Money for College

Applying for State Financial Aid

Below you’ll find information about West Virginia’s state financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities available to eligible students. Review the options to see which programs you may qualify for and how to apply on the West Virginia Student Aid Management System (WVSAM) student portal.
Log In To/Create A WVSAM Account
Students sitting on lawn.

Who Can Apply for West Virginia Financial Aid? Many West Virginians are eligible for state financial aid—there is something for current high school seniors, recent graduates, adult learners, and part-time students. Each scholarship or grant has its own requirements, so eligibility will depend on the specific program you are interested in.

How Do I Apply? Most state financial aid programs require you to create a WVSAM account.

  1. Go to CFWV.com/wvsam to learn how to create your account.
  2. After you sign up, verify your email and set your password.
  3. Log in, go to My Applications, and click New to start the application you want to complete.

Check out all the financial aid programs below!

West Virginia Financial Aid Opportunities

West Virginia Promise Scholarship logo.
Promise Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for graduating high school seniors that helps pay for tuition and mandatory fees.
Promise Scholarship
Higher Education Grant Program logo.
WV Higher Education Grant
A need-based grant for students of any age. Already filed the FAFSA? Then you’ve already applied for this grant.
WV Higher Education Grant
West Virginia Invests logo.
West Virginia Invests
Planning to earn a certificate or associate degree in an in-demand field? WV Invests helps cover tuition and approved fees at West Virginia’s community and technical colleges.
West Virginia Invests
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars logo.
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program
Interested in becoming a teacher in West Virginia? This program supports high school seniors and recent graduates who want to teach in math, science, elementary education, or special education.
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program
WV STEM Scholarship logo.
WV STEM Scholarship
For students pursuing majors in engineering, science, or technology who are willing to work in West Virginia after completing their program.
WV STEM Scholarship
Underwood-Smith teacher loan assistance program logo.
Underwood-Smith Teacher Loan Assistance Program
For current educators willing to teach mathematics, science, special education, elementary education, or counseling in West Virginia, this program helps pay off federal student loan debt.
Underwood-Smith Teacher Loan Assistance Program
HEAPS workforce logo.
HEAPS Workforce
For students enrolling in short-term programs such as certificates, industry credentials, or other workforce training.
HEAPS Workforce
STAND Logo
STAND Program
Supports apprenticeships or journey workers who want to take general education courses to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Skilled Construction Trades at a West Virginia community college.
STAND Program
level up wv logo.
LevelUp WV
Current high school students can take college courses at not cost to the student when enrolled in an approved pathway.
LevelUp WV
Choose west virginia practice program logo.
Choose West Virginia Practice Program
If you’re a medical student who’s not from West Virginia but want to stay and practice in state, this tuition waiver program might be a perfect fit.
Choose West Virginia Practice Program
Health sciences service program logo.
Health Sciences Service Program
Keeping talented graduates in West Virginia through this loan repayment program for health professions students interested in practicing in underserved communities in West Virginia.
Health Sciences Service Program
Mental Health loan repayment program logo.
Mental Health Loan Repayment Program
We need great mental health professionals in West Virginia. If you’re practicing in an underserved area, apply for help repaying your federal student loans.
Mental Health Loan Repayment Program
Medical Student Loan Program
If you’re a medical student who is interested in practicing in West Virginia in an eligible specialty are, this program might be the perfect fit for you!
Medical Student Loan Program