FINANCIAL AID
WEST VIRGINIA
2023 COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
ABOUT THIS REPORT
In accordance with West Virginia Code §18C-1-1f, this report represents the fteenth annual Financial Aid Comprehensive Report. It contains
(a) descriptions of and changes to West Virginia aid programs, (b) policy recommendations for West Virginia aid programs, and (c) longitudinal
data about recipients of state nancial aid. The Financial Aid Comprehensive Report, coupled with data published on the online higher
education data portal, provides a comprehensive view of the principal sources of nancial aid at West Virginia colleges and universities. It
should be noted that the data presented are for the 2022-23 academic year. Additional data are available through the statewide higher
education data portal - Explorer - at:
http://www.wvhepc.edu/resources/data-and-publication-center/
Image courtesy of Mountwest Community and Technical College
Front cover image courtesy of
West Virginia University
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Changes in West Virginia ................................................................................................................... 1
Policy Reections and Recommendations ......................................................................................... 2
Promise Scholarship .......................................................................................................................... 3
West Virginia Invests Grant Program .................................................................................................. 5
Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) ........................................................................................... 7
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program ................................................... 9
HEAPS Workforce Component .......................................................................................................... 11
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program ................................................................................ 13
Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship ........................................................................... 15
Medical Student Loan Program ........................................................................................................ 17
Choose West Virginia Practice Program ............................................................................................ 19
Nursing Scholarship Program .......................................................................................................... 21
Image courtesy of West Virginia University Institute of Technology
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
1
CHANGES IN WEST VIRGINIA
The Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board met three times in 2022-23 and made recommendations to the West Virginia
Higher Education Policy Commission regarding the academic criteria necessary to receive the Promise Scholarship, the Promise award
amount, and the Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) award structure and recommendations to help students.
The testing criteria for Promise stayed the same for the Class of 2024 compared to the Class of 2023, and the maximum award was increased
to $5,200 for 2023-24.
For the WV Higher Education Grant, the deadline was extended to November 1, 2023 for 2023-24 awards. The maximum award for the WV
HigherEducation Grant was increased to $3,300 from $3,200 for the 2023-24 award year.
The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is going through signicant changes. The WV Higher Education Policy
Commission is making the necessary changes in those areas that impact state nancial aid and is working with various groups throughout the
state to help students with the new FAFSA application. Because of the signicant changes, the U.S. Department of Education is delaying the
opening of the 2024-25 FAFSA from October 1, 2023 to December 2023.
Image courtesy of Shepherd University
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
2
POLICY REFLECTIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Promise Scholarship Program
The standardized test score requirement to qualify for Promise for the Class of 2024 was maintained at the same level as the Class of 2023.
Students continue to be able to use superscoring to meet the standardized test score requirement. The award amount was increased from
$5,000 to $5,200 for the 2023-24 award year.
At this time, it is recommended that no other changes to the academic criteria to earn the award or the award amount be implemented based
upon the current appropriations and lottery funding. If the current funding for Promise were to change, then the Higher Education Student
Financial Aid Advisory Board and the Commission would need to consider changes to the Promise Scholarship Program.
Higher Education Grant Program
The Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board recommended that
the maximum award for 2023-24 be increased to $3,300 for students with an
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of under 13,000.
West Virginia Student Aid Management System (WVSAM)
On July 1, 2022, a new portal was introduced to provide a single place for
students to manage their state nancial aid. The WVSAM system allows
students to create an account, apply for multiple state nancial aid programs,
edit their applications, check the status of their application, update their
contact information, view their award information, and easily contact the West
Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Financial Aid with any
questions. Now in its second year, improvements continue to be made to the
WVSAM system to improve the student experience.
Image courtesy of Glenville State University
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
3
The Promise Scholarship is a merit-based nancial aid program designed to: 1) improve high school and postsecondary academic achievement
through scholarship incentives; 2) promote access to higher education by reducing costs to students; 3) retain the “best and brightest”
students in West Virginia colleges and universities; and 4) create a more educated workforce, which, in turn, will lead to greater economic
development. Starting with 2023-24, students can receive annual awards up to $5,200 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at
public or eligible private institutions in West Virginia. Awards may be used in conjunction with other forms of state, federal, and institutional
nancial aid.
The scholarship is automatically renewed for up to four semesters for an associate degree or eight continuous semesters or until a bachelor’s
degree is earned for students in a bachelor’s degree program. To be considered for scholarship renewal, a student must have a minimum
overall GPA of 2.75 at the end of the rst award year on completed college coursework and a 3.0 GPA thereafter, as well as earn 30 credit hours
for a two-semester award or earn 15 credit hours for a one-semester award within an award year. Recipients are also encouraged to engage in
community service activities while in college.
To qualify for a Promise Scholarship, a student must:
ŋ Complete high school graduation requirements at a West Virginia high school with at least half of the credits required for graduation
obtained at a public high school, private high school, or homeschool in the state (unless the student is a West Virginia resident
commuting daily to an out-of-state high school or meets the military dependent exemption);
ŋ Complete the Promise core high school curriculum;
ŋ Apply for the scholarship within two years of graduation from high school by submitting both the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) and the Promise application form;
ŋ Have attained a cumulative core and overall high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale according to local standardized grading in
coursework required for graduation by the West Virginia Board of Education;
ŋ Have attained a composite ACT score of 21 (or the comparable SAT score) with a minimum score of 19 on all four subject tests;
ŋ Have resided in West Virginia continuously for 12 months immediately preceding application for the Promise (unless meeting the
military dependent exemption); and
ŋ Be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen who meets the residency requirements for Federal Student Aid.
Highlights:
ŋ The number of Promise recipients decreased from 9,503 in 2021-22 to 8,943 in 2022-23. The total cost of the scholarship decreased
from $42,883,055 in 2021-22 to $42,432,489 in 2022-23.
ŋ Approximately 90.5 percent of Promise recipients in 2022-23 attended a four-year public institution. Of these, most attended either
West Virginia University (50.4%) or Marshall University (19.6%). Public community and technical colleges accounted for 3.6 percent
of Promise scholars in 2022-23.
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
4
Promise Scholarship: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution, 2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 8,092 90.5% $38,621,279
Blueeld State University 69 0.8% $315,000
Concord University 227 2.5% $1,056,510
Fairmont State University 592 6.6% $2,780,858
Glenville State University 127 1.4% $598,110
Marshall University 1,752 19.6% $8,444,365
Shepherd University 389 4.3% $ 1,823,877
West Liberty University 280 3.1% $1,356,321
West Virginia State University 147 1.6% $686,347
West Virginia University*
4,509 50.4% $21,559,891
Two-Year Public Institutions 323 3.6 % $1,242,547
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 39 0.4% $141,027
BridgeValley Community and Technical College 33 0.4% $133,252
Eastern WV Community and Technical College 4 0.0% $10,560
Mountwest Community and Technical College 19 0.2% $82,909
New River Community and Technical College 12 0.1% $45,188
Pierpont Community and Technical College 37 0.4% $166,787
Southern WV Community and Technical College 47 0.5% $168,493
WV Northern Community College 26 0.3% $80,440
WVU at Parkersburg 106 1.2% $413,891
Four-Year Private, Non-Prot Institutions 528 5.9% $2,568,663
Alderson Broaddus University 45 0.5% $217,190
Appalachian Bible College 9 0.1% $42,500
Bethany College 36 0.4% $175,000
Davis & Elkins College 62 0.7% $300,770
University of Charleston 163 1.8% $790,603
West Virginia Wesleyan College 197 2.2% $965,100
Wheeling University 16 0.2% $77,500
Total 8,943 100.0% $42,432,489
* Includes Potomac State College of WVU and WVU Institute of Technology.
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 10,397 10,185 9,937 9,503 8,943
Awards $47,454,201 $46,537,525 $45,063,910 $42,893,055 $42,432,489
Average Award $4,564 $4,569 $4,535 $4,514 $4,745
Total Promise Recipients, Awards, and Average Award, 2018-19 to 2022-23
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
5
The West Virginia Invests Grant is a “last-dollar-in” nancial aid program designed to cover the cost of basic tuition and mandatory fees for
certicate or associate degree programs in specic high-demand elds, as determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce, at a
participating West Virginia public two- or four-year institution. "Last dollar" means federal and state scholarships and grants and institutional
tuition waivers are applied to tuition and mandatory fees rst. West Virginia Invests will cover any remaining tuition and mandatory fees not
being covered by other scholarships and grants.
The West Virginia Invests Grant is available to students attending participating West Virginia public two-year or four-year institutions. In order
to be eligible for an Invests award, a potential recipient must:
ŋ Be a West Virginia resident 12 months prior to applying;
ŋ Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for federal nancial aid purposes;
ŋ Have a high school degree or equivalent;
ŋ Have not already earned a college degree or attempted 90 or more college credit hours;
ŋ Not be in default on a federal student loan;
ŋ Meet college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy;
ŋ Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
ŋ Pay for and pass a drug screen once per academic year;
ŋ Complete two hours of unpaid community service each term; and
ŋ Reside in West Virginia for two years once the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time or else repay the grant.
Highlights:
ŋ The number of West Virginia Invests Grant recipients increased slightly from 1,335 in 2021-22 to 1,398 in 2022-23. The total funding
awarded increased from $4,595,285 to $5,181,355.
ŋ Invests recipients received an average award of $3,706 in 2022-23.
ŋ A majority of Invests funds (96.9%) were disbursed to students attending a West Virginia public two-year institution, with Pierpont
Community and Technical College, BridgeValley Community and Technical College, and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
enrolling the highest number of Invests recipients at 300, 227, and 188 students, respectively.
From left to right, images courtesy of Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College, Eastern West
Virginia Community & Technical College and West Virginia Northern Community College
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
6
WV Invests Grant: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution, 2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 44 3.1% $131,028
Potomac State College of WVU 44 3.1% $131,028
Two-Year Public Institutions 1,354 96.9% $5,050,327
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 188 16.5% $609,583
BridgeValley Community and Technical College 227 17.6% $802,056
Eastern WV Community and Technical College 39 1.8% $95,903
Mountwest Community and Technical College 106 5.2% $402,406
New River Community and Technical College 149 9.0% $619,316
Pierpont Community and Technical College 300 22.2% $1,363,294
Southern WV Community and Technical College 120 7.6% $389,041
WV Northern Community College 106 7.4% $364,559
WVU at Parkersburg 119 7.8% $404,169
Total 1,398 100.0% $5,181,355
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients . 1,168 1,431 1,335 1,398
Awards . $3,269,353 $4,140,593 $4,595,285 $5,181,355
Average Award . $2,799 $2,893 $3,442 $3,706
Total WV Invests Grant Recipients, Awards, and Average Award, 2019-20 to 2022-23
Image courtesy of New River Community & Technical College
LEARN MORE AT WWW.COLLEGEFORWV.COM/PROGRAMS/INVEST-GRANT
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
7
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) is a need-based nancial aid program designed to ensure that West Virginia
students with nancial need are given an opportunity to pursue postsecondary 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. Students must le a FAFSA
each year to be eligible for renewal. Awards are based on demonstrated nancial need and generally may be used in conjunction with other
forms of state, federal, and institutional nancial aid.
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant may be used at approved public and private postsecondary institutions in West Virginia or
Pennsylvania. The grant may be transferred from one eligible institution to another. Renewal is not automatic; students must reapply each
year.
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is available to degree-seeking residents of West Virginia. In order to be eligible for
an HEGP award, a potential recipient must:
ŋ Be a citizen of the United States;
ŋ Have maintained West Virginia residency for at least 12 months prior to the date of application;
ŋ Be a high school graduate or the equivalent thereof;
ŋ Demonstrate an established level of nancial need through submission of the FAFSA;
ŋ Demonstrate academic promise dened as a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA or a score of 2250 on the GED or a 500 on the TASC
(this requirement does not apply to those more than ve years out of high school) and meet institutional admission requirements;
ŋ Enroll at a participating institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania as a full-time undergraduate student; and
ŋ Have not previously earned a bachelor's degree.
Highlights:
ŋ The number of HEGP recipients decreased 15,131 in 2021-22 to 14,284 in 2022-23, with total awards increasing from $37,974,960
to $38,066,517. The average award amount increased from $2,510 to $2,665 during the same period.
ŋ In the 2022-23 academic year, 65.2 percent of HEGP recipients attended public four-year institutions. Of these, most students
attended either West Virginia University (23.1%) or Marshall University (16.1%).
ŋ Public community and technical colleges accounted for 21.1 percent of HEGP awardees in 2022-23, while four-year private, nonprot
institutions accounted for 5.3 percent.
