Consumer Information
The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), requires institutions to disclose certain information to prospective and current students, and employees. The purpose of this webpage is to provide the information required to be disclosed by the HEA in an easy to find location. These federal regulations require that colleges who receive Title IV federal funding provide specific consumer information about the college. Listed below is the information West Virginia University at Parkersburg is required to disclose and the web links, or catalogs where the information can be found.
Important Links
Accreditation
West Virginia University at Parkersburg is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education through 2023-24. WVU Parkersburg desires to answer any accreditation questions you may have. Please contact Dr. David Lancaster, Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, if you have any questions at david.lancaster@wvup.edu. You may also contact the Higher Learning Commission at 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, info@hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7440, and from the HLC website.
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid is money to be used in meeting educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books and course supplies. Financial aid awards are based on your individual and family financial need and eligibility as determined through the annual FAFSA application. There are several types of financial aid available at WVU Parkersburg, including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. Financial aid awards may include a combination of the various types of aid available. You can learn more about all the types of financial aid we offer as follows:
Federal Pell Grant:
Pell grants are available to undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. The grant is based on financial need and the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled on the last day of the add/drop period. The award amount listed on your award letter is always based on full-time enrollment. (All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG):
SEOG is a federal aid program that is awarded to undergraduate students who show the greatest financial need; are registered at least half time; and are working on their first bachelor’s degree. Priority is given to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant. A student can receive between $100 and $1000 an academic year, depending on your financial need and the institution’s funding level. Allocation of funds is at WVUP’s discretion, and awarding is based on need and application date along with the other criteria listed above.
Federal Work-Study:
Work Study is money you earn through working a job on-campus or through community service activities organized in coordination with the college. Students who demonstrate financial need and are in good academic standing may be eligible to participate in the federal work-study program. Students may be employed in departmental offices, the Tutoring Center, on the maintenance staff, etc. Paychecks, at the higher of the federal or West Virginia minimum wage rate, are made every two weeks according to the hours worked through the Human Resources Office. Students must reapply with the Financial Aid Office each semester to verify continued eligibility. (for more information contact the Financial Aid Office (304-424-8310) or your Campus Counselor)
Federal Direct Loans:
A federal loan program that is awarded to students who show financial need and are registered at least half time. WVU Parkersburg participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Repayment begins six months after leaving school or dropping below half-time status. A fixed Interest rate is established July 1st of each year for the upcoming aid year.
Click here for more information.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan– Students may apply for a student loan if they are enrolled or have been accepted for enrollment at least halftime (six credit hours). Students who qualify for a subsidized loan will have the interest on the loan paid by the Federal government while enrolled in school, and during the six-month grace period after their last date of enrollment or during an eligible deferment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from college, or does not enroll at least half time; students may be allowed up to ten years to repay.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan– Independent students who do not qualify for the maximum subsidized loan limits may borrow the difference, plus an additional amount of up to $4,000 under this program. Students are responsible for the interest while enrolled in school, during the six-month grace period after their last date of enrollment, or during an eligible deferment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws from college, or does not enroll at least half time; students may be allowed up to ten years to repay.
Federal PLUS Loans: PLUS loans are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students at WVU Parkersburg can use to help pay for college. PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.
• The U.S. Department of Education is your lender.
• You must not have an adverse credit history.
• The maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance (financial aid budget as described on the student’s award letter) minus other financial aid received
• If the student has already filed the FAFSA, a parent can apply for a PLUS loan on studentaid.gov.
West Virginia State Financial Aid
Following is a list of state financial aid assistance for residents of West Virginia:
Promise Scholarship – A merit-based scholarship for qualifying WV high school graduates.
Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship – A scholarship available to qualified students interested in pursuing an education in engineering, science, or technology.
West Virginia Higher Education Grant – A need-based grant awarded based on financial need for full-time students. Deadline to file the FAFSA is April 15th each year.
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program – A need-based grant for students enrolled on a part-time basis (3 – 11 credit hours). Eligible applicants must have lived in WV continuously for a minimum of 12 months immediately preceding the semester applying for HEAPS. Awards are on a 1st-come-1st-serve basis since funds are limited per institution.
West Virginia Invests Grant – West Virginia Invests is a “last-dollar-in” financial aid program designed to cover the cost of basic tuition and fees for certificate or associate degree programs in specific high-demand fields, as determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce, at a participating West Virginia public two or four-year institution.
