STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700

Charleston, West Virginia 25301

Voice (304) 558-2101

FAX (304) 558-5719

https://secure.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships/Scholarships.aspx

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of West Virginia.

The PROMISE Scholarship

PROMISE Award

The PROMISE Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program for West Virginia residents. Students who achieve certain academic goals are eligible to receive funds to help pay for college. Eligible high school graduates will receive annual awards up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public or independent institutions in West Virginia

A student must graduate with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, or whatever is locally considered a “B” average, in both the core courses and overallcoursework (weighted grades may be used). The core grade point average includes all core courses, but does not include electives. GED/home-schooled students must attain a 2500 minimum score on the GED for scholarship consideration. Students other than those attending a West Virginia public high school (i.e., private high schools and students commuting to an out of state high school) must submit a grade report form in order to be considered

Length of Scholarship for Degree Seeking Students

• An eligible student seeking an associate’s degree may be eligible to receive PROMISE funding for a maximum of two years.
• An eligible student seeking a baccalaureate degree may be eligible to receive PROMISE funding for a maximum of four years.

Renewal

• PROMISE is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters, as long as students meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

Transferring

• Students transferring from one PROMISE eligible institution to another can maintain PROMISE eligibility. Students should contact the Director of Financial Aid at the institution they wish to attend in order to transfer the scholarship.

Leave of Absence or Deferral

• If a student would like to defer his/her scholarship or needs to take a leave of absence, he/she should see the Deferral and Leave of Absence Policies.

PROMISE Rules and Policies

The PROMISE Board Policies and PROMISE Legislative Rule are available online for your information

WV Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program is a state funded student aid program designed to enable and encourage academically talented individuals to pursue careers in the fields of engineering, science and technology. Scholarships, not to exceed $3,000 per academic year, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and interest in the fields of engineering, science and technology. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a degree or certificate in engineering, science or technology and to commit to the pursuit of a career in West Virginia ..

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOLAR SELECTION:

In accordance with statutory provisions, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is the administering agency for the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program. A panel, as provided for in the Program’s statute, selects the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship recipients.

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS:

To qualify for the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:

To qualify for the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:

Agree to work full-time in an engineering, science or technology field in West Virginia for one year for each year the scholarship was received or begin an approved program of community service related to engineering, science or technology

Be willing to repay the scholarship received plus interest and any required collection fees if he/she fails to fulfill the work requirement

FURTHER INFORMATION :

Additional information on the Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program may be requested by calling (304) 558-4618 or writing to:

Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

1018 Kanawha Blvd., East, Suite 700

Charleston , West Virginia 25301

Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the HEAPS Grant Program is to encourage and enable needy West Virginia students, who desire to continue their education on a part-time basis at the post-secondary level.

Students may apply for the HEAPS Grant Program and/or the HEAPS Grant Program Workforce Development Component

ELIGIBILITY for HEAPS Grant:

A person is eligible for consideration for a HEAPS grant if the person:

• Is a West Virginia resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the U. S.;
• Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of study with a goal of attaining a certificate, an associate or bachelors degree as an undergraduate on a part-time basis at an eligible institution of higher education. Part-time means enrollment for not less than six or more than eleven semester hours of college course work or its equivalent. However, for no more than two semesters, a recipient may take three to five hours;
• Is making satisfactory progress at the time of application. Satisfactory progress for a first time award means being accepted for enrollment by the institution the applicant plans to attend. Thereafter, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale;
• Demonstrates financial need for funds;
• Demonstrates that he or she has applied for, accepted, or both, other student financial assistance in compliance with federal financial aid rules, including the Federal Pell Grant. Applicant must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Has complied with the Military Selective Service Act;
• Is not in default on a higher education loan;
• Is not incarcerated in a correctional facility;

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS: An eligible institution is one that:

• Is eligible to participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program.
• Is a community college, a community or technical college, an adult technical preparatory education program or training, a state college or university, an independent college or university, or any approved distance education, including world wide web based courses. Approved distance education classes must be authorized by an eligible institution with course credits transferred back to that institution.

SELECTION :

Recipients will be selected each year by the respective institutions of higher education based on the applicants’ eligibility and the availability of funds.

APPLICATION:

Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They should indicate the institution they plan to attend and meet deadlines designated by that institution. Applicants should also submit any supplemental materials that may be required by individual institutions.

RENEWALS:

HEAPS grants are eligible for renewal consideration until the program of study is completed but not to exceed an additional nine years beyond the first year of the award.

