STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
Voice (304) 558-2101
FAX (304) 558-5719
The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of West Virginia.
The PROMISE Scholarship
PROMISE Award- PROMISE pays tuition and mandatory fees at any public college or the average equivalent dollar amount at a private college; $4,098 for the 2007-2008 school year.
- The amount of a PROMISE Scholarship awarded in combination with aid from all other sources shall not exceed the cost of the education at the institution the recipient is attending. (This restriction does not apply to those members of the WV National Guard, recipients of an Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship, and recipients of a WV Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship). The PROMISE Scholarship will not pay an amount that exceeds the cost of tuition at state institutions of higher education.
Length of Scholarship for Degree Seeking Students
- An eligible student seeking an associate's degree may be eligible to receive PROMISE funding for a maximum of two years.
- An eligible student seeking a baccalaureate degree may be eligible to receive PROMISE funding for a maximum of four years.
Renewal
- PROMISE is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters, as long as students meet the minimum eligibility requirements.
Transferring
- Students transferring from one PROMISE eligible institution to another can maintain PROMISE eligibility. Students should contact the Director of Financial Aid at the institution they wish to attend in order to transfer the scholarship.
Leave of Absence or Deferral
- If a student would like to defer his/her scholarship or needs to take a leave of absence, he/she should see the Deferral and Leave of Absence Policies.
PROMISE Rules and Policies
The PROMISE Board Policies and PROMISE Legislative Rule are available online for your information
WV Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program
PROGRAM INFORMATION:The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program is a state funded student aid program designed to enable and encourage academically talented individuals to pursue careers in the fields of engineering, science and technology. Scholarships, not to exceed $3,000 per academic year, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and interest in the fields of engineering, science and technology. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a degree or certificate in engineering, science or technology and to commit to the pursuit of a career in West Virginia .
PROGRAM FUNDING:
The appropriation for the scholarship program is $470,000, for the 2006-2007 academic year.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOLAR SELECTION:
In accordance with statutory provisions, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is the administering agency for the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program. A panel, as provided for in the Program's statute, selects the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship recipients.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS:
To qualify for the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:
- Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student in an engineering, science or technology program leading to a certificate, associate or baccalaureate degree at an eligible institution of higher education in West Virginia;
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent upon graduation from high school or have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale after completing two semesters of course work at an institution of higher education;
- Agree that within one year after ceasing to be a full-time student to begin working full-time in an engineering, science or technology field in West Virginia for a duration of one year for each year the scholarship was received or begin a program of community service relating to engineering, science or technology in West Virginia for one year for each year the scholarship was received; and
- Be willing to repay the scholarship received plus interest and any required collection fees if he/she fails to fulfill the work requirement.
- Scholarship High School Application: Each interested high school student must complete an application for the Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program prior to the academic year for which the student wishes to be considered for the scholarship. High school seniors should apply through their high school counselor. Scholarship College Application for currently enrolled college/university students should apply through their institution. Recipients will be required to sign an agreement acknowledging an understanding of the program's requirements and their willingness to repay the award if appropriate work or community service is not rendered. Applications will be mailed to individual high schools and higher education institutions. The application deadline is March 1 for the upcoming academic year.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Additional information on the Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program may be requested by calling (304) 558-4618 or writing to:
Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Blvd., East, Suite 700
Charleston , West Virginia 25301
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the HEAPS Grant Program is to encourage and enable needy West Virginia students, who desire to continue their education on a part-time basis at the post-secondary level.
Students may apply for the HEAPS Grant Program and/or the HEAPS Grant Program Workforce Development Component
ELIGIBILITY for HEAPS Grant:
A person is eligible for consideration for a HEAPS grant if the person:
- Is a West Virginia resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the U. S.;
- Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of study with a goal of attaining a certificate, an associate or bachelors degree as an undergraduate on a part-time basis at an eligible institution of higher education. Part-time means enrollment for not less than six or more than eleven semester hours of college course work or its equivalent. However, for no more than two semesters, a recipient may take three to five hours;
- Is making satisfactory progress at the time of application. Satisfactory progress for a first time award means being accepted for enrollment by the institution the applicant plans to attend. Thereafter, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale;
- Demonstrates financial need for funds;
- Demonstrates that he or she has applied for, accepted, or both, other student financial assistance in compliance with federal financial aid rules, including the Federal Pell Grant. Applicant must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
- Has complied with the Military Selective Service Act;
- Is not in default on a higher education loan;
- Is not incarcerated in a correctional facility;
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS: An eligible institution is one that:
- Is eligible to participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program.
- Is a community college, a community or technical college, an adult technical preparatory education program or training, a state college or university, an independent college or university, or any approved distance education, including world wide web based courses. Approved distance education classes must be authorized by an eligible institution with course credits transferred back to that institution.
SELECTION:
Recipients will be selected each year by the respective institutions of higher education based on the applicants’ eligibility and the availability of funds.
