West Virginia Residents
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (www.cfwv.com) offers many helpful resources for West Virginia residential students. From financial aid planning to help with finding scholarships, the CFWV website is a great resource.
Residents of West Virginia may apply for various scholarships administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Note: Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by visiting https://studentaid.gov/.
West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship
The PROMISE Scholarship is a merit based scholarship administered by the CFWV.
The West Virginia PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-State Student Excellence) is a merit-based financial aid program available to West Virginia students who meet certain academic standards. The PROMISE Scholarship program is based on the student’s achievements and not on his or her parents’ financial resources, the college’s resources, or other factors.
Criteria for PROMISE:
- West Virginia high school graduate (or approved private, out-of-state high school graduate) who completes school in West Virginia with a 3.0 overall grade point average in the core and overall course work
- Composite ACT score of at least 22, with minimum sub scores of 20 in each subject area, or a combined SAT score of at least 1000 with minimum sub scores of 490 in the verbal section and 480 in the math section.
West Virginia Higher Education Grant
Awarded to eligible West Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need on a first-come, first-serve basis. FAFSA must be submitted prior to April 15 to receive consideration. Maximum annual award is $2,600.
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a West Virginia resident for at least 12 months prior to applying
- Be a high school graduate or have earned a General Education Development (GED) diploma
- Demonstrate a certain level of financial need (as determined by information reported on the FAFSA)
- Demonstrate academic eligibility
- Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
Higher Education Adult Part-time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program
The HEAPS Grant Program encourages and enables eligible West Virginia students to continue their education on a part-time basis at the postsecondary level. Recipients are selected each year by the respective institutions of higher education based on the applicant’s eligibility and the availability of funds. HEAPS grants are eligible for renewal consideration until the program of study is completed but not to exceed an additional nine years beyond the first year of the award.
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) administers these scholarship programs:
- Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship
The Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program is a state-funded student aid program that offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships based on academic qualifications and interest in teaching. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a teaching certificate and commit to the pursuit of a teaching career in West Virginia public schools. - West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship
The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program is a state-funded program designed to encourage academically talented individuals to pursue careers in these fields. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a degree or certificate in engineering, science or technology and commit to the pursuit of a career in West Virginia.
Eligible residents of Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – Vermont – Delaware Higher Education Grants may apply through their respective state for state grant program. The grant is based on the student’s financial need and determined by the individual state grant agency.
Questions
For assistance with completing these scholarship applications, call West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Office of Financial Aid and Outreach Programs at 1-888-825-5707 or 304-558-4614.