collageWest Virginia Northern Community College
Prospective students who live in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle should consider West Virginia Northern Community College for an associate degree or certificate. Programs at WVNCC include tracks in business, liberal arts, and education and human services.
Each program of study features multiple degree and certificate options, with healthcare learners able to choose from four certificates and four degrees. Additionally, the school website features informational articles that describe how each program can influence a graduate’s career path.
This West Virginia community college hosts many extracurricular activities, such as the Student Government Association, intramural sports, and a chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Popular clubs include the Bible Club and the Petroleum Technology Club.
In addition to high school graduates and individuals with GED scores, homeschooled students may also apply to WVNCC. Some programs with limited enrollment use additional application requirements to select the most qualified degree-seekers. Incoming learners who possess a high school diploma can apply for WVNCC’s Foundation Scholarships.
New River Community and Technical College
A relatively new community college in West Virginia, New River Community and Technical College offers 15 associate degrees as well as certificate programs. Students can choose from a diverse selection of majors, including business administration, computer science – application specialist, and criminal justice – law enforcement.
New River CTC also helps community members prepare for new careers by offering continuing education programs.
A host of resources at New River CTC help learners succeed academically and translate a degree or certificate into a fulfilling career. The Student Success Center provides one-on-one tutoring services. Highly trained career counselors help degree-seekers and alumni explore careers and craft a resume. Also, local employers routinely post new jobs on the New River CTC website.
All incoming learners submit ACT or SAT scores and FAFSA results. The college requires an online new student orientation as well. Financial aid opportunities at New River CTC include the Presidential Scholarship, which awards funding to in-state students with a high school diploma.
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
With two campuses in the Charleston area, BridgeValley Community and Technical College offers approximately 2,000 students more than three dozen associate degree and certificate programs.
Popular associate degrees at this West Virginia community college include computer science technology, early childhood education, and marketing. The college recommends that degree-seekers who are planning to transfer to a bachelor’s degree completion program choose to major in general education.
Besides earning a certificate or degree, students at BridgeValley can enroll in one of the school’s many workforce and economic development programs. These programs, available in subjects such as pipefitting, pharmacy, and phlebotomy, instill in-demand skills that prepare learners for entry-level positions. BridgeValley also partners with local companies and organizations to design and implement workforce training programs.
Like all West Virginia community colleges on this ranking, BridgeValley has an open-door admissions policy, meaning that any prospective students with a high school diploma or GED scores can attend. Incoming degree-seekers without ACT or SAT scores take the ACCUPLACER exam.
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