OLSIS

Federal & State Aid for College

Federal & State Aid for College

There are lots of options when it comes to paying for college — including federal and state financial aid. And, if you’re an eligible undergraduate student, you may be able to get a grant that does not need to be paid back (unlike student loans).

The U.S. Department of Education, the state of West Virginia, WVU Parkersburg, private industries and organizations offer a variety of financial aid and tuition assistance programs. At WVU Parkersburg, we have aid left over, because students simply did not apply! For more information on your eligibility, please visit Federal Student Aid.

Federal Student Aid

The U.S. Department of Education awards over $100 billion annually for college tuition, fees, books, and other expenses. You may be eligible to receive federal aid to help you pay for your college education. Federal financial aid comes in many forms, including grants, student loans, and work-study programs.

Federal Pell Grant

Available to undergraduate students who show financial need and have not earned a bachelor or professional degree. The award is based on enrollment status (full-time, half-time, etc.).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor or professional degree and demonstrate financial need. Priority is given to students that have completed the financial aid process by May 1. Limited funding restricts the number of awards offered annually, and students must receive Pell in order to receive SEOG.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is federally funded and designed to assist those students who demonstrate a financial need. It provides the opportunity of employment to qualified students. Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year in order to be considered for FWS. Students must also maintain a 2.0 or greater to qualify.

Federal Work Study is a campus-based program with limited funding. This type of assistance usually goes to the earliest applicants with the highest financial need. Funds may become available throughout the academic year as students choose not to participate in FWS. If you have been awarded Federal Work Study, contact the Financial Aid Office for work-study options on campus.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan

Available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). The interest rate on the loan is variable and established each June but will not exceed 8.25%. A processing fee may be deducted from the borrowed amount so the disbursed amount may be slightly less than the borrowed amount shown in the student’s financial aid award package. Loan repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawing from school, or dropping below six credit hours. Maximum federal annual amounts are $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5500 for juniors and seniors. However, institutional cost of attendance may reduce those amounts. More information about student loans is available at studentaid.gov.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan

Available to undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) and have not had their cost of attendance met through other aid awards. The interest rate will not exceed 8.25%. A processing fee may be deducted from the borrowed amount so the disbursed amount may be slightly less than the borrowed amount shown in the student’s financial aid award package. Loan repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawing from school, or dropping below six credit hours. However, interest payments on the loan must be paid while the student is in school or deferred and capitalized (added to the principal of the loan). Maximum federal annual amounts depend on other aid that was awarded to the student. More information about student loans is available at studentaid.gov.

Federal PLUS Loan

Available to parents of dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). The parent must have a good credit history and may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial awards. The interest rate on the loan is variable and established each June, but will not exceed 9%. A processing fee may be deducted from the borrowed amount so the disbursed amount may be slightly less than the borrowed amount shown in the student’s financial aid award package.

State Financial Aid for College

There are state financial aid programs to help residents pay for their college education. You may be eligible for state-funded grants or loans, depending on need and program requirements. Please adhere to the eligibility considerations application deadlines, rules, and requirements for each.

West Virginia PROMISE

West Virginia PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-state Student Excellence) is a merit-based scholarship program designed to keep qualified students in West Virginia by making college affordable. All applicants must file the FAFSA by March 1. For eligibility requirements and any additional information, visit the PROMISE website. Only high school seniors can apply for the PROMISE Scholarship.

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

Available to full-time, undergraduate, West Virginia residents. For consideration, the applicant must fill out the FAFSA by April 15 and demonstrate financial need. The student is required to complete 24 credit hours per academic year (Fall and Spring semesters only) and maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. Further information about this grant program is available here. WVHEG Awards are subject to reduction or cancellation. Awards are tentative until finalized by the WVHEG program administrators, and eligibility must be verified by your institution.

West Virginia HEAPS Grant

Available to students who are WV residents enrolled in 3-11 credit hours. Limited funding restricts number of awards, and this grant is awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Students’ eligibility will be evaluated after they request the grant, and the grant is typically not awarded until after the add/drop period is over, to ensure that the student is part-time.

The Spring 2025 HEAPS application will be posted in October 2024.

For more information about the HEAPS grant program, visit https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/heaps-grant/

WV Invests

West Virginia Invests is a last-dollar-in financial aid program available at participating two or four-year public institutions in West Virginia. This program is designed to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees and academic program fees for certificate or associate degree programs in specific high-demand fields, as determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce. For more information, click here.

WV Nursing Scholarship

The West Virginia Nursing Scholarship program is for LPN, RN, LPN teaching certificate, and master’s or doctoral nursing education students. In exchange for receiving the scholarship, participants agree to complete a service obligation in West Virginia. The program is a joint project by the West Virginia Center for Nursing and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. For more information, click here.

WV STEM Scholarship

The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology (WV STEM) Scholarship Program is a student financial aid program designed to enable and encourage academically talented individuals to pursue careers in the fields of engineering, science and technology in West Virginia. For more information, click here.

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