APPLICATION:
Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They should indicate the institution they plan to attend and meet deadlines designated by that institution. Applicants should also submit any supplemental materials that may be required by individual institutions.
RENEWALS:
HEAPS grants are eligible for renewal consideration until the program of study is completed but not to exceed an additional nine years beyond the first year of the award.
AMOUNT OF AWARD:
For students enrolled at a public college or university, the maximum grant is based on the actual per credit hour tuition and fees charges. For students enrolled in other eligible institutions, the award is based upon the average per credit hour tuition and fees charged by all of the public undergraduate institutions of higher education during the previous year. Total aid, including the HEAPS award, may not exceed the recipients total cost of education as defined by the institution being attended.
ELIGIBILITY for HEAPS Grant Workforce Development Component:
- A person is eligible for consideration for a HEAPS Workforce Development grant if the person:
- Applicants must complete and submit the HEAPS Grant Program Workforce Development Component student application to the institution of choice
- Applicants are not required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Is a West Virginia resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the U. S.;
- Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in postsecondary certificate, industry recognized credential and other skill development programs of study.
- Is making satisfactory progress at the time of application. Satisfactory progress for a first time award means being accepted for enrollment by the institution the applicant plans to attend. Thereafter, a student must maintain satisfactory progress at the institution
- Demonstrates financial need for funds;
- Has complied with the Military Selective Service Act;
- Is not in default on a higher education loan;
- Is not incarcerated in a correctional facility;
Questions regarding this program may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office of the institution you plan to attend or by contacting:
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard E, Fifth Floor
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
(304) 558-4618
Medical Student Loan
PURPOSE:The purpose of this program is to enable needy medical students to obtain loan funds to pursue a degree of medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D. O.) at Marshall University School of Medicine, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine or West Virginia University School the Medicine.
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for loan consideration, an applicant must:
- Be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled full-time at an approved West Virginia school of medicine with priority consideration given to residents of the state,
- Meet designated academic standards,
- Demonstrate financial need, and
- Not be in default on any previous student loan(s).
APPLICATION:
Applications must be obtained from the Financial Aid Office of the educational institution to be attended or are currently attending.
SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION:
The institutional Financial Aid Office is responsible for (1) determining eligibility for the loan and (2) notifying individual students of the action taken. Funding availability may limit the number of awards or the value of individual awards.
RENEWAL:
Students are permitted to seek loan assistance for each year until the course of study is completed. An annual application may be required. The educational institution is under no obligation to approve subsequent loan requests even though all eligibility requirements are met.
ANNUAL LOAN AMOUNT:
The maximum annual loan amount can not exceed $10,000.
REPAYMENT:
The first payment will be due one year following the date the borrower ceases to be a full-time student at a school of medicine that participates in this Program with a maximum of 10 years to repay the loan (principal and interest). Students will be eligible for payment deferment during periods of required military service or approved additional medical training, including internships, residencies or fellowships (not to exceed 5 years). The minimum repayment amount shall be no less than $50.00 per month.
INTEREST:
The rate of interest charged on all outstanding loans awarded on or after September 7, 2002 shall be the prevailing Federal Stafford Loan interest rate at the beginning of the repayment period and shall accrue, except for periods of authorized deferment, from the beginning of the repayment period.
LOAN FORGIVENESS:
Loan indebtedness (principal and accumulated interest) will be forgiven at the rate of up to $5,000 for each period of twelve consecutive months of full-time practice in an approved designated medically underserved area in West Virginia or in a medical specialty designated as a critical shortage field in the state. Once the student enters practice he/she needs to complete and submit the Postponement of Loan Payment form. At the conclusion of each 12 consecutive months of full-time practice the Certification of Service for Loan Forgiveness form needs to be completed and submitted to obtain credit for the past year of practice.
Questions regarding this Program may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office at a participating school of medicine to be attended or currently attending or by contacting:
Medical Student Loan Program
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard East, Suite 700
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
1-888-825-5707 or (304)558-4618 Ext. 320
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
PROGRAM INFORMATION:The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is designed to promote student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptionally able students who show promise of continued excellence. These $1,500 scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit for study at an institution of higher education to incoming college students based on respective application competition from each of West Virginia 's Congressional Districts. Recipients may apply for renewal consideration for a total of four (4) years of assistance.
