The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) (Freshmen and Sophomores)
This grant is designated for first- and second-year college students who graduated from high school after January 2006 or 2005, respectively. The intent of this program is to assist students who demonstrated academic ability and require financial aid to help pay for college.

First-year students
Eligibility requirements:

• must be a U.S. citizen
• must qualify for a Pell Grant
• full-time student (enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours)
• enrolled in a degree-granting program
• complete a "rigorous secondary-school program," as defined by the Secretary of Education after January 1, 2006.
• must not have previously been enrolled in college.

The award for first-year students is $750.

Second-year students
Eligibility requirements for sophomores:

• must be a U.S. citizen
• must qualify for a Pell Grant
• full-time student (enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours)
• earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA your freshman year
• completed a rigorous high-school curriculum.

The award for second-year students is $1,300.

Department officials admit that the toughest aspect of the program will be in determining what, exactly, constitutes a "rigorous" high school curriculum. The hope is that they will be able to use existing state programs that identify challenging curriculum. The Department is also working to create alternative standards for home-schooled and private-school students.

Additional information is available on the U.S. Department of Education website at http://www.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/competitiveness/ac-smart.html.

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based upon the analysis of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), cost of attendance and enrollment status (full time or part time).  Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree or professional degree.  Awards range from $400-$4050 per academic year. 

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a federally funded gift aid program for undergraduates with exceptional financial need (i.e. students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC)) who do not have a prior bachelors or professional degree.  Preference is given to Pell Grant recipients.  Award amounts depend on the federal funding level the school receives.  Must file the FAFSA by March 1. 

WVU HERF GRANT

WVU HERF Grant is an institutional funded gift aid program for undergraduates who demonstrate financial need.  Award amounts depend on the funding available.  Recipients of the WV Higher Education Grant are not eligible for this program.  Only available to WV residents.  Must file the FAFSA by March 1. 

 WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM

West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a program that provides partial payment of tuition & fees at WVU for West Virginia residents who qualify.  The program requires that students demonstrate both financial need and academic ability.  Must file the FAFSA by March 1. 

OTHER STATE GRANTS

Several other states grant programs are available to students who plan to attend an out of state school.  If you are a non-resident, contact the state agency where you reside.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

If you have a disability you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. Contact a local Vocational Rehabilitation Office for information and applications. These, and numerous other private agencies, sponsor scholarships and loan programs. Information is available from the respective agencies.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SELECTIVE RESERVE

This program provides educational assistance to encourage membership in units of the Selective Reserve of the Ready Reserve. Any member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces may apply.

Generally, only DVA can determine an applicant's eligibility for educational assistance. For further information, contact your nearest DVA office. The DVA office in West Virginia is located at 640 4^th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. Telephone: 1-800-827-1000

DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS (VA) EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The education assistance program administered by the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), for which a potentially eligible veteran may qualify, is largely dependent on when the individual served on active duty. DVA administers eleven educational assistance programs and eligibility criteria varies. 

GRADUATE TUITION WAIVERS & ASSISTANTSHIPS

Contact your department to see if they have any tuition waivers and/or assistantships for which you may qualify. (Except Medicine & Dentistry)

WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION ADULT PART-TIME STUDENT (HEAPS) GRANT PROGRAM

Available to independent students attending school on a part-time basis (3-11 credit hours) who have not been enrolled in a high school diploma program other than GED for the past two years.  Eligible applicants must have lived in WV continuously for a minimum of twelve months immediately preceding the application for the HEAPS Grant and be paying resident tuition & fees.  Must file the FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA.