West Virginia Higher Education Grant
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), Division of Financial Aid
Need-based state grant of up to $3,400 a year at West Virginia colleges (up to $600 at eligible Pennsylvania schools); filing the FAFSA by April 15 is the application.
- How much
- Up to $3,400 per year at eligible West Virginia schools; up to $600 per year at eligible Pennsylvania schools (2026-27)
- Who qualifies
- West Virginia resident at least 12 months before applying (parents' residency for dependent students); high school diploma or equivalency; SAI up to 13,000 for 2026-27; undergraduate without a bachelor's degree; full- or part-time at an eligible WV or PA institution.
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- U.S. citizen
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due April 15, 2027 FAFSA-driven; complete the FAFSA by April 15 each year (April 15, 2027 for 2027-28). Award notices from mid-May (high school seniors) and June (others).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA by April 15 each year
- There is no separate application
- Optionally create a WVSAM account at CFWV.com to track eligibility and award notices
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (cfwv.com), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
For 2026-27, eligible students at an approved West Virginia public or independent college may receive up to $3,400 for the year; students at an eligible Pennsylvania school up to $600. The award cannot exceed remaining financial need (cost of attendance minus SAI and other aid, excluding loans and work-study). For 2026-27 a Student Aid Index (SAI) up to and including 13,000 is required. Starting 2026-27 students may enroll full-time or part-time; the grant is limited to the equivalent of eight full-time terms (measured by enrollment intensity) or until bachelor's degree requirements are met. Initial academic eligibility: recent high school graduates (within 5 years) need a 2.0 high school GPA or a passed high school equivalency exam; those who attempted college credit need a 2.0 college GPA and satisfactory academic progress; those out of high school 5+ years must be admitted to a degree or certificate program. Renewal: file the FAFSA by April 15 each year, keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA, meet the college's satisfactory academic progress policy, and keep West Virginia residency. Awards are transferable between eligible institutions and depend on legislative funding.
More money from West Virginia
- West Virginia PROMISE ScholarshipUp to $5,500 per year (or tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less)
- Future Workforce Grant (formerly HEAPS Workforce)Up to $2,000 per academic year
- Reduced Tuition for Senior Citizens (60 and older)Non-credit: up to $50 per course; for credit: no more than 50% of normal resident tuition and fees
- West Virginia Invests GrantTuition, mandatory fees and approved academic program fees not covered by other grants or waivers (last-dollar)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.