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First-time Freshman
Scholarships

Over 92% of freshmen receive grants or scholarships.

We award scholarships based on criteria like academic merit, financial need, 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?

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 leadership scholarships, require a separate application.

Deadline: August 1

First-time freshmen must be admitted by August 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 August 1.

Explore Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions

Fall 2025 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

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

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

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 for 2025-2026

WVU’s priority deadline for the FAFSA is March 1 and our FAFSA code is 003827.

Students will have access to the new FAFSA on or before December 1. A limited number of students and institutions may be selected for testing prior to this date.

  • Students entering fall of 2024 or spring of 2025 can visit financial aid for assistance.
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. WVU scholarships usually are offered in addition to Promise. The Promise application deadline is typically March 1. Stay tuned for the 2025 application release date.

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