Beckley, WV (WOAY) – New data shows that WVU Tech is the most affordable four-year university in southern West Virginia. The school is putting more than $4.3 million in scholarships and financial aid toward students this academic year, a 14% increase over last year. Sixty percent of merit-based aid for West Virginia students goes directly to students in Fayette and Raleigh counties.
West Virginia University Institute of Technology President T. Ramon Stuart says the school’s mission is personal.
“Being a native of southern West Virginia from the free state of McDowell County, I’ve always understood the transformative impact that higher education could have,” Stuart said. “And what I want to do is make sure that young people throughout southern West Virginia have the opportunity to get accessible, quality higher education that is affordable.”
Stuart points to a Wyoming County student pursuing a chemical engineering degree as an example. After scholarships and aid were applied, the student’s family’s annual out-of-pocket tuition was reduced to roughly $980.
“When this person walks across the stage, this person will not only transform his life, [he] will transform the life of his family, but transform things for generations,” Stuart said.
According to a 2026 economic impact study, WVU Tech supports 849 jobs in the region, contributes $94.4 million to the state economy, and pays $6.1 million in state and local taxes.
Stuart says affordability and outcomes go hand in hand at WVU Tech.
“We have the number one return on investment of any other four-year school in this state,” he said. “That’s because we couple that affordable education with high in-demand degrees that allow students to excel. Affordability should be at the center of making educational decisions … and ultimately, you can start here and go anywhere.”
Scholarship resources for new and transfer students are available at wvutech.edu.
