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About the WV HOPE Scholarship Program.
Amount Award/HOPE Scholarship WV
HOPE Scholarship Eligibility WV.
- Be a resident of West Virginia for at least 12 months prior to applying for the scholarship.
- Be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED.
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student at an eligible institution in West Virginia.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Have a family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year to continue receiving the scholarship.
Benefits of HOPE Scholarship WV:
- Affordable higher education for West Virginia residents
- Up to $4,750 per year to cover tuition and fees
- Helps students avoid student loan debt
- Encourages students to pursue higher education in-state.
Types of Financial Aid Available in West Virginia
- Grants: Grants are a type of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They are typically awarded based on financial need and/or merit. Some examples of grants available in West Virginia include the West Virginia Higher Education Grant and the Federal Pell Grant.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are another type of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They are typically awarded based on merit, talent, or a specific characteristic such as being a first-generation college student. Some examples of scholarships available in West Virginia include the PROMISE Scholarship and the WV Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarship.
- Loans: Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. They are typically awarded based on financial need. Some examples of loans available in West Virginia include the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- Work-study programs: Work-study programs provide part-time employment opportunities for students to help them pay for their education. These programs are typically awarded based on financial need and can be found through the student's college or university.
- Tuition waivers: Tuition waivers are a type of financial aid that allows students to attend college without paying tuition. These waivers are typically awarded based on specific criteria, such as being a dependent of a military service member or being a foster child.
- Note : for students to explore all of their options for financial aid and to apply for aid each year to help offset the cost of their education.
Other financial aid programs in West Virginia:
- West Virginia Higher Education Grant
- PROMISE Scholarship
- West Virginia Invests Grant
- WV Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarship
- Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program
- Health Sciences Service Program
- 6West Virginia National Guard Educational Assistance Program
- WV Workforce Grant
- FWV Division of Rehabilitation seeServices Scholarship Program.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Financial Aid
- Start early: It's important to start the financial aid application process as early as possible. Some financial aid programs have limited funding, so it's best to apply early to increase your chances of receiving aid.
- Research available programs: Research all of the financial aid programs available in West Virginia to find ones that match your needs and eligibility. Some programs may require additional applications, so make sure to follow up on all of the requirements.
- Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for federal and state financial aid programs, including the HOPE Scholarship WV. Make sure to complete the FAFSA each year to determine your eligibility for aid.
- Check with your college or university: Your college or university may offer additional financial aid programs or scholarships specific to their institution. Make sure to check with the financial aid office to explore all of your options.
- Keep track of deadlines: Pay close attention to all financial aid program deadlines and make sure to submit applications before the deadline. Missing a deadline could result in losing out on financial aid opportunities.
- Stay organized: Keep all financial aid documents organized and in one place, including your FAFSA, tax documents, and any additional application materials. This will make it easier to apply for aid each year and keep track of your financial aid awards.
West Virginia National Guard Educational Assistance Program
- Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, applicants must be a member in good standing of the West Virginia National Guard and have completed basic training. They must also be enrolled in an approved institution of higher learning, including community colleges, four-year universities, and vocational schools.
- Benefits: The program provides up to 100% tuition and fee coverage for eligible members of the West Virginia National Guard. The amount of assistance awarded is based on the student's enrollment status, with full-time students receiving the maximum benefit.
- Application process: Interested applicants must submit an application, along with supporting documentation, to the West Virginia National Guard Education Services Office. Applications must be submitted prior to the start of the academic term for which the assistance is being requested.
- Continued eligibility: Recipients of the West Virginia National Guard Educational Assistance Program must maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain in good standing with the West Virginia National Guard to continue receiving benefits.
How To Apply for HOPE Scholarship WV Program.
- Visit the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission's website at https://www.wvhepc.edu/.
- Click on the "Financial Aid" tab on the top menu bar and select "Apply for Financial Aid" from the dropdown menu.
- On the Apply for Financial Aid page, click on the "FAFSA" link to be directed to the FAFSA website.
- Create an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) or log in with an existing FSA ID.
- Complete the FAFSA form and submit it. The form requires information about the student's financial situation, such as income and assets, as well as their academic information.
- After submitting the FAFSA, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which summarizes the information provided on the FAFSA. This report should be reviewed for accuracy and any necessary corrections should be made.
- The student's college or university will use the information provided on the FAFSA and SAR to determine eligibility for financial aid programs, including the HOPE Scholarship WV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What is the HOPE Scholarship WV program?
The HOPE Scholarship WV program is a merit-based scholarship program offered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission that provides financial assistance to eligible West Virginia students attending an approved institution of higher education in the state.
Who is eligible for the HOPE Scholarship WV program?
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be West Virginia residents who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed a rigorous high school curriculum. They must also be enrolled full-time in an approved institution of higher education in West Virginia
How much financial assistance does the HOPE Scholarship WV program provide?
The scholarship provides up to $4,750 per academic year for eligible students. Recipients may receive the scholarship for up to four years, as long as they maintain eligibility.
How do I apply for the HOPE Scholarship WV program?
Interested applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the HOPE Scholarship WV application, which includes an essay and transcript. The application deadline is March 1.
Can I receive the HOPE Scholarship WV program in addition to other financial aid?
Yes, recipients of the HOPE Scholarship WV program may receive other financial aid as long as they remain eligible.
What are the eligibility requirements to maintain the HOPE Scholarship WV program?
Recipients of the HOPE Scholarship WV program must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year to continue receiving the scholarship.
How can I contact the HOPE Scholarship WV program if I have questions or need assistance?
You can contact the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission by phone or email to receive assistance with the HOPE Scholarship WV program. Contact information can be found on their website.