FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2025

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College will not raise tuition for the 2025-26 academic year, following approval by the Board of Governors at its March 25 meeting. The decision applies to in-state, reduced nonresident (Metro), and out-of-state tuition rates.

“Pierpont remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible for all West Virginians,” said Dr. Michael P. Waide, interim president. “By holding tuition steady, we’re helping students and families plan for their futures without added financial burden. This is part of our broader mission to expand opportunity and strengthen the workforce across our region.”

While tuition remains unchanged, the board approved targeted adjustments to program-specific fees to support hands-on learning and address rising instructional costs. These include:

• A $75 encoder fee for select Health Information Technology and Medical Billing and Coding courses.
• A $50 materials fee for Licensed Practical Nursing lab courses.
• A $400 OneVision Web Fee for a Respiratory Care course to enhance academic support and retention.
• Increases to semester-based program fees for Licensed Practical Nursing, Veterinary Technology, Petroleum Technology, Applied Process Technology, Information Systems, and Advanced Welding programs.

Despite these changes, many students may still attend Pierpont at little to no cost through the WV Invests Grant, a last-dollar-in program that covers tuition and fees not paid by other grants or scholarships. The grant is available for most Pierpont programs and is designed to help West Virginians earn associate degrees and certificates in high-demand fields.

“WV Invests allows students to begin their journey here, often tuition-free, and enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed,” said Nancy Parks, associate vice president of student services. “It’s more than just financial support, it’s an opportunity to help students gain credentials, build confidence and take the next step toward a meaningful career or continued education.”

Looking ahead, Pierpont is focused on creating more pathways to success, whether that involves helping students start their careers, earn a credential, or transfer to a four-year institution. With a focus on programs, people, and partnerships, the college is working to make education more flexible, hands-on and connected to the real world.

“Pierpont plays a critical role in providing affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of students, employers, and the region,” Waide said. “We’re building on a strong foundation and looking ahead to even greater impact by expanding career pathways, strengthening industry partnerships and ensuring every student has a clear, accessible path to success.”

For more information about tuition, fees or WV Invests eligibility, visit www.pierpont.edu.

###

Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.

——

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu