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First-time Freshman Scholarships

90% of freshmen receive grants or scholarships.

We award scholarships based on criteria like academic merit, financial need, diversity, leadership and service. In-state and out-of-state students — including test-optional applicants — can qualify. And best of all, some scholarships “stack,” which means you can get more than one.

See what scholarships you could receive (and how to qualify).

How to Apply WVU Scholarships More Ways to Save

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Request a no-nonsense guide to cost and aid at WVU.

Live outside West Virginia?

We have scholarships for out-of-state students. Check our scholarship charts to see how much you could receive. With or without submitting test scores!

Out-of-State Scholarships

Are you a WV resident? We have scholarships for West Virginians too!

How to apply

We automatically review your admissions application for merit scholarships.

No Separate Application

Most merit scholarships do not require a separate application. We automatically review your admissions application to see if you're eligible.

Other WVU scholarships, such as diversity and leadership scholarships, require a separate application.

Deadline: June 1

First-time freshmen must be admitted by June 1 to be considered for merit scholarships.

Other WVU scholarships may have different deadlines.

Update Your Scores

After you're admitted, you may submit an updated GPA or test score through June 1.

Explore Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions

WVU Scholarships

Which scholarships could you receive? Check out the options below or use our scholarship calculator for a quick estimate.

Merit Scholarships

When you apply to WVU, we automatically consider you for five levels of merit scholarships and some college scholarships.

Scholarships of Distinction

For score senders. No additional application required.

Applying with ACT or SAT scores? We’ll automatically review your eligibility for Scholarships of Distinction and Go First Scholarships and award the highest value (they cannot be combined).

View Chart Scholarship Calculator

Go First Scholarships

For test-optional applicants. No additional application required.

No test scores? We have scholarships for test-optional applicants too. We automatically review test-optional applicants for Go First Scholarships.

View Chart Scholarship Calculator

Dean's and Excellence Scholarships

For students in certain majors. No additional application required.

Some colleges and schools offer Dean's or Excellence Scholarships that are awarded in addition to Scholarships of Distinction and Go First Scholarships.

Amounts and requirements vary. Use our scholarship calculator to see if you qualify.

Scholarship Calculator

Other WVU Scholarships

You may also be eligible for other scholarships within the University. Application procedures and deadlines vary by scholarship.

WVU Pledge Scholarships

No additional application required.

The WVU Pledge is a new scholarship program that will automatically be offered to fall 2023 incoming freshman students who are West Virginia Promise Scholarship recipients and meet eligibility criteria.

Learn about WVU Pledge Scholarships

Diversity Scholarships

Requires a separate application.

Diversity Scholarships are available for exceptional students who have been traditionally underrepresented on college campuses, and who are culturally, ethnically or racially diverse. Students of color, low-income students and first-generation students (neither parent or guardian has completed a four-year degree) are eligible.

Learn about Diversity Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships

Requires a separate application.

Leadership Scholarships are offered to students who’ve achieved the highest levels of honor or leadership within certain nationally acclaimed organizations (4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.).

Learn about Leadership Scholarships

Departmental or College Scholarships

May require a separate application.

Many WVU academic units offer scholarships to students in certain majors. Some are available to first-time freshman students; others are for returning students (sophomores, juniors and seniors).

Learn about Departmental or College Scholarships

More Ways to Save

Sources outside WVU, such as federal and state programs, can help fund your education.

Federal Student Aid

Don’t forget to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may qualify for additional need-based and institutional aid by submitting the FAFSA.

WVU’s priority deadline for the FAFSA is March 1. Use FAFSA School Code 003827 for WVU.

Complete FAFSA Net Price Calculator

Promise Scholarship for West Virginia Residents

The Promise Scholarship is sponsored by the state of West Virginia. To be considered, you must be a West Virginia resident and complete the Promise application and the FAFSA by May 1.

WVU scholarships usually are offered in addition to Promise.

Deadline extended to May 1 for class of 2023.

Apply for Promise

External Scholarships

You should also investigate other scholarship sources to help fund your education. Use our external scholarship resources to search for scholarships and learn how to send your scholarship checks to WVU.

Find External Scholarships

State Grants and Scholarships

State higher education agencies often have grant or scholarship programs for residents of their state. Learn about grant programs commonly received by WVU students.

Find State Grants and Scholarships More Grant Programs

Reduced Tuition Programs

Do you live in Ohio or Washington, D.C., or study at Garrett College in Maryland? You may be eligible for reduced tuition.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity Agreement DC Tuition Assistance Grant Reduced Tuition for Garrett College Students

Need Help?

We're here to help every step of the way.

Financial Aid

Already admitted to WVU? Our Financial Aid staff can help you with questions about the FAFSA, your aid offer, accepting aid, submitting external scholarships to WVU, etc. Use the WVU Hub to request assistance.

Contact WVU Hub

Admissions Counselors

Have questions about submitting your application for admission? Or about your next steps after being admitted? Your WVU admissions counselor is an expert on these topics (and many more, so ask them anything!).

Find Your Admissions Counselor

Office of Admissions

Our Admissions staff can assist with any questions or issues you encounter as you apply to WVU. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (except University holidays). Call us at 304-293-2121 or fill out our contact form.

Contact Admissions