From left to right, images courtesy of Fairmont State University, Southern West Virginia
Community and Technical College and West Virginia State University
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
8
HEGP: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution, 2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 9,307 65.2% $26,023,645
Blueeld State University 332 2.3% $911,467
Concord University 554 3.9% $1,467,010
Fairmont State University 921 6.4% $2,466,536
Glenville State University 372 2.6% $1,020,306
Marshall University 2,305 16.1% $6,544,903
Shepherd University 564 3.9% $1,534,050
West Liberty University 435 3.0% $1,224,718
West Virginia State University 521 3.6% $1,431,108
West Virginia University* 3,303 23.1% $9,423,547
Two-Year Public Institutions 3,020 21.1% $7,377,210
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 302 2.1% $678,187
BridgeValley Community and Technical College 509 3.6% $1,214,032
Eastern WV Community and Technical College 83 0.6% $203,617
Mountwest Community and Technical College 243 1.7% $608,850
New River Community and Technical College 292 2.0% $689,508
Pierpont Community and Technical College 280 2.0% $744,250
Southern WV Community and Technical College 483 3.4% $1,256,811
WV Northern Community College 283 2.0% $672,159
WVU at Parkersburg 545 3.8% $1,309,796
Four-Year Private, Non-Prot Institutions 1,011 7.1% $2,790,517
Alderson Broaddus University 118 0.8% $331,314
Appalachian Bible College 28 0.2% $83,638
Bethany College 57 0.4% $174,400
Davis & Elkins College 176 1.2% $493,053
University of Charleston 360 2.5% $900,070
West Virginia Wesleyan College 246 1.7% $734,119
Wheeling University 26 0.2% $73,923
WV For-Prot Institutions 754 5.3% $1,768,525
Huntington Junior College 61 0.4% $144,195
Mountain State College 21 0.1% $52,800
Salem University 96 0.7% $244,800
Valley College of Technology - Multiple Campuses 198 1.4% $497,156
WV Junior College - Multiple Campuses 378 2.6% $829,574
Pennsylvania Institutions 192 1.3% $106,620
Total 14,284 100.0% $38,066,517
* Includes Potomac State College of WVU and WVU Institute of Technology.
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 16,488 15,680 14,378 15,131 14,284
Awards $37,654,380 $37,308,718 $35,343,863 $37,974,960 $38,066,517
Average Award $2,284 $2,379 $2,458 $2,510 $2,665
Total HEGP Recipients, Awards, and Average Award, 2018-19 to 2022-23
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
9
The goal of the HEAPS Part-Time Component is to encourage and enable West Virginia students who demonstrate nancial need to continue
their education on a part-time basis at the postsecondary level. For students enrolled at a public college or university, the maximum grant
is based on the actual per credit hour tuition and required fees charged. For students enrolled at other eligible institutions, the award is
based upon the average per credit hour tuition and required fees charged by public undergraduate institutions of higher education. Total
aid, including a HEAPS award, may not exceed the recipient's demonstrated nancial need. Aid may be used at a community college, a state
college or university, a private college or university in West Virginia, or a career and technical school. Recipients are selected each year by
institutions based on the student's eligibility and the availability of funds.
Students eligible for a HEAPS award must:
ŋ Maintain West Virginia residency for at least 12 months prior to date of application;
ŋ Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States;
ŋ Submit the FAFSA;
ŋ Demonstrate nancial need;
ŋ Not be in default on a higher education loan; and
ŋ Not be incarcerated in a correctional facility.
HEAPS grants can be renewed until the program of study is completed but cannot exceed an additional nine years beyond the rst year of the
award. Renewal consideration will be based on meeting satisfactory academic progress, ling the FAFSA, demonstrating nancial need, and
following the institution’s awarding procedures.
Highlights:
ŋ The number of students receiving a HEAPS Part-
Time Component award increased slightly from
3,060 in 2021-22 to 3,101 in 2022-23. The actual
dollars awarded increased from $3,609, 009 to
$3,707,933 during the same period.
ŋ The average award increased slightly from $1,179
in 2021-22 to $1,216 in 2022-23.
ŋ About 48.4 percent of HEAPS Part-Time
Component recipients were enrolled at public
four-year institutions, while 46.3 percent were
enrolled at public two-year institutions in 2022-
23. Public vocational/technical centers accounted
for 2.7 percent of recipients while 2.6 percent
attended a four-year private, non-prot institution
in 2022-23.
