The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) is a state need-based grant, distinct from WV PROMISE, which is primarily merit-based. It supports undergraduate study and may be combined with other public or institutional aid when a remaining financial-need gap exists. For 2026–27, eligibility requires at least 12 months of West Virginia residency, U.S. citizenship, a high-school diploma or equivalent, undergraduate study without already meeting bachelor’s requirements, and full- or part-time enrollment at a participating institution.
Review does not rely on a single household-income cutoff. CFWV explains that the financial-aid office calculates need by subtracting the Student Aid Index and other aid from the cost of attendance; student loans and work-study are excluded from that calculation. For 2026–27, the page sets an SAI ceiling of 13,000 at the time awards are made. A first-time recipient must show academic promise through a high-school or college GPA of at least 2.0, depending on the student’s history; renewing recipients must meet satisfactory academic progress and annual credit requirements.
Award amounts vary with remaining need and legislative funding. For 2026–27, CFWV lists up to $3,400 per year at eligible West Virginia institutions and up to $600 at certain Pennsylvania schools. The application route is to complete FAFSA by April 15; that deadline has passed for 2026–27, and FAFSA was the program’s only application. The next step is not mailing documents to an arbitrary address: ask the college to confirm whether the file was timely, whether the campus is on the approved list, and how to update the institution in WVSAM if you transfer.
Before accepting aid, compare net cost and uncovered charges. Confirm residency, program, credits, deadlines, renewal, and service obligations in writing with the responsible financial-aid office.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
WV Higher Education Grant: reglas y trámite — College for West Virginia (CFWV).
Instituciones elegibles para WV Higher Education Grant — College for West Virginia (CFWV).
Aviso oficial de fechas y FAFSA para 2026–27 — West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, funding, requirements, and dates can change each cycle; this guide distinguishes past and upcoming deadlines. Before enrolling, ask financial aid for an individual net-cost review and written confirmation of excluded charges.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
Options to compare
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West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP)
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) is a state need-based grant, distinct from WV PROMISE, which is primarily merit-based. It supports undergraduate study and may be combined with other public or institutional aid when a remaining financial-need gap exists. For 2026–27, eligibility requires at least 12 months of West Virginia residency, U.S. citizenship, a high-school diploma or equivalent, undergraduate study without already meeting bachelor’s requirement
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia (CFWV) · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia (CFWV) · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia (CFWV) · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia (CFWV) · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) ↗
Primary source
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.