PROGRAM FUNDING:
A total of $216,000 in federal funds was allocated to West Virginia for 2006-2007 scholarship awards.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOLAR SELECTION:
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission administers the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program in cooperation with the West Virginia Department of Education. To be eligible for a scholarship, an applicant must be an eligible U. S. citizen or national or permanent resident and be a West Virginia resident. The applicant must also be a graduate of a public or private secondary school or have the equivalent of a certificate of graduation. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued achievement. The 2006-2007 recipient pool averaged 33 ACT composite score, 1450 SAT combined score, and 3.97 cumulative grade point average. Each applicant must also have applied or been accepted for enrollment.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:
Students should make initial application for this program through their high school senior counselor. Because of limited funding, high schools with a senior class of one to one-hundred ninety-nine (1 to 199) students may submit one (1) application and schools with a senior class enrollment of two-hundred or more (200+) may submit two (2) applications. Each application form should be accompanied by a copy of the student's typed high school transcript and notification of acceptance for admission. Counselors should submit completed applications to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Applications will be mailed to all high school counselors each December. The application deadline is March 1 for the upcoming academic year.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Specific information on the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program in West Virginia may be obtained by calling (304) 558-4618 or by writing to:
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
If you are not a resident of West Virginia, you should contact the Department of Education in your state for more information on the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship Program.
Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program
PROGRAM INFORMATION:The Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program is a state funded student aid program designed to enable and encourage outstanding high school graduates to pursue teaching careers at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary school level. Undergraduate and graduate scholarships, not to exceed $5,000 per academic year, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and interest in teaching. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a teaching certificate and to commit to the pursuit of a teaching career in West Virginia public schools.
PROGRAM FUNDING:
The appropriation for the scholarship program is $141,142 for the 2006-2007 academic year.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOLAR SELECTION:
In accordance with statutory provisions, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is the administering agency for the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program. A panel, as provided for in the Program's statute, selects the Underwood-Smith recipients.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS:
To qualify for the Underwood-Smith Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:
- Be a West Virginia resident;
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a West Virginia institution of higher education as a full-time student in a course of study leading to certification as a teacher at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary level;
- Agree to teach at the public pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary school level in West Virginia for two years for each year of scholarship assistance unless entering a teacher shortage area, an exceptional children's program, a school having less than average academic results, or a school in an economically disadvantaged area as designated by the West Virginia Board of Education, when the scholar must teach not less than one year for each year for which the scholarship was received; and
- Be willing to repay the scholarship on a pro rata basis as well as accrued interest at a substantial rate and any required collection fees if he/she fails to fulfill the teaching obligation.
UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 after successfully completing 2 years of course work at an approved institution;
GRADUATE LEVEL
Have or will be graduating in the top ten percent of his/her college/university graduating class or have a 3.5 or above.
When the number of qualified applicants exceeds available funding, additional consideration will be given to such factors as the applicant's statement of intention and interest in being a teacher and program of study.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:
Each interested student must properly complete an application for the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship prior to the academic year for which the student wishes to be considered for the scholarship. Currently, because of limited funding, applications are only accepted from students who will be a junior, senior, or graduate student in college during the year for which the application is being made. Students should apply through their institution's teacher education chairperson or chief academic officer. Recipients will be required to sign an agreement acknowledging an understanding of the program's requirements and their willingness to repay the award if appropriate teaching service is not rendered. Applications will be mailed to colleges and universities offering teacher certification programs each February. The application deadline is March 1 for the upcoming academic year.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Additional information on the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program may be requested by calling (304) 558-4618 or by writing to:
Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
WV Higher Education Grant Program
Deadline for applying for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant for the 2007-2008 academic year is March 1, 2007! Both the FAFSA and Application for State-Level Financial Aid Programs must be completed to be eligible for consideration.GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Monetary awards are granted to qualified undergraduate students who require financial assistance to attend an approved educational institution located in West Virginia or Pennsylvania . Grants may be renewed until the course of study is completed, but not to exceed an additional three years beyond the initial award.
FUNDING LEVEL, NUMBER OF 2006-2007 RECIPIENTS AND VALUE OF AWARDS:
Awards ranged from a minimum of $375 to a maximum of $3,358. Awards are limited to the payment of tuition and fees. Funding of $27 million for 2006-2007 enabled approximately 13,000 students to be assisted.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
United States citizen, West Virginia resident for one year immediately preceding the date of application, high school graduate or the equivalent, demonstrate financial need, enroll as a full-time undergraduate at an approved university or college located in West Virginia or Pennsylvania.
AWARD CRITERIA:
Awards are granted to those applicants who:
- Demonstrate financial need and
- Meet the academic performance standards.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA Forms received by the processor on or before March 1 are given priority consideration.
- Complete the Application for State-Level Financial Aid Programs.
- New college students other than recent high school graduates must complete a Grade Report Form.
AWARD NOTIFICATION:
- Notification of awards occurs in April/May.
- Both awarded and non-awarded filers are notified.
- Qualified filers who are denied due to funding limitations are considered on additional award cycles during the school year.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS:
- Grant Program funds are sent directly to institutions to be attended by recipients.
- Delivery process occurs each enrollment period.
- Payment is to be applied toward payment of tuition and fees.
Specific information on the Grant Program may be obtained by calling (304) 558-4614 or 1-888-825-5707 or by writing to:
West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East, Suite 700
Charleston WV 25301
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