Image courtesy of West Virginia State University
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
10
HEAPS: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution, 2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 1,501 48.4% $1,796,074
Blueeld State University 56 1.8% $102,375
Concord University 27 0.9% $58,116
Fairmont State University 321 10.4% $395,329
Glenville State University 85 2.7% $100,133
Marshall University 539 17.4% $475,938
Shepherd University 86 2.8% $92,441
West Liberty University 48 1.5% $37,488
West Virginia State University 58 1.9% $78,923
West Virginia University* 281 9.1% $455,331
Two-Year Public Institutions 1,437 46.3% $1,715,039
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 359 11.6% $342,675
BridgeValley Community and Technical College 201 6.5% $250,677
Eastern WV Community and Technical College 50 1.6% $38,220
Mountwest Community and Technical College 149 4.8% $131,661
New River Community and Technical College 94 3.0% $129,400
Pierpont Community and Technical College 157 5.1% $121,343
Southern WV Community and Technical College 139 4.5% $184,168
WV Northern Community College 127 4.1% $186,540
WVU at Parkersburg 161 5.2% $330,355
Four-Year Private, Non-Prot Institutions 80 2.6% $156,284
Alderson Broaddus University 15 0.5% $11,345
Appalachian Bible College 7 0.2% $11,264
Davis & Elkins College 2 0.1% $2,466
University of Charleston 55 1.8% $129,236
West Virginia Wesleyan College 1 0.0% $1,973
Public Vocational/Technical Colleges 83 2.7% $103,536
Academy of Careers and Technology 18 0.6% $24,441
Fred. W. Eberle Technical Center 12 0.4% $16,170
James Rumsey Technical Institute 14 0.5% $28,052
Mercer County Technical Education Center 13 0.4% $17,758
Monongalia County School MTEC 3 0.1% $1,700
United Technical Center 19 0.6% $10,235
Ben Franklin Career Center 4 0.1% $5,180
Total 3,101 100.0% $3,770,933
* Includes Potomac State College of WVU and WVU Institute of Technology.
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 2,809 2,859 2,739 3,060 3,101
Awards $2,961,220 $3,271,425 $3,084,059 $3,609,009 $3,770,933
Average Award $1,054 $1,144 $1,126 $1,179 $1,216
Total HEAPS Recipients, Awards, and Average Award, 2018-19 to 2022-23
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
11
The HEAPS Workforce Development Component is awarded to students who demonstrate nancial need and enroll in a postsecondary certicate,
industry-recognized credential, or other skill development program in a high-demand occupation in West Virginia. Students demonstrating
nancial need who are enrolled in an approved program may receive the cost of the program up to $2,000. Students enrolled in multiple
approved programs for a single academic year can receive a cumulative maximum of $2,000 for all programs. Eligible programs for funding
reimbursement are non-credit skill upgrade programs that complement West Virginia Development Ofce initiatives for targeted industries
or employers, promote job creation or retention, or assist in developing skills for new economy jobs or high-performance workplaces. The
West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, with input from the West Virginia Development Ofce, annually sets
programmatic funding priorities.
Students eligible for a HEAPS Workforce award must:
ŋ Maintain West Virginia residency for at least 12 months prior to
date of application;
ŋ Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States;
ŋ Submit the HEAPS Workforce Development application;
ŋ Have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalent;
ŋ Not be in default on a federal student loan;
ŋ Not be incarcerated in a correctional facility;
ŋ Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in postsecondary certicate,
industry-recognized credential, or other skill development
programs of study; and
ŋ Demonstrate nancial need.
Highlights:
ŋ The number of students receiving HEAPS Workforce Development
Component funds decreased from 917 in 2021-22 to 843 in 2022-
23 and the actual dollars awarded increased from $1,234,719 to
$1,242,726 during the same period.
ŋ The average award increased from $1,346 in 2021-22 to $1,474
in 2022-23.
ŋ About 73.1 percent of HEAPS Workforce recipients were enrolled
at public two-year institutions in 2022-23. Public vocational/
technical centers accounted for 19 percent of recipients while 7.9
percent attended a private for-prot institution in 2022-23.
Image courtesy of West Virginia University at Parkersburg
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
12
HEAPS Workforce: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution, 2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Two-Year Public Institutions 616 73.1% $832,175
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 262 31.1% $204,570
BridgeValley Community and Technical College 48 5.7% $107,545
Eastern WV Community and Technical College 132 15.7% $241,483
New River Community and Technical College 23 2.7% $29,164
Pierpont Community and Technical College 6 0.7% $8,779
Southern WV Community and Technical College 20 2.4% $40,000
WV Northern Community College 55 6.5% $68,134
WVU at Parkersburg 70 8.3% $132,500
Public Vocational/Technical Colleges 160 19.0% $277,859
Academy of Careers and Technology 58 8.2% $108,409
Benjamin Franklin Career and Technical Center 17 0.7% $27,600
Cabell County Career Technology Center 7 3.1% $11,763
Carver Career and Technical Center 26 2.7% $37,663
Fred W. Eberle Technical Center 32 0.4% $64,000
Mercer County Technical Educational Center 11 0.2% $15,592
Ralph R. Willis Vocational Center 1 0.2% $1,109
Roane Jackson Technical Center 4 0.2% $6,632
Wood County School of Practical Nursing 4 0.2% $5,091
WV For-Prot Institutions 67 7.9% $132,692
Valley College of Technology - Multiple Campuses 67 7.9% $132,692
Total 843 100.0% $1,242,726
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 721 759 763 917 843
Awards $1,140,944 $1,209,414 $1,025,628 $1,234,719 $1,242,726
Average Award $1,582 $1,593 $1,344 $1,346 $1,474
Total HEAPS Workforce Recipients, Awards, and Average Award, 2018-19 to 2022-23
From left to right, images courtesy of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, BridgeValley
Community and Technical College and Pierpont Community and Technical College
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
13
2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients . . 25 43 67
Awards . . $243,044 $423,044 $632,603
Average Award . . $9,722 $9,838 $9,442
The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is West Virginia’s newest and most prestigious state-funded nancial aid program – offering
up to $10,000 per year ($40K total) to cover the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, and other eligible expenses toward earning a
bachelor’s degree in an approved teacher education program.
