-
Colleges
-
Graduate School
- Graduate School
- Scout Grad School Search Find and compare grad schools based on your preferences, goals and academic interests.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
- Graduate Degrees Explore graduate degree options that fit your goals.
- Paying for Graduate School Understand costs and explore ways to pay for grad school.
-
Scholarships
- Scholarships
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our no essay $2,000 college scholarship in 2 minutes or less.
- Scholly Scholarships Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships for free.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors Explore scholarships for high school seniors and get tips on how to apply.
- Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships Apply for up to $0 in scholarships each month with just one form.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
-
Financial aid
- Financial Aid Grants, work-study, and federal student loans can all be part of your financial aid package.
- FAFSA® Guide Learn how to answer the 2026-27 FAFSA® questions like a pro.
- Financial Aid Offers Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable schools for you and your family.
- College Grants Learn more about federal and state grants and how to apply.
- Federal Pell Grants Discover what a Pell Grant is, who is eligible, and how to apply.
- Financial Aid Resources Get expert guidance on maximizing your financial aid options to make education more affordable.
-
Pay for School
- Sallie Mae® Student Loans
- Private Student Loans Find a private student loan designed to fit your needs.
- Undergrad Student Loan For college students earning a bachelor's or associate's degree.
- Graduate Student Loans Choose the right loan for your graduate degree or post-graduate studies.
- Career Training Loan For students taking professional training or certificate courses.
- Student Loan Resources Everything you need to navigate student loans with confidence.
Scholarships
West Virginia scholarships: Free money for WV students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for West Virginia
Featured
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
$2,000
West Virginia University - Promise Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
$5,500
The West Virginia University - Promise Scholarship is available to graduating high school students with a 3.0 GPA or better. This award is valued at up to $5,500 per year for up to four undergraduate years. Promise cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees not covered by other tuition-specific aid. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship
Due: 5/31/26
$5,000
The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS). This scholarship serves to memorialize Mr. Akehurst who served the horticultural industry as one of the founders of MANTS. MANTS' establishment of this scholarship is a reflection of Mr. Akehurst's firm belief that education begets one the opportunity to achieve. Through this scholarship, MANTS will provide a scholarship opportunity to qualified students to help ensure the continuity of the nursery and landscape profession. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited landscape or horticulture program or related discipline. They must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major. Applicants must have at least a junior standing in a four-year curriculum or senior standing in a two-year curriculum as of the fall semester of scholarship application year. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to work within the industry (including nursery operation, landscape architecture/design/construction/maintenance, interiorscape, horticultural distribution, or retail garden center) following graduation. Previous Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship award winners are eligible for additional funding and may reapply for the scholarship. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. Recommendations may come from a student advisor, instructor, employer, or business associate and must be submitted directly from the recommender to HRI. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Horticultural Research Institute for more information.
James Cothran, KD3NI, Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,000
The James Cothran, KD3NI, Scholarship will be awarded to those with any active Amateur Radio License Class. Applicants must be residents of the Atlantic Division, the Roanoke Division, the Southeastern Division or Washington, D.C. Applicants may be pursuing any field of study in any institution. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
Gary Wagner, K3OMI, Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$1,000
The Gary Wagner, K3OMI, Scholarship will be awarded to those with an active Novice Class Amateur Radio License or higher. Applicants must be pursuing their studies toward a Bachelor of Science degree in any field of engineering. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,000
The L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship will be awarded to those with active General Class license or higher. Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree or higher in electronics, communications, or related fields. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. For students applying for graduate school assistance, high school transcripts are not necessary. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
West Virginia Society of Professional Surveyors Scholarship
Due: 2/2/27
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The West Virginia Society of Professional Surveyors Scholarship is open to students that are enrolled in either a two- or four-year surveying degree program and are either a West Virginia resident or a student enrolled in a West Virginia college or university. Applicants must be National Society of Professional Surveyors student members. Applicants must submit the official copies of their 2025 Spring transcripts and 2025 Fall transcripts. Three original letters of recommendation from individuals who are not related to the applicant are also required, one must be from a faculty member of the attended institution. A personal introductory letter addressed to the NSPS Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee must also be submitted. Composition through Artificial Intelligence is prohibited. Applicants must also submit a copy, both front and back, of their driver's license or other State-Issued ID. A copy of course syllabus or program course catalog showing specific courses or subjects required by the scholarship is also required. Applications may be submitted through email or mail. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the National Society of Professional Surveyors for more information.
