West Virginia offers four ABSN programs, but they split into two clear paths: fast, low-cost in-person programs (West Liberty, WVU, Wheeling) and a slower, hybrid option built for working adults (Davis & Elkins).
Quick Comparison: West Virginia ABSN Programs
The table below highlights the key differences in cost, duration, and admissions requirements across all four programs.
| School | Location | Estimated Cost | Duration | GPA Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
West Liberty | $22K (in-state) | 16 months | 3.0 cumulative; C or better per prereq science | |
Morgantown & Bridgeport | $36K | 20 months | 3.0 cumulative, institutional, and prereq GPA; C- or better per prereq | |
Wheeling | $37K | 18 months | 3.0 cumulative; C or better per prereq science; TEAS 68%+ | |
Elkins | $120K | 3 years | Not published — confirm with Division of Nursing |
TLDR: How to Choose
- Choose West Liberty University if you want the lowest-cost and shortest ABSN option in West Virginia.
- Choose West Virginia University if you want a public flagship option with Morgantown and Bridgeport campus choices.
- Choose Wheeling University if you want a private, on-campus ABSN with a clear TEAS requirement.
- Choose Davis & Elkins College if you need a hybrid format and are willing to pay more for added flexibility.
How to Choose the Right ABSN Program
The main choice is not just school name. It is cost, speed, format, and admissions fit.
- If cost matters most: West Liberty is the clear first look.
- If you want a public university brand: WVU is the strongest fit.
- If you want a private on-campus option: Wheeling is worth comparing.
- If you need hybrid flexibility: Davis & Elkins is the only real option, but it comes at a much higher cost.
Program Length and Format
West Liberty has the shortest timeline at 16 months. Wheeling follows closely at 18 months. WVU runs about 20 months, while Davis & Elkins stretches to 3 years.
| School | Duration | Format | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
West Liberty University | 16 months | In person | 4 semesters |
Wheeling University | 18 months | In person | 4 semesters |
West Virginia University | ~20 months | In person | 5 semesters |
Davis & Elkins College | 3 years | Hybrid | 9 semesters |
Most Affordable ABSN Programs in West Virginia
West Liberty University is the lowest-cost option at about $22,072 for in-state students. WVU and Wheeling sit in the middle range at about $35,000–$37,000.
Davis & Elkins is the outlier at about $120,000. That price may only make sense for students who need the hybrid structure and cannot attend a faster full-time campus program.
Admissions and Prerequisite Differences
All four programs require core science coursework such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. Most also require psychology coursework.
The biggest admissions differences are:
- Wheeling requires TEAS: applicants need a 68% or higher.
- West Liberty does not list a TEAS requirement: this may appeal to students who want to avoid standardized testing.
- WVU uses multiple GPA measures: cumulative, institutional, and prerequisite GPA all matter.
- Davis & Elkins is more flexibility-focused: its hybrid model may fit students who need more time to complete the degree.
Start Dates and Application Timing
None of the four West Virginia ABSN programs appear to offer rolling admissions with multiple annual starts. This makes deadline planning important.
| School | Start Date | Admissions Style |
|---|---|---|
West Liberty University | Fall | Fixed cycle; priority deadline February 1 |
West Virginia University | January | Fixed cycle; July 1 application deadline |
Wheeling University | May | Fixed cycle; early application recommended |
Davis & Elkins College | Fall | Fixed cycle |
Clinical Training in West Virginia ABSN Programs
Clinical training is built throughout each program, not saved only for the final term.
Davis & Elkins publishes the most detailed clinical network, including named healthcare facilities and final preceptorship sites. WVU connects students with WVU Medicine and regional systems, while West Liberty and Wheeling use local hospital and healthcare agency partnerships.
Simulation is also part of the experience. WVU uses the WV STEPS Center in Morgantown, and Davis & Elkins has an on-campus SIM Center for skills and simulation training.
What to Know Before Applying
- West Virginia ABSN programs vary sharply in cost, from about $22K to $120K.
- Most options are fully in person; Davis & Elkins is the main hybrid pathway.
- All four programs use fixed admissions cycles, so missing a deadline can delay enrollment.
- Wheeling is the only program in this group with a clearly stated TEAS requirement.
- Applicants should confirm clinical hour totals directly, since most schools do not publish exact totals.
West Virginia ABSN Program Summaries
Davis & Elkins College ABSN Program
Elkins | $120,000 | 3 years
Davis & Elkins College offers the most flexible but most expensive pathway in this group. Its hybrid accelerated BSN takes 3 years and costs about $120,000.
- Best for working adults, CNAs, single parents, or students who need a slower hybrid format.
- 65% of nursing coursework is delivered online.
- 35% of training is completed through clinicals, simulation, and skills labs.
- Longest timeline among West Virginia ABSN options.
- Publishes the clearest clinical partner network among the four schools.
West Liberty University ABSN Program
West Liberty | $22,072 | 16 months
West Liberty University offers the fastest and lowest-cost ABSN option in West Virginia. The program takes 16 months, runs in person, and costs about $22,072 for in-state students.
- Best for students who want the lowest total cost.
- Fully in-person format across four consecutive semesters.
- No TEAS requirement listed.
- Priority application deadline is February 1.
- Reported 100% first-time NCLEX pass rates in 2024, 2022, and 2021.
West Virginia University ABSN Program
Morgantown, Bridgeport | $35,100 | 18 months
West Virginia University offers a public flagship ABSN pathway across Morgantown and Bridgeport. The program takes about 20 months and costs roughly $35,000–$36,000 for in-state students.
- Best for students who want a public university option with two campus choices.
- Spring start with a fixed admissions cycle.
- Requires a 3.0 cumulative, institutional, and prerequisite GPA.
- Clinical learning connects to WVU Medicine and regional health systems.
- Morgantown students have access to the WV STEPS simulation center.
Wheeling University ABSN Program
Wheeling | $36,000 | 18 Months
Wheeling University offers an 18-month, fully on-campus ABSN for second-degree students. Its pricing is close to WVU, but it uses a private university model and includes a TEAS requirement.
- Best for students who want a private, campus-based ABSN.
- Flat cost around $36,000–$37,000.
- Requires TEAS score of 68% or higher.
- Begins in May and finishes the following December.
- Includes clinical work throughout the program sequence.