The program is designed to address ongoing teacher shortages in the elds of math, science, special education and elementary education.
Recipients must commit to teaching in a high-demand eld in West Virginia for ve years after graduation. The scholarship becomes a student
loan if they do not fulll the service commitment at a prorated amount based on the number of years they teach (i.e., if they teach for 4 years,
80% of the loan is forgiven). To give scholars the greatest chance at success, each recipient will be paired with a practicing classroom teacher
mentor. Mentors will check in on scholars periodically throughout the year and will be on-call to provide guidance and assistance as needed.
The award is stackable with other forms of nancial aid. West Virginia residents who receive the Promise Scholarship ($5,200 per year) will
receive $15,200 per year to help pay for college.
Eligibility for the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is limited to applicants who:
ŋ Are high school seniors or recent high school graduates with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an approved teacher preparation
program in math, science, elementary education, or special education at an eligible West Virginia institution;
ŋ Have never been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at college or university;
ŋ Achieved a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.25 on 4.0 scale, or an equivalent GPA based on an individual school district’s
grading policy;
ŋ Earned minimum ACT scores of 21 in math and 18 in English, or minimum SAT scores of 530 in math and 480 in English;
ŋ Are United States citizens or hold valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), or work permits, issued by the United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ofce; and
ŋ Agree to teach in a West Virginia public school for ve years after college graduation in the elds of math, science, elementary
education, or special education.
ŋ Applicants are not required to be residents of the state of West Virginia.
Highlights:
ŋ The 2022-23 academic year is the third year of implementation of the scholarship program. Currently, there are a total of 67 recipients
who received a total of $632,603 of funding. The average award in 2022-23 was $9,442.
Total Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program Recipients, Awards, and Average
Award, 2020-21 to 2022-23
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
14
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution,
2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 60 89.6% $562,603
Blueeld State University 1 1.5% $10,000
Concord University 5 7.5% $41,702
Fairmont State University 9 13.4% $79,742
Glenville State University 5 7.5% $50,000
Marshall University 11 16.4% $110,000
Shepherd University 1 1.5% $10,000
West Liberty University 2 3.0% $20,000
West Virginia State University 7 10.4% $70,000
West Virginia University* 19 28.4% $171,159
Four-Year Private, Non-Prot Institutions 7 10.4% $70,000
Alderson Broaddus University 1 4.5% $10,000
Davis & Elkins College 2 4.5% $20,000
University of Charleston 1 4.5% $10,000
West Virginia Wesleyan College 3 9.1% $30,000
Total 67 100.0% $632,603
* Includes Potomac State College of WVU and WVU Institute of Technology.
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
15
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 190 250 233 253 264
Awards $561,700 $717,006 $662,027 $705,344 $749,215
Average Award $2,956 $2,868 $2,841 $2,788 $2,838
The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology (WV STEM) Scholarship Program is a student nancial aid program designed to enable
and encourage academically-talented individuals to pursue careers in the elds of engineering, science, math and technology. Scholarships
are awarded to degree- or certicate-seeking students on the basis of academic qualications and are not to exceed $3,000 per academic year.
Recipients of the WV STEM Scholarship agree to work full-time in an engineering, science, math or technology eld in West Virginia for one
year for each year the scholarship was received. Students who do not meet the employment requirement must repay the scholarship received
plus interest and any required collection fees.
To qualify for the WV STEM Scholarship, a student must:
ŋ Be a United States citizen or resident alien who is an eligible non-citizen;
ŋ Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale upon graduation from high school or have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
after completing two semesters of coursework at an eligible institution of higher education; and
ŋ Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an engineering, science, math or technology program leading to a certicate, associate, or
bachelor’s degree at an eligible institution of higher education.
Scholarship renewal is not automatic. The scholarship may be renewed as long as the recipient is enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible
institution of higher education; is pursuing a certicate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or technology; maintains
satisfactory progress according to that institution; and submits an application by the deadline.
