Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid Options
What is my Cost of Attendance for Academic Year 2025 to 2026?
Marketing Communications Programs (Data, Digital, IMC)| Item | Amount
|
| Cost Per Course (3 Credit Hours) | $2,448
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| Graduate Certificate (12 Credit Hours) | $9,792
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| Master's Degree (30 Credit Hours) | $24,480 |
| DINFOS Cohort-Cost Per Course (3 Credit Hours) | $750 |
* DINFOS Cohort discount only applicable to military personnel.
MBI and Game Design Programs
| Item | Amount
|
| Cost Per Course (3 Credit Hours) | $2,265
|
| Graduate Certificate (12 Credit Hours) MBI only* | $11,325
|
| Master's Degree (30 Credit Hours) | $22,650 |
* The MBI Graduate certificate consists of 5 courses.
*All students are assessed in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.
The cost of attendance is estimated by West Virginia University and includes educational costs for the academic year. This includes tuition (direct cost) and indirect costs, books, personal expenses, transportation, and living expenses. This is included in your financial aid package which is available for review in the WVU Portal.
- The total financial aid package cannot exceed the financial aid cost of attendance. You do not need to accept all aid offered.
- Students who do not opt out of the school’s health insurance plan can request that their loan be increased by the cost of the health insurance for the academic year.
- A federal loan processing fee will be included and assessed for each loan that is taken out by the student.
- A Cost and Resource Planner is available at https://hub.wvu.edu/planning-and-resources/planner.
- Employee and Graduate Assistantship Tuition Waivers are no longer accepted by the College of Creative Arts and Media Online Programs.
- Tuition cost is determined by the West Virginia University Board of Governors and released annually. Academic year includes fall, spring, and summer.
What Types of Aid Are Available?
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Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans | Graduate PLUS Loans | Private Loans |
| Loan Limit | Annual loan limit $20,500 per academic year | Available to students whose cost of attendance exceeds the maximum amount allowed in the Unsubsidized Loan. | The maximum amount that can be borrowed in private loans is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid and resources. |
| Interest Rate | Fixed interest rate of 7.94% for 2025 - 2026 academic year (interest rates change gradually) | Fixed interest rate of 8.94% for 2025-2026 academic year (interest rates changes annually). | Terms vary by lender. |
| Additional Information | Visit Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Financial Aid | West Virginia University . | Visit Federal Graduate PLUS Loan | Financial Aid | West Virginia University. | Visit Private Loans | Financial Aid | West Virginia University. |
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File early, but at least four weeks before the start of the semester. | A credit check is required for this loan. | Application Required. |
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Must be enrolled half-time (4 credits in fall/spring; 3 in summer). | Must be enrolled half-time (4 credits in fall/soring; 3 in summer). | Don't apply too early, lenders have an expiration date on the credit check. May-June for Fall semester and October-November for Spring. |
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Must be in a degree-seeking master's program (not eligible for certificate programs). | Must be in a degree-seeking master's program (not eligible for certificate programs). | Your application cannot be certified until after you are registered for classes and have accepted or declined any other financial aid you have been offered. |
*Students can return any unused portion of a loan within 180 days of disbursement without incurring interest.
What Else Do I Need To Know?
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid.
- It is recommended that students apply through FAFSA at least four weeks before the beginning of the semester.
- Complete a Master Promissory Note and entrance counseling for your aid to be disbursed.
- Financial Aid is disbursed approximately 10 days before the first official day of class at West Virginia University each semester.
- Initial financial aid offers will cover the academic year (fall and spring) a separate summer aid package will be offered before the summer semester.
- Accept all or part of your financial aid package in the WVU Portal. There is a processing fee for each loan disbursed.
- Aid may be adjusted for enrollment changes or additional funding.
- Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):
- 67% completion rate of attempted credits
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
Other Payment Options
- West Virginia University offers an interest-free payment plan to help you manage your budget by making smaller payments over a longer period. The earlier you sign up, the smaller your installments will be.
- Paying your charges online is the fastest and easiest way to take care of payment.
- Information can be found at h ttps://studentaccounts.wvu.edu/payment.
Employer Reimbursement
- The employer must submit an official letter authorizing WVU to invoice them and must include details (e.g., % of cost covered, student info).
- Students are responsible for any uncovered balance before the term begins.
Are Scholarships Available?
The WVU Reed School of Media and Communications offers a competitive scholarship for students in the Data Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications, and Integrated Marketing Communications graduate programs. Both newly admitted and current students can apply in the Fall, with awards announced in Spring. This is the only scholarship specifically for Marketing Communications online graduate students in the school. Application details will be shared with current students and posted on the website.
Currently there are no internal scholarships available for the Music Business and Industry and Game Design programs.
Who Should I Contact if I Have Additional Questions?
WVU Hub Evansdale Crossing 62 Morrill Way, Suite 200 | (304) 293-1988 (1WVU) Submit an Online Request/Ticket | Hours: 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Eastern, Monday-Friday (except university holidays)
What if I plan to use Veterans and Military benefits?
Contact WVU’s Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs (CVMF) or The Bunker at veterans@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-8825.
Visit their website https://veterans.wvu.edu/home to review benefit options and deadlines