The Yellow Jacket Pledge Designed to Ensure Access, Affordability and Career Readiness

INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) has unveiled a new comprehensive program designed to ensure student success by focusing on access, affordability and career readiness.

Known as The Yellow Jacket Pledge, the plan was presented today to the WVSU Board of Governors and includes a tuition freeze, the elimination of application fees, and guaranteed admission for West Virginia high school graduates who have at least a 2.5 GPA.

The Yellow Jacket Pledge also includes guaranteed access to additional coursework and career services for graduates of the university who are unable to find employment a year after of their graduation.

“With The Yellow Jacket Pledge, West Virginia State University is setting the standard for access, affordability and career readiness for higher education in West Virginia,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “We know that higher education must change to meet the demands of today’s workforce and we are taking bold steps to address these demands head-on. ”

Beginning with the fall 2025 semester, all West Virginia high school graduates with at least a 2.5 GPA are guaranteed admission to WVSU. In addition, all students who have taken at least 30 credit hours at a West Virginia community or technical college and have a 2.5 GPA, or have an associate’s degree from a West Virginia community and technical college, are guaranteed admission to WVSU. 

In addition, the university is increasing access to the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree, a non-traditional degree program for working West Virginia adults who are at least four years out of high school. In-coming first-time RBA students will receive their first semester at no cost (tuition and fees). 

All in-state tuition for incoming students in the fall of 2025 will be frozen for eight semesters, and for those students living on campus, room and board rates are frozen for next year as well as part of The Yellow Jacket Pledge.

After graduation, graduates who cannot find employment after one year will be eligible to enhance their credentials by taking additional courses at the university at no additional cost for up to one year. 

“This comprehensive approach guarantees that West Virginia State University is with you every step of the way from the classroom to your career success,” Cage said.

WVSU is now enrolling for the fall 2025 semester. For more information visit www.wvstateu.edu.

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