Scholarships at University of Charleston

Presidential Scholar Finalists are high-achieving incoming freshmen who advance through the Presidential Scholarship interview process but are not selected as Presidential Scholars. The University of Charleston awards these finalists scholarship packages ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 per year, worth up to $100,000 over four years, with the higher amount for students who live on campus. Finalists are identified during the same application and interview cycle as Presidential Scholarship candidates and do not submit a separate award application beyond the Presidential Scholarship process.

The Innovation Scholarship supports students selected for the University of Charleston Innovation Scholars program, a competitive team focused on leadership, innovation labs, and statewide impact projects. Recipients receive $3,000 per year, which may combine with other UC academic awards for up to $20,000 in total annual support. Applicants need a high school GPA of at least 3.0, must submit an Innovation Scholar application, and complete an interview with the Director of Innovation and current Innovation Scholars. Scholars also participate in community innovation projects, competitions, and professional credential opportunities through the Innovation Center.

The Honors Fellow Award is a $2,000 annual scholarship for an outstanding University of Charleston Honors College student recognized for academic achievement and community contributions. The Honors Fellow serves as a mentor to the program over an academic year, especially supporting the Honors first-year seminar. Honors College members are selected for exemplary achievement and may compete for this fellowship through internal Honors College processes. The award supports scholarship and engagement activities within the Honors College community on the Charleston campus.

The Avashia Fellowship recognizes one exceptional University of Charleston Honors College student each year who demonstrates academic excellence, community commitment, leadership potential, and a sincere passion for education, Appalachian culture, and West Virginia. The fellowship includes a $2,000 award and an expectation that the recipient mentor incoming Honors College students. It is funded by gifts from Dr. Bipin Avashia and the late Rita Avashia, a UC MBA alumna, and is structured to support intellectual leadership within the Honors College. Recipients are selected by Honors College faculty leadership rather than through a public open application.

The UC Works Scholarship covers remaining undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for eligible West Virginia resident first-time freshmen after federal, state, and WIOA aid are applied. Participants must be admitted to an in-seat four-year bachelor’s program in the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, or School of Health Sciences, qualify for Pell Grant, West Virginia Higher Education Grant, and WIOA funding, and complete a UC Works supplemental application emailed to admissions@ucwv.edu. Selected students also receive a local part-time employment match intended to support their field of study while enrolled at UC.