🎓 West Virginia State Grants and Scholarships: A Clear Path to Affordability
If you’re a West Virginia parent wondering how on earth you’re going to pay for college, you’re not alone. The good news? West Virginia actually has some solid programs that can bring the cost way down, especially if your kid stays in-state.
From merit-based scholarships to need-based grants, and even a program that covers full tuition for career-focused degrees, this guide breaks it all down without the jargon. Whether your son or daughter is a top student or just trying to find a solid next step, there’s probably something here for them.
đź”— Jump to What You Need
🎓 PROMISE | 💰 Need-Based Grant | 🔧 WV Invests | 📌 Other Aid | 🏫 WV Colleges | 📝 What To Do | ❓ FAQ
🎓 West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship (Merit-Based Aid)
This is West Virginia’s best-known merit scholarship, and it’s open to in-state students who meet GPA and test score requirements. It covers up to full base tuition at public colleges and a set amount at private ones.
To qualify, your kid needs to hit specific GPA and ACT or SAT benchmarks by the March 1 deadline and complete the FAFSA.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| GPA | 3.0 overall and 3.0 in core courses |
| ACT | 21 composite (with at least 19 in each subject) |
| SAT | 1080 (530 Math, 480 ERW) |
| FAFSA Deadline | March 1 |
| Covers | Full base tuition at WV public colleges (max $5,500 per year) |
| Renewable | Yes, up to 4 years |
| Stackable | Yes, with most other aid |
đź’° West Virginia Higher Education Grant (Need-Based)
If your family falls into the low to moderate income range, this state grant could help bridge the affordability gap. It’s need-based, so it doesn’t require test scores, but it does require a completed FAFSA and early action.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | West Virginia resident |
| FAFSA Deadline | April 15 (but earlier is better) |
| Award Amount | Up to $3,400 per year |
| Eligibility | Based on financial need from FAFSA |
| Renewable | Yes, up to 4 years |
Even families making $60,000 to $85,000 might qualify depending on household size. Don’t assume you won’t get anything—fill out the FAFSA early to keep your options open.
🔧 WV Invests Grant (Tuition-Free Career Paths)
WV Invests is West Virginia’s version of a “free community college” program. It covers 100 percent of tuition and fees for select certificate and associate degree programs tied to in-demand jobs in the state.
There is a catch—your kid has to pass a drug test and agree to live and work in West Virginia for at least two years after graduation. But for families trying to avoid debt, it can be a solid deal.
- FAFSA Required: Yes
- Residency: Must live in West Virginia
- Eligible Schools: Public 2-year and some 4-year colleges
- Covers: Full tuition and fees (after other aid is applied)
- Commitment: Must live and work in WV for 2 years after graduation
- Drug Screen: Mandatory
đź“Ś Other Aid and Institutional Help
West Virginia’s state site, CollegeForWV.com, lists other aid programs including:
- Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program – Up to $40,000 over four years for future teachers
- Engineering, Science, and Tech Scholarship – For students pursuing technical fields
- HEAPS Grant – For adult learners or students in career or technical programs
If your kid’s grades or test scores are strong, they might qualify for automatic merit aid from the college itself, especially if you apply early. Check with WVU, Marshall, or any other school your family is considering.
🏫 Division I Public Colleges in West Virginia
- West Virginia University (WVU)
- Marshall University
That’s it—West Virginia only has two Division I public universities. Both offer in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities for qualifying residents.
đź“ť What To Do Next
- âś… Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (opens October 1)
- âś… Help your son or daughter apply for the PROMISE Scholarship by March 1
- âś… Apply for the WV Higher Ed Grant by April 15
- ✅ Consider WV Invests if they’re interested in a 2-year degree or career program
- âś… Check college scholarship deadlines (WVU and Marshall have December priority dates)
- ✅ Help your kid start a brag sheet if they haven’t already
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the PROMISE Scholarship cover room and board?
No, it only covers base tuition. Your family will still be responsible for housing, meals, books, and other costs.
Can my kid use WV Invests for a 4-year degree?
Not exactly. WV Invests is focused on 2-year degrees and career programs. Some 4-year colleges offer eligible associate-level programs, but it won’t cover full bachelor’s degrees.
Can PROMISE be used at private colleges?
Yes, but only for up to $5,500 per year. It won’t cover full tuition at private schools.
Are homeschoolers eligible for these programs?
Yes, but they may need to submit extra documentation like transcripts or test scores. Reach out to the Higher Ed Policy Commission for help.
What happens if my kid doesn’t meet the GPA or test score for PROMISE?
They won’t qualify for PROMISE that year, but they can reapply if their scores improve. Also look into the WV Grant and school-based scholarships.
Can my child use both PROMISE and the WV Higher Education Grant?
Yes, they’re stackable. One is merit-based, the other is need-based.
We make too much for need-based aid. Is it still worth doing the FAFSA?
Yes, definitely. Many schools use the FAFSA to award merit aid or work-study, even if you don’t qualify for Pell or state grants.
Does my kid need to commit to a college before applying for PROMISE?
No, they just need to list at least one West Virginia college on the FAFSA and submit their PROMISE application by March 1.