Other Sources of Financial Assistance
Veterans Resource Center – WVU Parkersburg – Veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, Reservists, or National Guard members may be eligible to receive educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Children and spouses of deceased or totally and permanently disabled veterans may receive educational assistance. All applicable guidelines will apply.
WV Division of Rehabilitation Services – Each state maintains a Vocational Rehabilitation agency to assist clients in training or retraining to overcome various disabilities. It may be possible to have all or part of educational expenses covered under such programs. Contact the Vocational Rehabilitation office serving the county of residence.
WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Scholarships – The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for new, continuing, transfer and adult students. By submitting one online scholarship application, you can be considered for multiple donor-based scholarships funded by the Foundation.
Student Loan Repayment
Students who have multiple loans through multiple loan servicers, such as American Education Services (AES) or Great Lakes Higher Education, and the Direct Loan Programs will have to make separate payments when you enter repayment unless you consolidate your loans. You can consolidate all your Stafford Loans together with Federal Direct Consolidation Loans. For more information on consolidation go to studentaid.gov. To monitor all your Student Loans (from any institution or program), access your loan history with the National Student Loan Database System at www.nslds.ed.gov
*Graduates and students who are enrolled in less than half-time (6 credit hours) must also complete Exit Counseling online at: https://studentaid.gov/app/counselingInstructions.action?counselingType=exit
Constitution Day
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Celebration of Constitution Day (Sept 17th) is promoted annually on the WVU Parkersburg website, internal television monitors, and through the distribution of an EFYI to all students, faculty and staff. Pocket constitutions are distributed on the day of observance. Special events are held annually in conjunction with Student Activities, the Library/Learning Resource Center, and/or current professors of history courses going on during the Fall semester.
Contact Information for Assistance in Obtaining Financial Aid
Following is the contact information for students seeking assistance in obtaining financial aid from the WVU Parkersburg Financial Aid Office:
Physical Location Parkersburg: Center for Student Services, Main Building, Room 1107.
Physical Location Jackson County: Administrative Building
Telephone Number: 304-424-8310
Email Address: finaid@wvup.edu
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students’ rights with respect to their education records including:
The right to inspect and review their educational records.
The right to request the amendment of the record to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.
The right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. WVU Parkersburg has classified the following as Directory Information which may be released without prior consent: name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, classification of student level (freshman, sophomore, etc.), enrollment status (full, part-time or not enrolled), degrees and awards received including Dean’s List and President’s Scholar List, the listing of previous educational institutions attended, and participation in officially recognized activities.
The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by WVU Parkersburg to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Family Policy Compliance Office, US Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920.
Official Withdrawal from the College or Individual Classes
Before the semester begins, students withdrawing from an individual course or the College must access their OLSIS account. For each semester, once classes begin, students must contact and complete a withdrawal form with their academic advisor, their financial aid counselor and if necessary the business office before they may withdraw from any class. The forms for the withdrawal process will be available in the Center for Student Services, the Professional Advising Center, the Jackson County Center administrative office, and online.
Textbook Information
The campus bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble in the Main Building of the Parkersburg campus carries textbooks and classroom materials as well as imprinted items and sundries. Students may access their OLSIS account to identify the textbook(s) and ISBN number(s) required for each class.
Private Education Loans
West Virginia University at Parkersburg does not endorse or provide information regarding any single loan product or loan provider. Students may independently explore private student loan options. Please remember that you may qualify for Federal Direct Loans by completing a FAFSA. If you decide to apply for a private student loan, you must complete, sign, and provide a copy of the U.S. Department of Education’s self-certification form for private student loans to your lending institution.
