WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., June 4, 2015 — West Liberty University’s tuition and fee increase for 2015 – 2016 reflects a 4.5 percent increase and is the second lowest among four-year public institutions in the state, according to Interim President John P. McCullough, who recently bartered for a 12-percent decrease in pay for himself for the next fiscal year.
“We are working hard to keep overall costs down in order to maintain the affordability of a West Liberty University degree,” McCullough said. “Because of the concern for college affordability, I have requested a reduction in my salary for the upcoming fiscal year. With the cost of higher education being a major concern of our students and their families, I want to assure them that we’re doing everything in our power to keep college affordable here on the Hilltop, while maintaining our outstanding quality.”
When calculated on a semester basis, WLU’s tuition increase amounts to approximately $145 for in-state students. On a percentage basis, West Liberty’s increase would be less than one-half of the 10 percent increase proposed by West Virginia University.
WLU’s percentage increase also is less than at least five other four-year public institutions.
“West Liberty’s proposed tuition increases in its business, graphic design, broadcast journalism, nursing, dental hygiene, biology and chemistry programs are even less than the overall 4.5 percent,” noted McCullough.
There will be no increase in the University’s Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration degree program at all. This degree is geared toward adult learners and is housed in the School of Professional Studies at WLU’s Highlands Center campus.
Housing and other costs haven’t changed much either, according to Dean of Enrollment Services Scott Cook.
“The room charge hasn’t increased at all for the upcoming year. Meal plans have increased $60 per semester and the cable Internet fee has gone up $20 per semester. We want to keep campus living affordable,” Cook said.
The standard tuition for a full year in 2015 – 2016 will be $6,700 for in-state students and room and board will be $8,810 for a full year.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five colleges and a School of Professional Studies offer more than 60 majors and 30 programs that are nationally recognized or accredited. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and the Master of Professional Studies degrees.
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.