West Virginia University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit awards and eligibility by GPA/test score
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors College perks and stacking opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040–1260
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: West Virginia University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
WVU at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
West Virginia University is one of the most merit-friendly flagships in the Mid-Atlantic. Strong students—especially from out of state—can automatically qualify for major tuition discounts, and top applicants may compete for the Foundation Scholarship, a true full-ride that covers tuition, fees, housing, books, and a stipend.
Whether your student is aiming for automatic awards or the state’s top competitive scholarships, WVU combines generous aid with in-state affordability and Academic Common Market reciprocity for select majors.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — WVU is test-optional for 2025–26, but test scores can boost automatic scholarship levels. Superscoring is used for both ACT and SAT.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21–27; SAT: 1040–1260 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? Around $14,244/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — WVU participates in the Academic Common Market and offers strong OOS merit that often brings costs near in-state rates.
Sources: https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/ https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/freshmen/west-virginia-residents/foundation-scholarship https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/freshmen/west-virginia-residents/bucklew-scholarship https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid/academic-common-market https://ir.wvu.edu/data-and-reports/common-data-set https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?237882-West-Virginia-University https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/west-virginia-university
💰 Cost of Attendance at West Virginia University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $10,752 | $30,432 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,306 | $13,306 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | ≈ $25,008 | ≈ $44,688 |
Note: Figures reflect WVU’s official 2025–26 on-campus budget. Indirect costs not billed by the university may include ~$950 for books/supplies and ~$3,200 for transportation and personal expenses.
- Ohio Tuition Reciprocity: Eligible Ohio residents in approved majors may pay in-state rates. Must remain in an approved major and maintain good academic standing.
- Garrett County, MD Agreement: Residents with an associate degree from Garrett College may qualify for in-state tuition at WVU campuses.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Graduate students from SREB states can qualify for in-state tuition when their program isn’t offered in their home state. See our ACM guide for details.
Reciprocity FAQ
Who qualifies? Ohio residents in approved majors, Garrett County residents with an associate degree, and graduate students in eligible ACM programs.
How much can you save? Typically up to $19,680 per year (the current in-state vs. out-of-state tuition difference).
Is it automatic? Ohio and Garrett County agreements are automatic when requirements are met. ACM requires a separate state application.
Sources: https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid/tuition-and-fees/ https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/ https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/freshmen/west-virginia-residents/foundation-scholarship https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/freshmen/west-virginia-residents/bucklew-scholarship https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid/academic-common-market https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?237882-West-Virginia-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
West Virginia University’s primary automatic merit award is the Climb Higher Scholarship. Awards are tiered by high school GPA, and the top tier also requires ACT or SAT scores. WVU superscores ACT/SAT for institutional scholarships.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climb Higher — Level 1 | WV Resident: $5,000/yr Non-Resident: $17,000/yr |
GPA ≥ 3.8 & ACT ≥ 30 or SAT ≥ 1360 | No | Yes — maintain ≥ 2.75 GPA & 30 credits/yr | Top academics who submit strong test scores; WVU uses ACT/SAT superscores to maximize eligibility. | August 1 (admission deadline for fall awards) |
| Climb Higher — Level 2 | WV Resident: $3,500/yr Non-Resident: $14,000/yr |
GPA ≥ 3.8 (test optional OK) | No | Yes — maintain ≥ 2.75 GPA & 30 credits/yr | Students with very strong GPAs who may choose test-optional or submit scores below Level 1. | August 1 |
| Climb Higher — Level 3 | WV Resident: $2,500/yr Non-Resident: $11,000/yr |
GPA 3.5–3.79 | No | Yes — maintain ≥ 2.75 GPA & 30 credits/yr | Solid academic record; test scores optional, not required for this tier. | August 1 |
| Climb Higher — Level 4 | WV Resident: $1,500/yr Non-Resident: $8,000/yr |
GPA 3.0–3.49 | No | Yes — maintain ≥ 2.75 GPA & 30 credits/yr | Students with good GPAs; a strong baseline award that can combine with external/private scholarships. | August 1 |
Note: Amounts and deadlines reflect Morgantown campus policies; may differ by WVU branch campus.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No — you’re automatically considered with your admissions application (submit early for priority review).
Does WVU superscore? Yes. WVU accepts multiple ACT/SAT test dates and superscores for admissions, Honors, and scholarship offers.
Can this stack with reciprocity/tuition waivers? Institutional stacking is limited. If you receive reduced non-resident tuition (e.g., Ohio Reciprocity/ACM where applicable), non-resident Climb Higher funds may not be available; institutional awards also don’t stack with each other beyond the highest single value.