Arthur M. and Laila Maki Ferenz Scholarship
Due: 2/4/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Arthur M. and Laila Maki Ferenz Scholarship will be awarded to students in any college or university. Applicants must submit their most recent grades. They do not have to be the official transcripts. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation for more information.
Charleston Rotary Club Scholarship
Due: 2/4/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Charleston Rotary Club Scholarship will be awarded to students in any college or university in West Virginia. Applicants must be residents of the Charleston area. Preference will be given to students having prior business or entrepreneurial experience, which must be reflected in the required personal essay. Applicants must also demonstrate service to their schools and communities and have excellent academic performance, which must also be reflected in their required personal essay. Applic...
Yeardley Family Fund Scholarship
Due: 2/4/27
|No Recommendations Required
Varies
The Yeardley Family Fund Scholarship will be awarded to students in any college or university. Applicants must submit their most recent grades. They do not have to be the official transcripts. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation for more information.
Key things to know about West Virginia scholarships
- West Virginia scholarships can help you pay less for college or career training. They can reduce what you owe for tuition, fees, books, and other school costs.
- There are scholarships for different types of students. You can find awards for high school seniors, current college students, adult learners, graduate students, students in workforce programs, and more.
- Some of the best-known West Virginia aid programs are state-based. These can include merit scholarships, grants, and workforce-focused aid that support students who stay in the state for school.
- FAFSA® still matters. Even when you’re focused on scholarships, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) can help with grants and other need-based financial aid.
- Your college may offer additional money. West Virginia colleges often have their own scholarship programs, so search both state aid and campus aid at the same time.
If you’re searching for West Virginia scholarships, you’ll find a mix of both scholarship and grant programs that can make school more affordable. That matters whether you’re planning to attend a four-year university, a community college, or a career training program. Scholarships for West Virginia students can come from the state, your school, or private and local organizations.
The effort is usually worth it. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. To learn what scholarships are available for West Virginia students, the best approach is to look at both state programs and school-based aid together.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
What are West Virginia scholarships?
West Virginia scholarships are financial awards that help students cover the cost of higher education or approved training programs. They may come from the state, colleges and universities, local foundations, employers, or nonprofit groups.
Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Depending on the program, eligibility may be based on things like:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- West Virginia residency
- Enrollment in an eligible college or program
- Your major or career goals
- Community service or leadership
- A commitment to work in a high-need field
What scholarships are available for West Virginia students?
West Virginia students can find opportunities through statewide scholarship programs, colleges, and local organizations. Some of the top West Virginia scholarships are tied to academic achievement, while others support students going into teaching, STEM, or other priority fields.
Scholly Scholarships can help you look beyond state programs and find private scholarships that match your background, goals, and interests.
West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship
The West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship is one of the best-known merit-based awards in the state. It’s designed for students who meet academic requirements and attend an eligible institution in West Virginia.
Because it’s tied to academic achievement, many students look at this first when building a list of top West Virginia scholarships. If you’re a strong student planning to stay in-state for college, it may be one of your most important opportunities.
West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship
The WV STEM scholarship supports students pursuing eligible degrees in engineering, science, and technology-related fields. It’s geared toward helping West Virginia students prepare for careers in areas that matter to the state’s workforce.
If you plan to major in a STEM field, this is one of the most relevant scholarships for West Virginia students. Be sure to review any field-of-study and service expectations before applying.
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Scholarship
The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Scholarship is aimed at students preparing to become teachers, especially in subject areas or school settings where educator shortages may be a concern. Programs like this are meant to build the future teacher pipeline in West Virginia.
For students interested in education, this can be a valuable way to reduce college costs while preparing for a career in the classroom. As with many teaching-focused awards, there may be service commitments after graduation.
Institutional scholarships in West Virginia
Colleges in West Virginia may offer their own scholarships based on grades, need, leadership, major, or other criteria. West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Fairmont State University are examples of schools where students may find campus-based scholarship opportunities.
Some schools award scholarships automatically through the admissions process, while others require separate applications. Checking each college’s scholarship page early can help you avoid missing deadlines.