AMOUNT OF AWARD:

For students enrolled at a public college or university, the maximum grant is based on the actual per credit hour tuition and fees charges. For students enrolled in other eligible institutions, the award is based upon the average per credit hour tuition and fees charged by all of the public undergraduate institutions of higher education during the previous year. Total aid, including the HEAPS award, may not exceed the recipients total cost of education as defined by the institution being attended.

ELIGIBILITY for HEAPS Grant Workforce Development Component:

• A person is eligible for consideration for a HEAPS Workforce Development grant if the person:
• Applicants must complete and submit the HEAPS Grant Program Workforce Development Component student application to the institution of choice
• Applicants are not required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Is a West Virginia resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the U. S.;
• Is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in postsecondary certificate, industry recognized credential and other skill development programs of study.
• Is making satisfactory progress at the time of application. Satisfactory progress for a first time award means being accepted for enrollment by the institution the applicant plans to attend. Thereafter, a student must maintain satisfactory progress at the institution
• Demonstrates financial need for funds;
• Has complied with the Military Selective Service Act;
• Is not in default on a higher education loan;
• Is not incarcerated in a correctional facility;

Questions regarding this program may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office of the institution you plan to attend or by contacting:

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

1018 Kanawha Boulevard E, Fifth Floor

Charleston, West Virginia 25301

(304) 558-4618

Medical Student Loan

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this program is to enable needy medical students to obtain loan funds to pursue a degree of medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D. O.) at Marshall University School of Medicine, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine or West Virginia University School the Medicine.

ELIGIBILITY :

To be eligible for loan consideration, an applicant must:

• Be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled full-time at an approved West Virginia school of medicine with priority consideration given to residents of the state,
• Meet designated academic standards,
• Demonstrate financial need, and
• Not be in default on any previous student loan(s).

APPLICATION:

Applications must be obtained from the Financial Aid Office of the educational institution to be attended or are currently attending.

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION:

The institutional Financial Aid Office is responsible for (1) determining eligibility for the loan and (2) notifying individual students of the action taken. Funding availability may limit the number of awards or the value of individual awards.

RENEWAL:

Students are permitted to seek loan assistance for each year until the course of study is completed. An annual application may be required. The educational institution is under no obligation to approve subsequent loan requests even though all eligibility requirements are met.

ANNUAL LOAN AMOUNT:

The maximum annual loan amount can not exceed $10,000.

REPAYMENT:

The first payment will be due one year following the date the borrower ceases to be a full-time student at a school of medicine that participates in this Program with a maximum of 10 years to repay the loan (principal and interest). Students will be eligible for payment deferment during periods of required military service or approved additional medical training, including internships, residencies or fellowships (not to exceed 5 years). The minimum repayment amount shall be no less than $50.00 per month.

INTEREST:

The rate of interest charged on all outstanding loans awarded on or after September 7, 2002 shall be the prevailing Federal Stafford Loan interest rate at the beginning of the repayment period and shall accrue, except for periods of authorized deferment, from the beginning of the repayment period.

LOAN FORGIVENESS:

Loan indebtedness (principal and accumulated interest) will be forgiven at the rate of up to ,000 for each period of twelve consecutive months of full-time practice in an approved designated medically underserved area in West Virginia or in a medical specialty designated as a critical shortage field in the state. Once the student enters practice he/she needs to complete and submit the Postponement of Loan Payment form. At the conclusion of each 12 consecutive months of full-time practice the Certification of Service for Loan Forgiveness form needs to be completed and submitted to obtain credit for the past year of practice.

Questions regarding this Program may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office at a participating school of medicine to be attended or currently attending or by contacting:

Medical Student Loan Program

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

1018 Kanawha Boulevard East, Suite 700

Charleston, West Virginia 25301

1-888-825-5707 or (304)558-4618 Ext. 320

Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

The Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program is a state funded student aid program designed to enable and encourage outstanding high school graduates to pursue teaching careers at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary school level. Undergraduate and graduate scholarships, not to exceed ,000 per academic year, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and interest in teaching. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a teaching certificate and to commit to the pursuit of a teaching career in West Virginia public schools.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOLAR SELECTION:

In accordance with statutory provisions, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is the administering agency for the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program. A panel, as provided for in the Program’s statute, selects the Underwood-Smith recipients.

