Fairmont State Celebrates 50 Years of Flexible RBA Degree for Adult Learners in West Virginia

The Regents Bachelor of Arts program has become a cornerstone for non-traditional students in the state.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Fairmont State University is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree program, which was established in 1975 by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The RBA offers a flexible path to degree completion for adult learners, accommodating prior learning experiences, professional work, and military service. The program's focus on accessibility and personalization has made it a popular option for the growing number of non-traditional students in the state.

Why it matters

The RBA program represents West Virginia's commitment to serving the educational needs of adult learners, a demographic that is increasingly important in the shifting landscape of higher education. By providing a flexible, customizable degree path, the RBA helps remove barriers to degree attainment for the nearly 180,000 West Virginians who have some college credit but no completed degree.

The details

The RBA program at Fairmont State and across West Virginia is designed specifically for learners who have been out of high school for at least three years. It accommodates prior learning experiences, including professional work and military service, through a Prior Learning Assessment option. Coursework can be completed online, in person, in compressed formats, or on weekends, allowing students to balance their education with existing responsibilities. Instead of a traditional major, RBA students focus on areas of interest and build an interdisciplinary academic plan.

  • The RBA program was established in 1975 by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
  • Fairmont State University is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the RBA degree program in 2025.

The players

Fairmont State University

A public university located in Fairmont, West Virginia, that offers the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree program.

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

The state agency responsible for establishing the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree program in 1975.

Dr. Chris Rasmussen

The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, who describes the RBA as an 'unsung hero' in the state's higher education story.

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What they’re saying

“The RBA allows students to design a degree that aligns with their individual goals. Instead of choosing a specific major, students focus on areas of interest and build an interdisciplinary academic plan.”

— Dr. Chris Rasmussen, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The RBA program's focus on flexibility, accessibility, and prior learning assessment could serve as a model for other states looking to address the needs of adult learners. As trends like micro-credentials, competency-based education, and increased online learning continue to shape the future of higher education, the RBA program is well-positioned to evolve and meet the changing needs of non-traditional students in West Virginia.

The takeaway

West Virginia's Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) program demonstrates a commitment to removing barriers to higher education and serving the growing population of adult learners. By prioritizing flexibility, personalization, and recognition of real-world skills, the RBA has become a cornerstone for non-traditional students in the state, setting an example for how higher education can adapt to meet the needs of the modern student.