Bethany College Launches Tuition-Covered Program for Eligible West Virginia Students

BETHANY, W.Va. — Rooted in West Virginia. Invested in You.  

Bethany College is proud to introduce a groundbreaking financial aid initiative—the West Virginia Tuition-Covered Program—demonstrating the College’s commitment to serving and making higher education accessible for students in the Mountain State. Beginning in Fall 2026, eligible in-state first-time, full-time residential students will have their full tuition covered, allowing them to pursue a private liberal arts education close to home, without the burden of tuition costs. 

Through the West Virginia Tuition-Covered Program*, in-state students whose Student Aid Index (SAI) is $60,000 or less will receive tuition coverage through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid. The SAI, a number calculated from a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), helps to determine a family’s financial need. Students will only be responsible for room and board. To qualify, applicants must be West Virginia residents enrolling as first-time, full-time residential students, apply and be accepted by Dec. 1, 2025, and submit the FAFSA listing Bethany College (School Code: 003808).  

Bethany College recognizes the financial challenges many students and families in West Virginia face. With this initiative, the College reaffirms its mission to make higher education attainable for every qualified student, removing costs as a barrier to a high-quality private liberal arts education. 

By focusing on students with an SAI of $60,000 or less, Bethany opens doors for families who might not otherwise be able to access private college opportunities. The combination of full tuition coverage and a personalized college experience, close to home yet immersed in a tight-knit community, positions Bethany as a compelling choice for ambitious West Virginia students. 

For nearly two centuries, Bethany College has been rooted in West Virginia, investing in generations of students who have built their futures right here in the hills. “Bethany College was founded to serve the people of this region,” said Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications Lori Weaver. “This program continues that mission by making a respected Bethany degree attainable for West Virginians, combining our historic values with a modern commitment to affordability and student success.” 

Bethany College offers a student-centered liberal arts education where professors know their students by name and take an active role in their success. Within this close-knit community, learning extends far beyond the classroom through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences in programs such as business, nursing, cybersecurity, education, and sport studies. Nestled in the hills of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, Bethany College provides the ideal blend of independence and community. 

Next Steps for Prospective Students Interested in the West Virginia Tuition-Covered Program 

1. Apply to Bethany College by Dec. 1, 2025. 

1. Complete the FAFSA and list Bethany College (School Code: 003808). 

1. Submit your enrollment deposit to reserve your spot for Fall 2026. 

To learn more about the West Virginia Tuition-Covered Program and eligibility, visit bethanywv.edu/wv, or contact the enrollment office at enrollment@bethanywv.edu or 304.829.7611.  

*The program will be reassessed after Dec. 1, 2025.