Applying for Aid
Where to Start
Applying for financial aid can seem like a daunting process, but we are here to help!
- Step One: Become an admitted student
- Step Two: Prepare for your FAFSA
- Step Three: Submit your FAFSA
- Step Four: Research and apply for scholarships
- Step Five: Submit additional information if requested
Don't need all the steps? Click the button below to go right to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)!
Step One: Become an Admitted Student
Students are not reviewed for institutional scholarships or financial aid eligibility until they are admitted. See our Admission to WVU webpage to choose your campus and start the process. If you are a returning student, congratulations! This step is taken care of, so you can skip to Step Two!
Step Two: Prepare for Your FAFSA
There are steps you need to take as well as information and documents you should gather to prepare for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See our Preparing for the FAFSA webpage for details.
Step Three: Submit Your FAFSA
Your FAFSA must be submitted every academic year that you are interested in federal financial aid. Please note some state aid and scholarship programs require a FAFSA as well.
The FAFSA becomes available on October 1 for the following academic year. For example, the 2023-2024 FAFSA becomes available on October 1, 2022 (for fall 2023 and spring and summer 2024). The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available! Due to 2024-2025 updates, Federal Student Aid has initiated the release of the FAFSA via a soft launch. Students might encounter intermittent outages while improvements are made.
The priority submission deadline for submitting the FAFSA is usually March 1. The 2024-2025 priority deadline has been removed due to the delayed FAFSA launch. See our Complete the FAFSA webpage for more information.
Need help getting started? Contact the WVU Hub for assistance!
Step Four: Research and Apply for Scholarships
Incoming freshmen, transfer, and international students are automatically reviewed for institutional scholarships based on information provided to Undergraduate Admissions such as transcripts and test scores. Some departments/colleges also automatically review incoming students for scholarships (based no their program of study).
However, you should continue to seek additional scholarships whether you are a new or continuing student!
- Departmental/college scholarships
- External/private scholarships
- Study abroad scholarships
- Osher Reentry scholarship for nontraditional students
Step Five: Submit Additional Information if Requested
After you apply for financial aid, additional steps may need to be taken - such as providing additional information or documentation. Notifications will be sent to your MIX email (via your WVU Portal). See our Unsatisfied Requirements webpage for more information.