Student Loan Code of Conduct
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Financial Aid staff are committed to providing the highest quality customer service to our students and families. It is our goal to provide information and advice, in keeping with federal requirements, and to base decisions solely by consideration of the best interests of our students (and their parents). To ensure students and their families continue receiving sound and impartial advice from the financial aid office, and to avoid the potential for, or appearance of, conflicts of interest regarding student loans, the WVUP Financial Aid Office shall abide by this Code of Conduct in its relationships with lenders, guarantors, and servicers of education loans. The WVU Parkersburg Financial Aid Office prohibits all of the following:
Revenue sharing agreements with lenders
Conflicts of Interest
Accepting gifts above a nominal value ($25) from lenders or guarantors
Accepting private loans conditioned on the use of a lender’s Title IV loans
Contracting arrangements with a lender that provides compensation to school staff
Assigning a lender to a borrower or refusing to certify a loan for a borrower’s choice of lender or guarantor
Accepting from lenders any staff assistance
Accepting compensation for service on an advisory board, except that reasonable expenses associated with that service may be reimbursed by the lender or guarantor
We are committed to the highest standards of professional conduct. We are members of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and adhere to their Statement of Ethical Principals and Code of Conduct as well. https://www.wvncc.edu/docs/bj_StatementofEthicalPrinciplesandCode.pdf
Non-Discrimination Statement
Public Notification of Nondiscrimination In Career-Technical Opportunities
West Virginia University at Parkersburg is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, religion, color, ancestry, or national origin in admission, employment, education programs or activities; nor does it discriminate on the basis of genetic information in employment or employee health benefits. Further, faculty, staff, students and applicants are protected from retaliation for filing complaints or assisting in an investigation of discrimination. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to:
As a comprehensive community college, West Virginia University at Parkersburg campuses offer a wide variety of programs and courses in the liberal arts and sciences, career-technical education, work place training, developmental studies, and community and continuing education. Many courses and some programs are available online as a distance education component. Under an open-door enrollment policy, the College admits all adults desiring postsecondary education. High school students recommended by their schools for early entrance also are admitted. The College admits students as degree seeking or non-degree seeking, or as early entrance high school students or those enrolling in continuing education. Some programs are limited enrollment with specific entrance requirements, including Health Sciences.
Applications and information about WVUP may be obtained from the Center for Student Services, through local high school counselor offices, or online at the College’s website at www.wvup.edu. There are separate applications for general admission, continuing education and early entrance/home schooled students. General admission student applications may be submitted online or at the Center for Student Services. All general admission students must select a Program of Study at the time of application for admission.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg, pursuant to the requirements of Titles IV, VI, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, does not discriminate against applicants, employees, or students on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, religion, color, ancestry, or national origin in its employment policies and/or educational programs or activities, including admissions to such.
Inquiries concerning this rule should be directed to the Interim AA/EEO Administrator, Dr. Steven Smith who is the designated deputy coordinator for Title IX and Section 504. For more information: wvup.edu/harassment-and-discrimination/
Tuition Refunds
The Fall, Spring, and Summer refund schedules apply to tuition only and do not apply to special fees. Refunds are issued only on complete withdrawals from the college. No refund will be issued for dropping individual courses until registered credit hours are zero. Tuition refund for complete withdrawals to student according to the following penalty schedule:
Fall or Spring Semester
0% penalty will be assessed for classes canceled by the college or dropped by the student before 4:00 p.m. Friday the first week of classes.
10% penalty will be assessed on complete withdrawals during the second week of classes.
30% penalty will be assessed on complete withdrawals during the third week of classes.
50% penalty will be assessed on complete withdrawals during the fourth week of classes.
No tuition refunds will be provided beginning with the fifth week of classes.
Summer Sessions and Nontraditional Periods
0% penalty will be assessed for classes canceled or dropped during the first 6% of the term.
10% penalty will be assessed on complete withdrawals during the first 7 to 13% of the term.
30% penalty will be assessed on complete withdrawals within the period of 14% to 19% of the term.
50% penalty will be assessed on complete withdrawals within the period of 20% to 25% of the term.
No refunds will be provided after 25% of the term is completed.
Notes:
• Refunded tuition must be returned in accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Act whenever Title IV funds are involved.
• Reduced refunds are given for students making installment payments. Refunds are reduced by the applicable outstanding balance of WVUP institutional charges owed.
Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services is committed to helping qualified students with disabilities achieve their academic goals by providing reasonable academic accommodations under appropriate circumstances. Appropriate accommodations are based upon both documentation of a disability and the significant limitations supported by diagnostic test data.
The following information is designed to help you to understand the policies and procedures related to obtaining disability-related accommodations at WVUP. This information is meant to assist you in obtaining services that are available to all students at WVUP. All current, incoming or transfer students, seeking accommodations in person, must:
• Schedule an initial interview with a counselor to register with the Center for Student Support Services (Room 1019) (Phone: 304-424-8378)
• Provide documentation of your disability that meets WVUP criteria for obtaining disability related academic accommodations; and
• Request services on a semester by semester basis
Click here for additional information regarding disability services.