West Virginia University raises tuition by nearly 5% and cuts programs

West Virginia University is taking steps to address enrollment declines and a budget deficit by increasing tuition by nearly 5% per semester and discontinuing several bachelor's degree programs at its divisional campuses. The university's board of governors recently voted to cut majors such as chemistry, math, and aviation management at West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Beckley, as well as programs in recreation, parks, and tourism resources and wood science and technology at WVU Potomac State College in Keyser. In contrast, a new mine safety practices and health undergraduate certificate program was approved for the engineering school at the main WVU campus in Morgantown. The tuition hike will see undergraduate in-state tuition rise to $5,052 per semester, with out-of-state undergraduates facing a tuition increase to $14,304. Graduate students will also experience tuition increases, with in-state rates going up to $5,706 and out-of-state rates to $14,769 per semester. These changes come after the board approved a nearly 3% tuition increase for both in-state and out-of-state students last year. Despite the financial challenges, the university noted that student financial support will also see growth in proportion to the tuition adjustments. West Virginia University had previously made significant reductions to academic programs and faculty positions to address a $45 million budget shortfall. These cuts included eliminating one-third of the education department faculty and the entire world language department. The university has been financially strained due to a 10% drop in enrollment since 2015, revenue losses during the pandemic, and increasing debt from new building projects. University officials stated that the combination of cuts, tuition increases, and other changes has helped stabilize the institution's financial position, with no faculty positions being cut due to the elimination of degree programs at certain campuses. Chief Financial Officer Paula Congelio highlighted that half of all in-state graduates this year graduated with zero debt, indicating some positive outcomes amidst the financial challenges facing West Virginia University.