West Virginia Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of West Virginia Scholarships & Grants

West Virginia offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in West Virginia more affordable.

PROMISE Scholarship (merit) and WV Higher Education Grant (need-based) are key.

Who Qualifies for the WV Invest Grant?

The WV Invest Grant is a “last-dollar” grant that covers tuition costs for eligible certificate or associate degree programs. To qualify, you must:

• 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).

This grant ensures access to affordable education for West Virginia residents pursuing high-demand careers.

Can I Go to College for Free in WV?

Yes, you can attend college for free in West Virginia through programs like the WV Invest Grant, which covers tuition for certificate and associate degree programs at state Community and Technical Colleges (CTCs). Other opportunities, such as the WV Promise Scholarship, can also significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs at eligible institutions for qualifying students.

Grants for Students in West Virginia

West Virginia provides several grants to help students fund their education. These include:

• 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, for high-achieving students.
• WV Invest Grant: Covers tuition for students pursuing certificate or associate degrees in high-demand fields.

These grants make higher education more accessible for West Virginia residents.

WV Grants for College

College students in West Virginia can benefit from grants like:

• WV Higher Education Grant: A need-based program for undergraduates.
• WV Promise Scholarship: Rewards academic achievement with up to $5,500 annually.
• WV Invest Grant: Covers tuition for specific high-demand programs.

Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for these grants.

West Virginia University Scholarships for International Students

West Virginia University (WVU) offers scholarships for international students, including merit-based awards. Eligibility criteria vary, so students should visit WVU’s financial aid website or contact the financial aid office for the latest details and application requirements.

West Virginia University Scholarship Chart

WVU provides a detailed scholarship chart outlining the various scholarships available, their award amounts, and eligibility requirements. This chart is an essential resource for prospective and current students and can be found on WVU’s financial aid website.

Scholarships in West Virginia for High School Seniors

High school seniors in West Virginia have access to several scholarships, including:

• WV Promise Scholarship: Provides up to $5,500 per year for eligible students attending in-state colleges.
• Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Scholarships: A range of scholarships for students in the Kanawha Valley region.
• Mary Olive Eddy Jones Art Scholarship: For students pursuing art studies.

Students should consult their school counselors or local organizations for additional opportunities.

WVU Merit Scholarship Requirements

The WVU Merit Scholarship typically requires:

• A high GPA (specific thresholds vary).
• Strong standardized test scores (ACT/SAT).
• Completion of an essay or participation in an interview (for some scholarships).

Students should review the WVU scholarship website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.

WV Promise Scholarship

The WV Promise Scholarship offers up to $5,500 per year or the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less, for eligible students attending in-state colleges or universities. To qualify, students must meet academic performance criteria, including a minimum GPA and test scores, and complete the FAFSA and Promise Scholarship application.

WVU Scholarships for Out-of-State Students

West Virginia University offers scholarships for out-of-state students, including merit-based awards like the Mountaineer Connection Grant and the Go First Scholarship. These scholarships are designed to make WVU more affordable for non-residents. Details and eligibility criteria can be found on WVU’s financial aid website.