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS:

To qualify for the Underwood-Smith Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:

• Be a West Virginia resident;
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a West Virginia institution of higher education as a full-time student in a course of study leading to certification as a teacher at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary level;
• Agree to teach at the public pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary school level in West Virginia for two years for each year of scholarship assistance unless entering a teacher shortage area, an exceptional children’s program, a school having less than average academic results, or a school in an economically disadvantaged area as designated by the West Virginia Board of Education, when the scholar must teach not less than one year for each year for which the scholarship was received; and
• Be willing to repay the scholarship on a pro rata basis as well as accrued interest at a substantial rate and any required collection fees if he/she fails to fulfill the teaching obligation.

UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL

Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 after successfully completing 2 years of course work at an approved institution;

GRADUATE LEVEL

Have or will be graduating in the top ten percent of his/her college/university graduating class or have a 3.5 or above.

When the number of qualified applicants exceeds available funding, additional consideration will be given to such factors as the applicant’s statement of intention and interest in being a teacher and program of study.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:

Each interested student must properly complete an application for the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship prior to the academic year for which the student wishes to be considered for the scholarship. Currently, because of limited funding, applications are only accepted from students who will be a junior, senior, or graduate student in college during the year for which the application is being made. Students should apply through their institution’s teacher education chairperson or chief academic officer. Recipients will be required to sign an agreement acknowledging an understanding of the program’s requirements and their willingness to repay the award if appropriate teaching service is not rendered. Applications will be mailed to colleges and universities offering teacher certification programs each February. The application deadline is March 1 for the upcoming academic year.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Additional information on the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program may be requested by calling (304) 558-4618 or by writing to:

Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700

Charleston, West Virginia 25301

WV Higher Education Grant Program

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a need-based financial aid program designed to ensure West Virginia students with financial need are given an opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. The grant may be renewed until the student’s course of study is completed, but may not exceed an additional three academic years beyond the initial award. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and generally may be used in conjunction with other forms of state, federal and institutional financial aid.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

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 or permanent resident of the United States

West Virginia residency for at least 12 months prior date of application

Be a high school graduate or earned a General Education Development

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

AWARD CRITERIA:

Awards are granted to those applicants who:

• Demonstrate financial need and
• Meet the academic performance standards.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA Forms received by the processor on or before March 1 are given priority consideration.
• Complete the Application for State-Level Financial Aid Programs.
• New college students other than recent high school graduates must complete a Grade Report Form.

AWARD NOTIFICATION:

• Notification of awards occurs in April/May.
• Both awarded and non-awarded filers are notified.
• Qualified filers who are denied due to funding limitations are considered on additional award cycles during the school year.

DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS:

• Grant Program funds are sent directly to institutions to be attended by recipients.
• Delivery process occurs each enrollment period.
• Payment is to be applied toward payment of tuition and fees.

Specific information on the Grant Program may be obtained by calling (304) 558-4614 or 1-888-825-5707 or by writing to:

West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

1018 Kanawha Blvd. East, Suite 700

Charleston WV 25301

West Virginia Health Sciences Scholarship Program

The Health Sciences Scholarship Program is a service-obligation scholarship for health professions students interested in primary care and rural health in West Virginia. The program awards approximately 25 scholarships each academic year to students in the state’s higher education system: ,000 for medical students and $10,000 for other disciplines. Awards are made by the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences based on a competitive application process and the recommendations of an advisory committee

Eligible Students

Fourth-year medical students at a West Virginia school of medicine who are entering primary care internships or residency programs in West Virginia, including general family/medicine, general pediatrics, general internal medicine, combined internal medicine/pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and general psychiatry.

Students who are in the final year of a primary care educational program for nurse practitioners or physician assistants, a graduate physical therapy program or a master’s degree nursing program in West Virginia, leading to a career in nursing education; and

Students who are in the final year of a graduate social work program, leading to a career as a licensed independent clinical social work worker, or a doctoral clinical psychology program. Doctoral psychology students must match with an internship in West Virginia

Application

The application process is competitive, so please be sure to thoroughly and accurately complete the information requested. Your application, two recommendation forms and the Certification of Educational Status must be postmarked by TBA

Obligation to Practice in West Virginia

Participants must sign a contract to fulfill a service obligation after completing training. Medical, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and physical therapy students are required to practice primary care or physical therapy for a minimum of two years in an underserved rural area of West Virginia

Participants are responsible for locating a practice site. Participants in mental health fields have additional eligible sites — community mental health centers, state mental hospitals, or veterans’ health facilities. Participants in nursing education must sign a contract to teach for at least two years in a state approved, accredited undergraduate nursing program in West Virginia. These students are responsible for locating a nursing faculty position after completing training

The penalty for not fulfilling the service obligation is repayment of the scholarship with interest

For more information contact: