WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 19, 2016 — For the coming school year, West Liberty University students will have far fewer fees to worry about, making financial planning simpler for everyone. The majority of students will see a five percent increase to tuition, since this is the increase for resident students in most majors. 
“Prior to making any increases to our tuition this year, West Liberty University met with parents, students and other stakeholders, held focus groups and found that by eliminating several student fees and incorporating these fees into the tuition structure, we would benefit our students and their families. By rearranging the fees our tuition number is now more inclusive. This is important to our students as they plan and budget for college,” said Dr. Stephen Greiner, president. “We have increased our transparency. But because we have moved some fees into the tuition number, our tuition increase for next year may appear larger than it is for some programs. Be assured that we only did this after careful thought and planning.
For example, WLU has eliminated several lab fees, program fees, internship fees and student teaching fees charged to students. These former fees are now included within the tuition figure. Thus, the tuition increase varies from the low of 1.9 percent in dental hygiene programs to 13 percent in the formerly heavily discounted RN to BSN program.
“Our tuition remains very low and competitive compared to our state peers. Even with fees included, we will have one of the lowest In State tuition rates in West Virginia,” Greiner said.
“We want to deliver the best education product we can in the most efficient way possible and I assure our students that this new fee structure will help us to do just that,” Greiner noted. “We believe it is the right thing to do and our students seem to agree with this move.”
“I commend West Liberty University for their efforts to make the cost of college more transparent and streamlined. The institution has cleaned up and consolidated fees by rolling them into their tuition price. This strategy provides a straightforward cost of attendance to aid students and families in their financial planning, “ said Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
For complete information, please contact Financial Aid Office at 304.336.8016.