Top 8 West Virginia Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

West Virginia Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

Who Qualifies for the WV Invest Grant?

The WV Invests Grant is one of West Virginia’s most impactful programs for residents seeking affordable pathways into high-demand careers. As a last-dollar grant, it covers any remaining tuition costs after all other federal and state aid is applied. This makes certificate and associate degree programs at public community and technical colleges far more accessible for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. Eligibility focuses on residency, financial aid completion, academic progress, and participation in community service, ensuring students are both invested in their education and connected to their local communities. The program’s emphasis on high-demand fields also supports West Virginia’s economic workforce needs across sectors like healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and skilled trades.

• Be a legal resident of West Virginia for at least one year before applying.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen for federal financial aid.
• Complete the FAFSA and the WV Invests Grant Application by the April 15 priority deadline.
• Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program in a high-demand field at a participating public two- or four-year institution in West Virginia.
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete community service requirements (usually two hours per term).

Can I Go to College for Free in WV?

Many students in West Virginia can significantly reduce or even eliminate their tuition costs through a combination of state-funded grants and scholarships. The WV Invests Grant allows eligible students to pursue certificate or associate programs at little to no cost, especially at West Virginia’s community and technical colleges. Students who plan to attend a four-year institution may qualify for the WV Promise Scholarship, which provides substantial tuition coverage for academically strong high school graduates. When combined with federal financial aid and local scholarships, many students can create a fully funded college path without relying heavily on student loans.

• WV Invests Grant — covers tuition for many certificate and associate degree programs.
• WV Promise Scholarship — provides significant tuition support for high-achieving students.
• Institutional and local scholarships — can further reduce remaining expenses.
• Federal financial aid — contributes to additional cost savings.

Grants for Students in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several state-funded grant programs designed to make college more accessible and affordable for residents with financial need or academic potential. These programs can be used at various institutions across the state, including public universities, private colleges, and community and technical colleges. Because grants do not need to be repaid, they form an essential part of West Virginia students’ financial aid packages. Completing the FAFSA early is crucial, as grant funding is often limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• WV Higher Education Grant — a need-based grant for undergraduate students attending eligible in-state or select out-of-state institutions.
• WV Promise Scholarship — offers up to $5,500 per year or the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less.
• WV Invest Grant — covers tuition for students pursuing certificate or associate degrees in high-demand fields.

WV Grants for College

West Virginia students pursuing higher education have access to multiple grant programs aimed at easing financial burdens and supporting degree completion. These grants can cover a significant portion of tuition and are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, or program selection. The combination of state and federal aid often enables students to attend college with reduced out-of-pocket costs. As with all grant programs, completing the FAFSA is the first step in determining eligibility.

• WV Higher Education Grant — supports low- and moderate-income undergraduates.
• WV Promise Scholarship — rewards academic achievement with up to $5,500 annually.
• WV Invest Grant — funds tuition for approved high-demand programs.

West Virginia University Scholarships for International Students

West Virginia University provides several scholarships to help international students afford their education. These awards are often merit-based and consider factors such as academic achievement, English proficiency, and overall potential for success at WVU. While the availability of funding may vary from year to year, WVU consistently offers competitive scholarships designed to attract international students who contribute to the university’s diverse academic community. International applicants should review WVU’s financial aid resources and contact the university directly for guidance on eligibility and award amounts.

• Merit-based awards for academically strong international students.
• Scholarships may vary by program, major, or admission year.
• Students should review WVU’s international scholarship webpage for current details.
• Some awards may be automatically considered during the admissions process.

West Virginia University Scholarship Chart

WVU provides a comprehensive scholarship chart that outlines available awards for both in-state and out-of-state students. This chart is updated regularly and includes details such as award amounts, eligibility criteria, required GPAs, and renewable conditions. It is one of the most useful planning tools for prospective students evaluating their financial aid options. The chart also helps families compare different scholarships and determine which awards best fit their academic background and financial needs.

• Includes merit scholarships for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Lists GPA and test score requirements for each award level.
• Shows renewable conditions to maintain funding.
• Available on WVU’s financial aid website for easy access.

Scholarships in West Virginia for High School Seniors

High school seniors in West Virginia can apply for a variety of scholarships designed to reward academic achievement, community involvement, artistic talent, or regional residency. The WV Promise Scholarship remains the most prominent statewide award, offering substantial tuition support for students who meet academic benchmarks. Local foundations, regional organizations, and arts-focused donors also provide numerous opportunities that seniors can use to fund their education. Students are encouraged to search early and explore multiple sources, as many awards can be stacked to reduce overall costs.

• WV Promise Scholarship — up to $5,500 per year for eligible students.
• Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Scholarships — numerous awards for students in the Kanawha region.
• Mary Olive Eddy Jones Art Scholarship — supports students pursuing art-related studies.
• Local, school-based, and regional scholarships — available through counselors and community organizations.

WVU Merit Scholarship Requirements

WVU offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership involvement, and readiness for college-level work. These awards often consider GPA, standardized test scores, and supplemental application materials. The exact requirements may vary from year to year, so students should always check WVU’s official scholarship page for the most current information. Merit scholarships often stack with other forms of aid, making them valuable components of a student’s overall financial package.

• A strong high school GPA.
• Competitive ACT or SAT scores.
• Essays, interviews, or additional components for select awards.
• Deadlines and criteria posted annually on WVU’s scholarship website.

WV Promise Scholarship

The WV Promise Scholarship is one of the most well-known merit-based programs in the state, offering substantial tuition support to qualifying students who choose to attend an in-state college or university. It rewards strong academic performance, leadership, and commitment to education by providing up to $5,500 per year or the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is lower. Students must meet GPA and standardized test score requirements, complete the FAFSA, and submit the Promise application on time. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years with continued academic progress.

• Provides up to $5,500 per year or full tuition at eligible institutions.
• Requires minimum GPAs and standardized test scores.
• Must complete both the Promise application and the FAFSA.
• Renewable for multiple years with satisfactory academic progress.

WVU Scholarships for Out-of-State Students

West Virginia University offers several scholarships to help make the cost of attendance more affordable for non-resident students. These awards are typically merit-based and may be automatically awarded during the admissions review process. Programs such as the Mountaineer Connection Grant and the Go First Scholarship are designed to attract high-performing students from across the country. By offering competitive funding packages, WVU continues to grow its diverse out-of-state student population while supporting academic excellence.

• Mountaineer Connection Grant — merit-based support for non-resident students.
• Go First Scholarship — offered to strong applicants from outside West Virginia.
• Additional departmental scholarships — available based on major or academic achievement.
• Details and requirements posted on WVU’s financial aid webpage.