Highlights:
ŋ The number of Engineering, Science, and Technology (WV STEM) Scholarship recipients increased from 253 in 2021-22 academic year
to 264 in 2022-23. The total amount awarded also increased during this period, from $705,344 in 2021-22 to $749,215 in 2022-23.
ŋ Recipients received an average award of $2,838 in 2022-23, an increase from $2,788 the year before.
ŋ Most recipients, 92.4 percent, attended a public four-year institution, with West Virginia University enrolling 65.2 percent of the total
recipients and Marshall University enrolling 16.3 percent.
Total Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Recipients, Awards, and Average
Award, 2018-19 to 2022-23
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
16
Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship: Total Recipients and Awards by
Institution, 2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 244 92.4% $692,553
Blueeld State University 2 0.8% $6,000
Concord University 3 1.1% $9,000
Fairmont State University 19 7.2% $53,539
Marshall University 43 16.3% $124,125
Shepherd University 3 1.1% $9,000
West Liberty University 1 0.4% $3,000
West Virginia State University 1 0.4% $3,000
West Virginia University 172 65.2% $484,889
Two-Year Public Institutions 4 1.5% $9,787
BridgeValley Community and Technical College 1 0.4% $3,000
Mountwest Community and Technical College 1 0.4% $787
WVU at Parkersburg 2 0.8% $6,000
Four-Year Private, Non-Prot Institutions 16 6.1% $46,875
Bethany College 1 0.4% $3,000
Davis & Elkins College 2 0.8% $6,000
University of Charleston 3 1.1% $7,875
West Virginia Wesleyan College 10 3.8% $30,000
Total 264 100.0% $749,215
Image courtesy of Fairmont University
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
17
The purpose of this program is to enable needy medical students to obtain loan funds to pursue a degree at Marshall University School of
Medicine, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, or West Virginia University School of Medicine.
To be eligible for loan consideration, an applicant must:
ŋ Be a United States citizen or legal immigrant pursuing United States citizenship;
ŋ Be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled full-time at an approved West Virginia medical school with priority consideration given to
residents of the state;
ŋ Meet designated academic standards;
ŋ Demonstrate nancial need as determined by each medical school; and
ŋ Not be in default on any previous student loan(s).
The program is funded by fees paid by medical students. The nancial aid ofce at the medical school determines eligibility and makes the
awards. The maximum annual loan amount cannot exceed $10,000. Funding availability at each medical school may limit the number of
awards or the value of individual awards. Students may apply for loan assistance for each year of medical school.
The rst payment will be due one year following the date that the borrower ceases to be a full-time medical student at a West Virginia medical
school. The borrower has a maximum of 10 years to repay the loan (principal and interest). Borrowers will not be required to make payments
during periods of authorized deferments, including approved medical residencies and fellowships (not to exceed ve years).
Instead of repaying the loan, the borrower may elect to have the loan forgiven at a rate of up to $10,000 for each period of 12 consecutive
calendar months of full-time practice in West Virginia in a qualifying medically-underserved area and in a qualied medical specialty in
which there is a shortage of physicians. The medical specialties that qualify for loan forgiveness are family medicine/family practice; internal
medicine; obstetrics/gynecology; pediatrics; and psychiatry.
Highlights:
ŋ In 2022-23, 154 students received a total of $1,264,257 in awards through the Medical Student Loan Program.
ŋ Approximately 6.2 percent of previous award recipients were in default status during the 2022-23 academic year. That percent did
not change from the year prior.
From left to right, images courtesy of West Virginia University, Marshall University and
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
18
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 246 242 352 229 154
Funds Disbursed $1,732,612 $1,801,000 $1,712,559 $1,639,500 $1,264,257
Loan Deferment 16 11 10 19 9
Loan Forgiveness 300 300 315 314 334
Default Rate on Previous Awards 7.2% 8.0% 4.0% 6.2% 6.2%
Medical Student Loan Program: Awards, Total Funds Disbursed, Cancellation and Default
Rate, 2018-19 to 2022-23
Image courtesy of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
19
The Choose West Virginia Practice Program is a state-funded incentive program and is administered by the Commission. The program provides
a tuition waiver to nonresident West Virginia medical students who agree to remain in West Virginia to practice in underserved areas of the
state upon completion of their education and training. Two medical students from each West Virginia medical school are eligible to be awarded
each academic year and will receive a tuition wavier for the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition (approximately $30,000).
