How it Works

The WV Invests Grant is a state-funded grant program that pays toward the full cost of basic tuition, mandatory fees* and academic program fees** for select certificate and associate degree programs at a West Virginia public two- or four-year institution. Priority is given to programs in high-demand fields, such as information technology or healthcare, as determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce. This is a last-dollar-in program, meaning it will pay for any amount up to the total cost of tuition, mandatory fees and approved academic program fees not already covered by other state or federal grants or scholarships and institutional tuition waivers.

*The maximum award amount is limited to the total cost of tuition and approved fees minus other grant or scholarship aid. Certain programs charge additional fees not approved for this program. These fees, along with the cost of textbooks and other course materials, must be paid by the student if other forms of financial aid are not available to offset these costs.

**Effective Summer 2021, academic program fees at 2-year public institutions approved by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education are included in the award amount.

The WV Invests Grant covers the cost of basic tuition, mandatory fees and approved academic program fees1. The maximum award amount is limited to the total cost of tuition, mandatory fees and academic program fees* charged to a student, regardless of program, minus other grant or scholarship aid. Certain programs charge additional fees to cover equipment and supply costs and other necessary expenses. These fees, along with the cost of textbooks and other course materials, must be paid by the student if other forms of financial aid are not available to offset these costs. Please contact a financial aid representative at your institution to learn more about additional expenses you may be required to pay.

*Effective Summer 2021, academic program fees at 2-year public institutions approved by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education are included in the award amount.

You may qualify for a West Virginia Invests Grant if you:

• Were a legal resident of West Virginia for at least 1 year immediately before applying (for dependent students, the legal residence of the parent(s) on the FAFSA is the student’s residency);
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for federal financial aid;
• Are a graduate of a public, private or homeschool program, or have successfully passed a high school equivalency test;
• Have not already earned a college degree (associate level or higher) or have attempted 90 or more college credit hours;
• Be in compliance with the college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy; for renewal you must also have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average;
• Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Not be in default on a federal student loan;
• Are willing to make a commitment to improving the state by living in West Virginia for at least two years after dropping below part-time enrollment and completing at least 2 hours of unpaid community service each academic term;
• Meet the minimum admissions requirements at and eligible institution and register for at least 6 credit hours; and
• Pay for and take a drug screening during the 60 days before the start of the first term you are enrolled and eligible for an award in each academic year. Depending on results, you may be required to take another drug screening during the academic year and/or complete other requirements to continue eligibility. Review full details of this requirement by visiting the Drug Screening page.

Once you receive a West Virginia Invests grant, you’ll have to meet a few simple requirements to remain eligible for future awards. These requirements include:

• Completing an annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the West Virginia Invests Grant application each year.
• Maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (a ‘C’ average) on all coursework and be in compliance with your college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
• Maintaining continuous enrollment for at least 6 credit hours each semester until you earn your certificate or degree.
• Drug Screen – Take at least one drug screen prior to the beginning of the first semester of enrollment in the academic year (summer through spring). A passing result during the 60 days before the first term of at least half-time enrollment will qualify for all subsequent terms in the academic year. A failed result requires taking another drug screen during the 60 days before the next eligible term of at least half-time enrollment. A second failed result will require completion of a drug rehabilitation program as prescribed by the Vice Chancellor for Administration.
• Complete two hours of community service each term in which funds are received and verify with your institution.
• Once you meet the requirements for an associate’s degree or reach 90 attempted college credit hours, you will no longer be eligible.

The state of West Virginia is investing taxpayer dollars to help you gain the experience and training you need to land a rewarding career. You will not be required to repay the money you received through WV Invests Grant as long as you live in West Virginia for at least two years after you are no longer enrolled at least part time for grant funding and complete the necessary steps to verify this after you are no longer enrolled. If you do not complete the two-year residency requirement, the grant will convert into a student loan you will be required to pay back.

Visit our Find a College page to review a list of colleges participating in the WV Invests Grant Program.

Eligible academic programs are determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce, with priority given to certificate and associate degree programs that lead to rewarding careers in high-demand fields. Visit our Find a Program page to see a list of academic programs eligible for West Virginia Invests funds.

Applying for a West Virginia Invests Grant is easy! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to an exciting new career.

1. First, visit this link to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. It doesn’t cost anything and you might find out you’re eligible for other scholarships or grants!
2. Contact a participating institution to find an academic program that’s right for you, then apply for admission! Admissions and financial aid staff are trained to help you match your interests and career ambitions to an eligible program of study.
3. Apply for the Invests Grant. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete a WV Invests Grant application, so what are you waiting for?
4. Begin your journey! Whether you are a recent high school graduate attending college for the first time or a working adult looking for a new career, the faculty and staff at your institution are ready to help make your transition to college life as smooth as possible. If you need help, just ask! Contact our financial aid experts, or reach out to an admissions or financial aid counselor at your institution.