West Virginia Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for West Virginia students
West Virginia offers both merit-based and need-based state aid. The PROMISE Scholarship is the flagship merit program, covering full tuition and fees at public institutions for students meeting academic benchmarks. The WV Higher Education Grant provides need-based assistance.
West Virginia grant programs
PROMISE Scholarship (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-State Student Excellence)
Merit-basedFull tuition and mandatory fees at West Virginia public institutions (or equivalent at private WV schools)
Eligibility
- West Virginia resident
- Minimum 3.0 core GPA and 22 ACT composite (or 1020 SAT)
- Complete the required college prep curriculum
- Enroll at an eligible West Virginia institution
- Maintain a 3.0 college GPA and complete 30 credit hours/year to renew
Deadline: March 1 of senior year
Official info →West Virginia Higher Education Grant
Need-basedUp to approximately $3,100/year
Eligibility
- West Virginia resident
- Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA
- Minimum 2.0 high school GPA
- Enrolled full-time at an eligible West Virginia institution
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Deadline: April 15 (FAFSA filing deadline for state aid)
Official info →Tips for maximising West Virginia aid
The PROMISE Scholarship has a March 1 application deadline — apply early and make sure you've completed all required core courses.
PROMISE requires maintaining a 3.0 GPA and 30 credit hours per year in college to renew — plan your course load carefully each semester.
West Virginia's overall cost of attendance is among the lowest in the nation — combining PROMISE with federal aid can make college nearly free for qualifying students.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in West Virginia that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.