WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approves tuition increase, new program and FY 2026-2027 budget

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 18, 2026) — The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approved a modest tuition increase, the institution’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and a new academic program during its meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The board unanimously approved a 2.5% increase in in-state tuition, marking the first adjustment after holding rates steady this academic year. The increase equates to $4 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $7 per credit hour for baccalaureate-level courses. Out-of-state tuition will remain unchanged.

According to Chief Financial Officer Bradley Wilson, the adjustment is necessary to address rising operational costs while maintaining affordability for students.

“This is a modest increase, but it helps us cover rising costs while remaining one of the most affordable institutions in the state,” Wilson said.

Even with the increase, WVU Parkersburg remains among the lowest-cost institutions in West Virginia’s community and technical college system.

The board also unanimously approved the college’s FY 2026-27 budget, which reflects continued financial stability and strategic investment in employees and operations.

As part of the budget, all eligible employees will receive a $1,300 salary increase, supported in part by recent state funding. Officials noted that West Virginia’s higher education funding formula was fully funded this year for the first time since its inception, benefiting the institution.

In academic affairs, the board approved the launch of a new associate of applied science in cloud computing, designed to meet growing demand in the technology sector.

Dr. David Lancaster, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that the program aligns with regional workforce needs and supports continued enrollment growth, which has now reached 10 consecutive semesters of increases.

The board also approved the discontinuation of the associate of applied science in drafting program following a multiyear review process.

Lancaster said the program had already been phased out, with no new students admitted since 2024. All enrolled students were given the opportunity to complete their studies, and faculty were successfully reassigned to other high-demand areas.

The board approved updates to course-specific fees, primarily reflecting adjustments to cover increased costs for instructional materials, equipment and required testing. Some new fees were introduced to support emerging programs.

In addition, several institutional policies were updated or advanced, including those related to board governance, ethics and conflict of interest, employment practices, academic credentials and campus operations.

In her report to the board, President Dr. Torie Jackson highlighted ongoing progress in key strategic priorities, including the continued development of the Innovation and Technology Center, efforts to strengthen student retention and a disciplined approach to policy updates.

Jackson emphasized the importance of the center as a long-term investment in both the institution and the region.

“The ITC is about what happens inside that space. It’s about creating a place where education, workforce and innovation are connected in a way that makes sense for this region,” Jackson said.

Looking ahead, Jackson said the college will place a strong emphasis on expanding enrollment and access, particularly at the Jackson County Center.

She noted that the institution is focused on reaching more students and strengthening pathways to higher education across its service area.

“We are focused on creating pathways that lead somewhere meaningful and making sure every student who comes through our doors has the opportunity to build something better,” Jackson said.

The next meeting of the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors is scheduled for April 21, 2026.