To be eligible for the award, students must:
ŋ Be accepted or enrolled at Marshall University, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, or West Virginia University in a program
leading to a degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy;
ŋ Meet institutional requirements for being classied as an out-of-state student;
ŋ Not be in default of any previous student loan; and
ŋ Be employed full-time or part-time at an eligible practice site.
Although students from any current medical school class year are eligible to apply, medical students who meet the eligibility criteria listed
above and who are in their rst year of medical school will receive preference.
Subject to continued state funding, students who receive an award will be eligible to receive an award in each of their remaining years of
medical school as long as they:
ŋ Progress to the next academic year of their program;
ŋ Maintain good academic standing; and
ŋ Maintain good professional standing.
Highlights:
ŋ The total amount awarded increased from $159,247 in 2021-22 to $192,129 in 2022-23.
ŋ Recipients received an average award of $32,022 in 2022-23, an increase from $31,849 in 2021-22.
From left to right, images courtesy of Potomac State College of WVU, West Virginia
University and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
20
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients . 6 6 5 6
Funds Disbursed . $190,856 $253,108 $159,247 $192,129
Average Award . $31,809 $42,185 $31,849 $32,022
Choose West Virginia Practice Program: Total Recipients, Total Funds Disbursed, Average
Award, 2019-20 to 2022-23
Image courtesy of Marshall University
Choose West Virginia Practice Program: Total Recipients and Awards by Institution,
2022-23
Recipients % of Total Recipients Awards
Four-Year Public Institutions 6 100.0% $192,129
West Virginia Osteopathic School of Medicine 3 50% $93,714
West Virginia University 3 50% $98,415
Total 6 100.0% $192,129
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
21
In partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Center for Nursing offers a loan forgiveness
program to assist current and future West Virginia nursing professionals with their education. Nurses benet from nancial assistance, and in
return, agree to work or teach in West Virginia to fulll the service obligation specic to their degree.
Students must be enrolled in an accredited West Virginia nursing program at least half-time. Students may be awarded for fall, spring, and/
or summer. Recipients must begin employment at an eligible work site in West Virginia within six months of graduation to avoid repayment.
A recipient who fails to provide verication that he or she is meeting the service obligation is required to repay the principal and any interest
that accrues on the award amount. Repayment of the award must begin within six months of graduation and be completed within 10 years.
The West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program was the recipient of CARES Act funding as a part of Governor Jim Justice’s Nursing Expansion
Program in 2022-2023. This allowed the program to provide the statutory maximum value of awards allowed for in West Virginia state code.
The following awards are offered through the Nursing Scholarship Program:
ŋ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): An award of up to $3,000 per year is available for a student in an LPN education program who has
completed at least one-half of the program. A recipient is required to practice nursing as an LPN in West Virginia for one year for each
year in which the recipient received an award.
ŋ Registered Nurse (RN): An award of up to $7,500 per year is
available for a student who has completed at least one-half of an RN
education program. A recipient is required to teach in an accredited
West Virginia nursing program or practice nursing as an RN in West
Virginia for two years for each year in which the recipient received
an award.
ŋ Nursing Master’s Degree or Doctoral Nursing or Education Program:
An award of up to $15,000 per year is available to a student in a
nursing master’s degree program or a doctoral nursing or education
program. A recipient is required to teach in an accredited West
Virginia nursing program for two years for each year in which the
recipient received an award.
ŋ Licensed Practical Nurse Teaching Certicate: An award of up to
$1,000 per year is available for a student obtaining a licensed
practical nurse teaching certicate. A recipient is required to teach in a West Virginia LPN program for one year for each year in which
the recipient received an award.
Highlights:
ŋ A total of 295 scholarships to nursing students at all levels were awarded during the 2022-23 academic year, totaling $1,244,750
in scholarship aid.
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Recipients 150 169 182 211 295
Funds Disbursed $276,950 $294,172 $343,100 $378,350 $1,244,750
Average Award $1,846 $1,741 $1,885 $1,793 $4,219
Nursing Scholarship Program: Awards and Total Funds Disbursed, 2018-19 to 2022-23
Image courtesy of Pierpont Community and Technical College
2023 FINANCIAL AID COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
22
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional detailed information on state and federal nancial aid programs in West Virginia, including demographics and aid distribution
by county, visit Explorer, the state's higher education data portal, at:
http://www.wvhepc.edu/resources/data-and-publication-center/
CONTACT INFORMATION
Brian Weingart
Senior Director of Financial Aid
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (304) 558-4618
Dr. Zorrie Georgieva
Senior Director of Research
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (304) 558-1112
1018 Kanawha Boulevard East, Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
www.wvhepc.edu
www.wvctcs.org