https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships
https://admissions.wvu.edu/freshman-scholarships
https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/renewal-requirements
https://admissions.wvu.edu/apply/frequently-asked-questions
https://admissions.potomacstatecollege.edu/scholarships
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Beyond the automatic Climb Higher awards, WVU offers a few elite scholarships that require a separate application or nomination. These are limited in number and reserved for the very top of the applicant pool.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room & board (4 years) | WV residents; GPA ≥ 4.0; ACT ≥ 31 or SAT ≥ 1390; interview required | Yes – competitive application & interview | Yes – maintain GPA & progress standards | Only 20 students chosen annually; typically perfect GPAs, ACT 32–35/SAT 1400–1500+, leadership/service | Dec 1 (priority); WVU admission by Jan 21 for last round |
| Bucklew Scholarship | $10,000/year (4 years) | WV residents; GPA ≥ 3.9; ACT ≥ 30 or SAT ≥ 1360; invitation to apply | Yes – by invitation | Yes – GPA & standing requirements | Dozens selected; usually near 4.0 GPA, ACT 30–33/SAT 1350–1450, strong extracurriculars | Dec 1 (priority); final round by WVU admission Jan 21 |
| Regional Neil S. Bucklew Scholarships | $2,000–$4,000/year | WV residents; GPA ≥ 3.7; ACT ≥ 28 or SAT ≥ 1300; leadership/service | Yes – nomination or application | Yes – if GPA & credit minimums maintained | Strong applicants from different WV regions, notable service/leadership, typical ACT 28–31/SAT 1300–1400 | Dec 1 (priority); must apply to WVU by Jan 21 for eligibility |
*GPA and test score ranges are published WVU criteria and representative past recipient profiles. Deadlines for 2025: complete your WVU application by December 1 for first priority; hard final cutoff for eligibility is January 21, 2025.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive? They’re limited in number, require extra steps (essays, interviews, or nominations), and go to students with both top academic records and leadership/service.
Are they worth applying for? Yes — Foundation and Bucklew far exceed the value of Climb Higher awards, though they’re highly selective.
Do they connect to Honors? Yes. Foundation Scholars are required to join the Honors College, and nearly all Bucklew Scholars are also invited into Honors.
What’s the deadline? Students must apply to WVU by December 1 for priority consideration. Foundation and Bucklew finalists are contacted directly.
https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/separate-application
https://admissions.wvu.edu/scholarships/foundation
https://wvu.edu/financialaid/bucklew
https://wvutoday.wvu.edu
🎖️ Honors College
WVU’s Honors College gives motivated students the chance to shrink a big university into a close-knit academic community. With small seminars, faculty mentors, and priority opportunities, Honors helps high-achievers stretch further while still enjoying everything that comes with a flagship R1 campus.
High school GPA ≥ 3.7*, ACT 28–32 / SAT 1300–1450*, strong college-prep curriculum (AP/IB/honors), leadership/service involvement.
*Estimates based on past cohorts; exact cutoffs vary by year.
- Priority registration each semester
- Dedicated Honors housing (Honors Hall, Lincoln Hall options)
- Faculty-led small seminars and capstone experiences
- Research funding and travel grants for conferences
- Special advising and mentorship programs
| Honors Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room & board (4 years) | WV residents; GPA 4.0; ACT ≥ 31 or SAT ≥ 1390; Honors required | Yes – competitive app & interview | Yes – maintain GPA & progress | The most selective WVU scholarship; winners become automatic Honors College students with leadership/service profiles. | Dec 1 (WVU app); Jan 21 (final eligibility) |
| Bucklew Scholarship | $10,000/year (4 years) | WV residents; GPA ≥ 3.9; ACT ≥ 30 or SAT ≥ 1360; Honors strongly encouraged | Yes – invitation & application | Yes – GPA & progress | High-achieving WV students, most also join Honors; strong academics + leadership/service. | Dec 1 (priority); Jan 21 (final eligibility) |
Honors College FAQ
Is Honors automatic if I meet the GPA/test ranges? No. You must submit the Honors College application after you’re admitted to WVU, though top-tier Foundation and Bucklew Scholars are placed automatically.
Does Honors add time to my degree? No. Honors seminars often replace core requirements, and the program is designed to fit within a 4-year graduation plan.
What are the deadlines? Apply to WVU by December 1 for full scholarship consideration, and submit your Honors application by February 1 for best chances at priority housing and funding.
Is there extra money for Honors students? Direct Honors scholarships are rare. Foundation and Bucklew are tied to Honors. Additional smaller research/travel grants are offered within the program.
https://honors.wvu.edu/prospective-students/application-process
https://financialaid.wvu.edu/scholarships/separate-application
https://admissions.wvu.edu/scholarships/foundation
https://wvu.edu/financialaid/bucklew
⭐ College Specialty
West Virginia University is an R1 public research powerhouse — the only one in the state — offering undergraduates access to breakthrough labs, faculty-led innovation, and real-world research. That makes your student a part of something that’s shaping the future, not just watching it.
R1 Status Confirmed: WVU is officially classified as an R1 institution (very high research activity), reaffirmed in 2025. It’s the only R1 campus in West Virginia.
- Biometric Systems & Identification Technology — WVU is the FBI’s lead academic research partner in biometrics. The university hosts the Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR).
- Neuroscience & Brain Health — Home to the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, a pioneering center for Alzheimer’s research and neuromodulation breakthroughs.
- Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health) — WVU is the only university in the state offering Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health under one health-sciences complex.
- Robotics & Engineering — WVU’s robotics teams have won national/international competitions, like NASA’s Robotic Mining Competition, complementing strong engineering pipelines.