West Virginia PROMISE is a merit-based state scholarship for residents who meet academic standards and attend a participating in-state institution. For the 2027 cohort, the portal says both the PROMISE application and 2027–28 FAFSA must be filed by March 1, 2027.
The cohort page requires state residency, at least a 3.0 cumulative and core-course GPA, plus high-school course and test criteria. Accepted ACT/SAT scores and final test dates vary by cohort: check the 2027 chart rather than an earlier-year brochure. Only first-year students generally receive an initial award, and the institution must be on the official list.
The current portal lists up to $5,500 per year or tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less. The award goes to the institution and applies only to undergraduate courses in the student’s program. Bachelor’s students may receive up to eight semesters; associate students up to four, with rules for transfer to a bachelor’s program. Funding depends on state appropriations and does not equal room and board.
Create a WVSAM account, file the PROMISE application and FAFSA by the deadline, then monitor grades, scores, and residency status. The 2027 window opened October 1, 2026; if grades or scores are still pending, CFWV advises filing on time so later results can be linked to the application. Confirm renewal and credit rules with campus aid.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
PROMISE requirements for Class of 2027 — College for West Virginia / HEPC.
Apply for PROMISE 2027 — College for West Virginia / HEPC.
PROMISE award information — College for West Virginia / HEPC.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
The next key date for this cohort is March 1, 2027; check WVSAM and the requirement chart for your graduating class.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
PROMISE Scholarship
Up to $5,500 per year or tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less; paid to the college, with duration depending on associate or bachelor’s study.
State student financial-aid program
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Division of Financial Aid
The agency confirms residency, GPA, testing, deadline, and institution rules; the college reports enrollment and posts the award.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 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 / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of PROMISE Scholarship ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 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 / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Division of Financial Aid ↗
Primary source
College for West Virginia / HEPC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.