools, but WLU says it is a forward-thinking institution. It strives to provide access to high quality academic programs while also encouraging excellence in all aspects of life.

There are six colleges and schools within West Liberty University. The school's more than 2,000 students get access to small class sizes and a personalized learning environment at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

As the only public college in the center of the state, some call Glenville State College the "Lighthouse on the Hill." As one the best West Virginia colleges, it offers small class sizes and an array of student support services.

GSC was established in 1872 to train future teachers, and education degrees continue to be a major focus at the school. However, it has also expanded to offer more than two dozen academic options. These include certificates, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in addition to teacher education programs.

More than 1,500 students are enrolled at Glenville State College. They can participate in more than 40 student organizations and a dozen Division II athletic teams. There is also a High Adventure program that lets students enjoy the area's outdoor recreation to the fullest.