Grants

The following grants are awarded on the basis of financial need to undergraduates who have not yet received a four-year degree.  Financial Need is the Cost of Attendance or Budget for the school a student is attending less the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  The EFC is produced as a result of completing and submitting the FAFSA to the Department of Education Federal Student aid.  Wages, gross income, taxes paid, size of family and number in college, and non-taxed income are just a few of the things that affect the EFC.

Federal Pell Grant

• This grant program is based on financial need as determined by the results of the completion of the Federal Application for Federal Student  Aid (FAFSA).
• A new FAFSA needs to be completed each year.   
• Students are selected to receive this grant based on federal rules and the student’s EFC. 
• Each year Federal Student Aid sets the Federal Pell Grant amount and EFC range of eligibility.  Providing the student meets all other eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid and their EFC is within the Pell Grant range, they will be awarded the Pell Grant. 
• The amount of the grant is pro-rated for hours less than full-time. 
• Any enrollment changes must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.
• Pell Grants are only available to undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.  Please note:  Due to new Federal Program Integrity Regulations, a student is considered to be no longer eligible for the Federal Pell Grant if they have completed the necessary classes for their bachelor's degree even if they did not apply for graduation. 
• Students must also comply with the current Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 
• Be sure to review this policy as it also has been revised to include requirements based on new Federal Program Integrity Regulations.   

A student can only receive a Federal Pell Grant for a maximum of 12 full-time semesters.

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

• The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a grant awarded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
• The award amount varies and is currently set at a maximum of $3200 for eligible WV residents. 
• The grant is available only to full-time undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. 
• Graduating High School Seniors must complete a FAFSA each year by April 15 in order to be eligible for the grant.  Older adult students may have up to June 15 to submit their FAFSA to be considered for the State Grant. 
• Students who have previously received the grant must complete 24 credit hours between the fall and spring terms for which they were awarded the grant and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0. 
• Students must also comply with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.

A student can only receive the WV Higher Education Grant for a maximum of 8 semesters.

WV Higher Education Assistance for Part Time Students (HEAPS) Grant

• The West Virginia HEAPS Grant is a grant awarded by the WV Higher Education Policy Commisssion.
• This grant is awarded by the Fairmont State Financial Aid Office based on available funding.
• The award amount varies and funding is limited.  
• This grant is available only to part time students who are enrolled in at least 3 credit hours, but not more than 11.  
• The award are made after the first week of classes in order to confirm enrollment status.
• You must complete a FAFSA each year and have financial need.
• Returning students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of awarding to be eligible for the grant and in compliance with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• Student cannot be in default on higher education loans.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

• This grant program is based on financial need as determined by completion of a FAFSA each year.  
• SEOG is awarded primarily to students with exceptionally high financial need who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. (See Pell Grant eligibility above). 
• Awarded to undergraduate students who have not previously earned a bachelor's degree.
• Awards vary as funds are limited.  
• Returning students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of awarding to be eligible for this grant and in compliance with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 

Other State Grants:

Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

• A high school graduate as stipulated in the Pennsylvania State Grant law
• Attend a postsecondary school approved by PHEAA for Pennsylvania State Grant purposes
• Are enrolled at least half-time (defined as at least six semester credits but less than 12 semester credits per semester, or the equivalent)
• Are enrolled in an approved program of study of at least 2 academic years in length
• Are enrolled in a program of study where at least 50% of the total credit or clock hours needed for completion of the program are earned through classroom instruction:
  • The program itself must be structured to allow you to complete at least 50% of your credits or clock hours in the classroom.
  • Your enrollment pattern by term must also consist of at least 50% classroom instruction (unless you have a medical disability (PDF)).
• Have made satisfactory academic progress (as defined by PHEAA)
• Not have already earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent
• Are a Pennsylvania resident, as stipulated in the Pennsylvania State Grant law
• Are of satisfactory character (for example, not be incarcerated)
• Not have received the maximum number of Pennsylvania State Grants permitted
• Not be in default or pending default on an educational loan. This also applies to any program where the award has been converted to a loan and the loan is in a default status.
• File and complete the application process by the appropriate deadlines

Maryland - Maryland Higher Education Commission

• Need-Based Grants
• Legislative Scholarships
• Merit-Based Scholarships
• Career/Occupation-Based Grants & Scholarships
• Tuition Waivers available to:  Foster Care Recipients, Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, Maryland National Guard, and Students with Disabilities

Rhode Island - Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority

Vermont - Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

• Student must be a Vermont resident.
• Student must be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program.
• Student cannot have received their bachelor's degree.
• Grants available for full and part-time students.
• Grants available for students in non-degree course or program.
• Grant award based on financial need and the cost of attendance of the student's school.

ALL FEDERAL FUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL BUDGETARY RESTRAINTS.