WVU Parkersburg’s Tuition Cited For Second Year

For the second year in a row, West Virginia University at Parkersburg is being recognized for having the second most affordable baccalaureate tuition in the country.

In The Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual survey of college costs, WVU Parkersburg’s tuition for its baccalaureate programs is the second lowest of all four-year colleges in the United States and the lowest of all public Baccalaureate/Associate’s institutions.

College officials believe the affordable tuition played a factor in WVU Parkersburg’s increase in enrollment this fall.

"Not only do we offer the second lowest baccalaureate tuition in the country, our community college tuition is the lowest in West Virginia," Erik Bitterbaum, WVU Parkersburg president, noted.

The number of students transferring to the Parkersburg campus increased by almost 20% from fall 2000 to fall 2001. In addition, WVU Parkersburg’s freshman class increased in size by 12%.

"Certainly the current economic conditions have had an impact on our enrollment increasing but we also believe that the array of academic and career programs we offer is attracting more students to our college," Bitterbaum said.

He noted that the college’s low tuition requires the institution to be efficient in delivery of its programs since its budget is based on enrollment and tuition levels.

"Being relatively new to the college, I continue to be impressed by the faculty and staff’s devotion to educating men and women," Bitterbaum added. "It is such a bargain to receive a quality education at our current rate of tuition."

Overall, headcount enrollment increased by 3% for the fall semester at WVU Parkersburg. There are 3,377 students attending classes on the Parkersburg campus and at the institution’s Jackson County Center in Ripley.

WVU Parkersburg’s community college tuition is $718.20 a semester for in-state residents. Its baccalaureate tuition is $958.80 per semester. The Chronicle of Higher Education listed the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao as having the country’s lowest tuition.

112601

Home

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
Director, Communications and Public Relations
WVU Parkersburg
(304-424-8203)