How to Get Cheaper College Tuition in West Virginia

College tuition is often one of the most debt bearing things we can undertake. Of course you can look into grants and scholarships and the dreaded student loans. But West Virginia holds a little know secret to cheaper tuition.

What matters in the world is how well you do academically not so much where you graduate from. But it is possible to obtain a degree at a more prestigious college after spending your first few years elsewhere. This well kept secret can have you paying as little as $4.539 a year towards an Associates degree. Expect to a pay a little more towards a Bachelors it will run you around $5,569 a year.

These prices reflected are for West Virginia residents, non residents can expect to pay a bit more. Though it will still be a savings per year of around $4,000 for non residents compared to other colleges.

You would be hard pressed to be a fellow mountaineer and not know about West Virginia University (WVU). Yet you may never have heard of Potomac State College of West Virginia University. A little know secret for cheaper college tuition.

Potomac State College is a two year residential division of West Virginia University. If you choose to attend Potomac state you'll gain the prestige of a large university. All while enjoying the friendliness and comfort of a smaller campus.

You have the option to enroll in a two year transfer program or the two year fast track program. A two year fast track will prepare you to enter a career sooner. Something to keep in mind depending on the field you are interested in.

In state tuition costs at WVU for residents average around $8,856 a year while well below the national average you can save more. Cutting the costs almost in half by attending Potomac State College.

Perhaps you have your eye on becoming a doctor or lawyer or many other higher profile career options. Numerous Colleges offer a scope of full-time pre-degree courses. Intended to assist you with expanding on your current academic abilities. In order to distinguish your specific territory of intrigue and build up aptitudes. Giving you experience and expanding portfolios of work expected to apply for further courses such as those relating to law or medical fields.

Pre-degree Courses Available

• Pre-Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics
• Pre-Dentistry
• Pre-Forensic and Investigative Science
• Pre-Law
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Nursing
• Pre-Occupational Therapy
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Pre-Social Work
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine

In addition to preparing you for many of the specific fields listed there is a two-year Child Development and Family Studies option as well.

Physical Education and Teaching Degrees

Looking to further your education to educate today's youth? There are many degrees with cheap tuition to suit your needs. If you are interested a physical education degree for other careers. Potomac State College has many suitable courses to offer.

Physical Education and Teaching Courses

• Physical Education (Coaching and Performance Science)
• Physical Education (Sport Management Emphasis)
• Physical Education (Teacher Emphasis)
• Exercise Physiology
• Elementary Education
• English

If your interests for higher education are within the agricultural field. Potomac State College offers many two year programs to fit your needs.

Agricultural Two Year Programs

• Resource Management
• Agribusiness Management
• Agriculture and Extension Education
• Animal Science
• General Agriculture
• Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship (AAS)
• Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
• Wood Science and Technology
• Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources
• Horticulture

Well we know that Potomac State is a much more cost effective place to attend college. But what do they offer? They offer both two year and 4 year programs.
Those interested in two-year programs these additional courses of study to choose from.

Further Available Two Year Programs

• Advertising and Public Relations
• Aerospace Engineering
• Biology
• Biometric Systems Engineering
• Business Administration
• Business Technology (AAS)
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Communication Studies
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Information Systems (AAS)
• Criminal Justice Studies (AA/AAS)
• Criminology
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• General Studies
• General Technical Studies
• Health Sciences
• History
• Industrial Engineering
• Journalism
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Multidisciplinary Studies
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Secondary Education
• Sociology

A two year degree is not for everyone careful consideration will help you plan a better future. It is possible to complete a two-year degree and move on to start your career. But many students move on from the two-year programs to other campuses and finish their studies. Graduate with a Bachelors degree or Masters.

If you are interested in a career path that would require a bachelor's degree or graduate degree you need to look toward a four year program.
Potomac State College also offers several four year academic paths. Tuition costs run well below the national average for tuition, even for non West Virginia residents.

Potomac State Four Year Programs Include

• Business Management (BAS)
• Computer Information Systems (BAS)
• Criminal Justice (BAS)
• Criminal Justice (BAS) Online
• Nursing (BSN)
• Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA)
• Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship (BAS)

With the affordable tuition rates at Potomac State College higher education is an easy pursuit. Even those who think 'college is too expensive' can benefit from the cheaper tuition costs.

The low tuition costs can easily be managed and paid for by people who are working minimum wage jobs. Saving up towards a cheaper college tuition means no student loans.

With the cheaper tuition rates offered financial aid, grants and scholarships can potentially pay for everything. Leaving no or very little out of pocket costs for the student, or their family.

Potomac State College excels at providing a quality education with affordable tuition costs. In addition to low cost tuition they also offer a Federal Work Study program for students. Student can help support themselves with a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week) on or off campus. This program not only provides cash but worthwhile hands on experience. Both inside and outside their respective fields of interest.

If campus college life is not for you Potomac State College offers online courses as well. The tuition costs may vary for the online courses. But online coursework is better suited to the lifestyle, or work schedule of some people.
If you find yourself in a hurry to finish your degree and start your career. Among the online courses is an accelerated Criminal Justice Bachelors of Applied Sciences (B.A.S.) Depending on how motivated you are. If you apply yourself to your academic career you can complete this degree in as little as 18 months.

Online General Education Courses

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Math
• English
• Psychology

College education can be an affordable venture. Even for non residents of West Virginia Potomac State offers tuition costs well below the national average.
Not only is tuition cheaper smaller campus attendance provides a cozier atmosphere. Keyser, West Virginia is located in Mineral County. An area full of beautiful views you will not likely find anywhere else.

Many people do not consider pursuing a college degree because of the high costs of tuition. But many options do exist that are less expensive while still being accredited.

I spent many years in high level management positions. I recall vividly early on in my management career meeting with the VP of operations. We had a short discussion and his words of advice still resonate today.

'Get a degree, any degree if you want to continue to move up the ladder'. 'You do exceptional work and exceed expectations. But if you and someone else apply for the same position. Whoever has a college degree or some certification would be chosen.

Don't let the thought that education costs are too high get in the way of pursuing a career you are passionate about. Getting a degree can be cheaper if you look into colleges with lower tuition costs.