Financial Aid in West Virginia (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, West Virginia's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
West Virginia FAFSA deadline for state aid
PROMISE Scholarship: March 1, 2026. WV Higher Education Grant: April 15, 2026. WV Invests: April 15, 2026 for priority.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
West Virginia grant programs
West Virginia Higher Education Grant
Need-based grant for West Virginia residents at in-state and Pennsylvania schools.
PROMISE Scholarship
Merit award covering a large share of tuition at West Virginia colleges, based on GPA and test scores.
WV Invests Grant
Covers tuition and fees for high-demand certificate and associate programs.
Administered by College for West Virginia. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for West Virginia students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches West Virginiastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in West Virginia?
For 2026–27 state aid: PROMISE Scholarship: March 1, 2026. WV Higher Education Grant: April 15, 2026. WV Invests: April 15, 2026 for priority. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does West Virginia offer?
West Virginia Higher Education Grant: Need-based grant for West Virginia residents at in-state and Pennsylvania schools. PROMISE Scholarship: Merit award covering a large share of tuition at West Virginia colleges, based on GPA and test scores. WV Invests Grant: Covers tuition and fees for high-demand certificate and associate programs. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a West Virginia resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in West Virginia?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how College for West Virginia determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.