How It Works

For a 2022-23 award, file the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15, 2022.

The FAFSA opens October 1 each year.

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is available to qualified residents of West Virginia. The following criteria are used to determine student eligibility:

• A citizen of the United States
• West Virginia residency for at least 12 months prior to date of application (for dependent students, the legal residence of the parent(s) on the FAFSA is the student’s residency)
• Be a high school graduate or have earned a TASC (former GED) or high school equivalent certificate
• Demonstrate an established level of financial need
• Demonstrate academic promise
• Enroll at a participating institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania as a full-time undergraduate student
• Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree

The award amount each year varies based on a number of factors, including the financial need of applicants and available funding by the West Virginia State Legislature.

For the 2021-22 award year, eligible students attending an eligible West Virginia institution may receive up to $3,000 for the year. Students attending an eligible Pennsylvania school may receive up to $600 year.

To renew, you must complete the FAFSA by April 15 every year, have a cumulative 2.0 gpa, and complete 24 credit hours during the prior fall and spring terms.

For students who received an award in 2020-21 and are renewing for 2021-22, the gpa requirement is waived for the upcoming year only as a temporary modification due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant may be used at approved post-secondary public and independent institutions in West Virginia or Pennsylvania. The grant may be transferred from one eligible institution to another. You can view a list of eligible institutions by clicking here.