West Virginia Higher Education Grant (HEGP) — WVHEPC

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP) serves undergraduates with financial need and differs from PROMISE, which is primarily merit-based. For 2026–27, a student had to be a U.S. citizen, a West Virginia resident for at least twelve months, a high-school or equivalency graduate, not already hold a bachelor’s degree and enroll full- or part-time at an approved institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania. The institution also verifies financial need and academic progress; filing FAFSA does not guarantee an award.

For 2026–27, CFWV lists a FAFSA SAI of up to 13,000 and an annual maximum of $3,400 at eligible West Virginia institutions or $600 in Pennsylvania. The final award may be lower: the formula subtracts SAI and certain other aid from cost of attendance, and does not count loans or work-study as aid that reduces need. The grant can cover only remaining need, up to the annual cap. The site also notes that the legislature determines funding, so the maximum is not a uniform payment for every student.

The 2026–27 application was FAFSA alone, due April 15, 2026; that deadline had passed when this guide was checked. We do not state a new 2027–28 deadline or threshold before it is officially published. For the next cycle, complete FAFSA when it opens and monitor CFWV and your financial-aid account. Renewal requires FAFSA every year, a cumulative 2.0 GPA by the end of summer, satisfactory college progress, continued residency and earned credits—generally 24 for a two-semester award or 12 for a single-semester award.

A recurring student question is not only “Do I qualify?” but “What will I still owe?” In a WVU forum, an applicant who qualified for Promise and HEGP asked about dorm costs, meals, work-study and loans; replies shared different budgets, including the contrast between campus housing and living off campus. The official rule itself shows how another scholarship can reduce remaining need and therefore the HEGP amount. Use the forum to prepare for that conversation, not as a calculation for your own account.

The award is paid directly to the institution on the notice; if you change to another eligible campus, CFWV provides a transfer process. For aid and FAFSA questions call 877-987-7664; the program also lists wvgrant@wvhepc.edu for institution changes. The Commission is at 2001 Union Carbide Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303, and its main number is 304-558-0699. Before deciding, ask how much HEGP is estimated after Pell, PROMISE and campus scholarships, and request a complete budget for tuition, fees, housing and transportation.