There are lots of options when it comes to paying for college — including federal and state financial aid. And, if you’re an eligible undergraduate student, you may be able to get a grant that does not need to be paid back (unlike student loans).
The U.S. Department of Education, the state of West Virginia, WVU Parkersburg, private industries and organizations offer a variety of financial aid and tuition assistance programs. At WVU Parkersburg, we have aid left over, because students simply did not apply! For more information on your eligibility, please visit Federal Student Aid.
The U.S. Department of Education awards over $100 billion annually for college tuition, fees, books, and other expenses. You may be eligible to receive federal aid to help you pay for your college education. Federal financial aid comes in many forms, including grants, student loans, and work-study programs.
Available to undergraduate students who show financial need and have not earned a bachelor or professional degree. The award is based on enrollment status (full-time, half-time, etc.).
Available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor or professional degree and demonstrate financial need. Priority is given to students that have completed the financial aid process by May 1. Limited funding restricts the number of awards offered annually, and students must receive Pell in order to receive SEOG.
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is federally funded and designed to assist those students who demonstrate a financial need. It provides the opportunity of employment to qualified students. Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year in order to be considered for FWS. Students must also maintain a 2.0 or greater to qualify.
Federal Work Study is a campus-based program with limited funding. This type of assistance usually goes to the earliest applicants with the highest financial need. Funds may become available throughout the academic year as students choose not to participate in FWS. If you have been awarded Federal Work Study, contact the Financial Aid Office for work-study options on campus.
Available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). The interest rate on the loan is variable and established each June but will not exceed 8.25%. A processing fee may be deducted from the borrowed amount so the disbursed amount may be slightly less than the borrowed amount shown in the student’s financial aid award package. Loan repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawing from school, or dropping below six credit hours. Maximum federal annual amounts are $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5500 for juniors and seniors. However, institutional cost of attendance may reduce those amounts. More information about student loans is available at studentaid.gov.
Available to undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) and have not had their cost of attendance met through other aid awards. The interest rate will not exceed 8.25%. A processing fee may be deducted from the borrowed amount so the disbursed amount may be slightly less than the borrowed amount shown in the student’s financial aid award package. Loan repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawing from school, or dropping below six credit hours. However, interest payments on the loan must be paid while the student is in school or deferred and capitalized (added to the principal of the loan). Maximum federal annual amounts depend on other aid that was awarded to the student. More information about student loans is available at studentaid.gov.
Available to parents of dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). The parent must have a good credit history and may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial awards. The interest rate on the loan is variable and established each June, but will not exceed 9%. A processing fee may be deducted from the borrowed amount so the disbursed amount may be slightly less than the borrowed amount shown in the student’s financial aid award package.
