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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

Scholarship FAQs | Need Help?

the Mountainlair student union

Live outside West Virginia?

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

Are you a WV resident?

Are you entering WVU Spring 2024 or Summer 2024?

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. See our merit deadline FAQ for answers to common questions.

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

Fall 2024 Merit Scholarships

When you apply to WVU, we automatically consider you for merit scholarships. The Climb Higher Scholarship is offered based on high school grade point average (GPA) — and only for the highest level, GPA plus ACT or SAT scores.

Climb Higher Scholarship

In-State Amount

Out-of-State Amount
Level 1 (3.8+ GPA and ACT ≥30 or SAT ≥1360) $5,000
$17,000
Level 2 (3.8+ GPA) $3,500
$14,000
Level 3 (3.5-3.79 GPA) $2,500
$11,000
Level 4 (3.0-3.49 GPA) $1,500
$8,000

Innovators Scholarship

Have a 3.8 GPA or above? Our Innovators Scholarship is stackable with our Climb Higher Scholarship and provides an additional $1,000 for in-state students and $2,000 for out-of-state students to first-time freshmen admitted to the following colleges:

  • Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
  • Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
  • John Chambers College of Business and Economics
  • Reed College of Media

Note: We use a weighted GPA if provided on the high school transcript or self-reported by the student. WVU rounds high school GPAs to the second decimal point (e.g., 4.195 is rounded up to 4.2 while 4.19 stays at 4.19). Applies to WVU Morgantown. Self-reported GPAs may be adjusted based on the official transcript. Learn more at financialaid.wvu.edu.

You’ve done the hard work. Now let us reward you — without any extra effort on your part!

Our merit scholarships are:

  • Automatic. When you apply for admission, we check your academic record for scholarship eligibility. It’s that simple. No separate application. No recommendations or essays.
  • Non-competitive. That means if your GPA/test score qualifies, you get the scholarship. You’re not competing against other applicants.
  • Renewable. These scholarships renew past your freshman year, as long as you maintain certain requirements.

Go in depth and learn more about WVU scholarships.

In-State Scholarships Out-of-State Scholarships on WVU Financial Aid

Are you entering WVU in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024? View 2023-2024 scholarships.

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 2024 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

Look for even more ways to save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about WVU first-time freshman scholarships. Need to update your GPA or test score?

All Scholarship Questions

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 March 1.

WVU scholarships usually are offered in addition to Promise.

Apply for Promise

Reduced Tuition Benefits

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

Reduced Tuition Benefits

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

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