Local and community scholarships
Local scholarships can be especially useful because they may be less competitive than statewide or national awards. In West Virginia, these scholarships may come from community foundations, local businesses, civic groups, regional nonprofits, and high school partner organizations.
- Community foundations
- High school counselors
- Employers and local businesses
- Civic clubs and service organizations
- Regional nonprofit groups
Additional financial aid resources
West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program is a state grant rather than a traditional scholarship. It’s generally designed to help eligible students with financial need pay for undergraduate education at approved schools.
WV Invests Grant
WV Invests is also a grant program, not a traditional scholarship. It’s known for helping cover tuition and fees for eligible students in approved certificate and associate degree programs after other financial aid is applied.
Scholly Scholarships
Find scholarships now
Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for West Virginia scholarships
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
If you want to speed things up, Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships lets you apply for several scholarships at the same time with one quick application.
What are the eligibility requirements for WV scholarships?
While each award has its own rules, many West Virginia scholarships look for:
- West Virginia residency
- Enrollment at an eligible college or program
- Minimum GPA or academic benchmarks
- FAFSA® completion for need-based aid
- A declared major or workforce pathway for some programs
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular activity
- Meeting renewal rules if the award is multi-year
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply to both scholarships and grants.
In West Virginia, some of the best funding options are grants, so don’t limit your search to awards labeled as scholarships. - Check state programs early.
Well-known programs like PROMISE can have specific timelines and academic requirements, so it helps to plan ahead. - Search campus aid pages carefully.
Your college may offer awards that don’t get as much attention as statewide programs. - Keep your grades up when possible.
Merit-based scholarships can depend on GPA, and renewal standards may matter after you enroll. - Use smaller local opportunities too.
Community-based awards may be less competitive and still help lower your bill.
More scholarship resources
West Virginia students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
West Virginia scholarships can come from statewide merit programs, college-based awards, and local organizations. When you add grant programs like the Higher Education Grant Program or WV Invests, you may have more aid options than you first expected.
The best move is to start early, stay organized, and apply across more than one category. A mix of scholarships, grants, and institutional aid can go a long way toward making school more affordable. You can also explore Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and Scholly Scholarships for easy, low-effort opportunities to win..
FAQs about West Virginia scholarships
What scholarships are available for West Virginia students?
West Virginia students may qualify for statewide programs like the PROMISE Scholarship, institutional scholarships from colleges, local community awards, and certain field-based scholarships such as teaching or STEM-focused programs.
What is the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship?
It’s a merit-based state scholarship for students who meet academic requirements and attend an eligible institution in West Virginia. It’s one of the best-known scholarships in the state.
What is the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program?
It’s a need-based state grant that helps eligible West Virginia students pay for undergraduate education. Even though students may group it with scholarships, it is a grant program.
Can West Virginia students get scholarships for trade schools?
Some students in career training, certificate, or technical programs may qualify for grants, institutional aid, or other scholarships depending on the school and program. WV Invests may also be relevant for eligible workforce-focused programs.
Do West Virginia scholarships require FAFSA®?
Some do and some don’t. Need-based aid and grant programs often require FAFSA®, so filing it is one of the best steps you can take.
Do West Virginia colleges offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Many colleges in West Virginia offer institutional scholarships based on merit, financial need, major, leadership, or donor criteria.
When should West Virginia students start applying for scholarships?
You should start as early as possible, ideally before senior year deadlines pile up. Current college students should keep looking too, since many awards are open after freshman year.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for West Virginia students?
Yes. Some scholarships have shorter applications, and no-essay scholarships can be a useful way to add more opportunities without spending as much time on each application.
What is WV Invests?
WV Invests is a last-dollar grant program that can help eligible students cover tuition and fees in certain certificate and associate degree programs after other aid is applied.
Are there scholarships for West Virginia students studying teaching?
Yes. The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Scholarship is one example of a program designed for future educators.
Are there STEM scholarships for West Virginia students?
Yes. Students in engineering, science, and technology fields may want to look at the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship along with campus-based STEM awards.
What are the top West Virginia scholarships to check first?
A good starting list includes the PROMISE Scholarship, institutional scholarships at your college, teaching and STEM-focused state scholarships, and any local community awards you can find.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.