Non-Degree Student

Students considered “non-degree” are those not in a degree-seeking program. They must meet certain criteria to be eligible for limited Federal Direct Loans.

There two categories of non-degree students eligible for federal aid:

1. Students registered in preparatory coursework. These are necessary prerequisites for admission into a degree-seeking program. Note: These courses cannot be part of the degree program or taken solely increase the student’s overall grade point average.
2. Students registered for courses required for state teacher certification or recertification. Note: Students receiving the certification from WVU and not the state are not eligible for federal financial aid.

The following non-degree students are  not eligible for federal aid as a non-degree student:

• Students who are provisional admits taking courses which are considered part of degree requirements.  These students must meet regular aid requirements for consideration.
• Students taking courses to increase overall GPA or test scores for admission into a degree-seeking program.
• Students who received aid as a non-degree student during their allotted consecutive twelve month period.
• Students receiving certification from WVU in addition to the state certification/recertification.
• Students receiving teacher certification from the University and not the state.

Enrollment Requirements

• Students must be enrolled in preparatory coursework REQUIRED for admission to a regular undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program  OR coursework needed for state teacher certification/recertification.
• Students must be enrolled at least half-time.
• Only courses REQUIRED for admission to the degree program or state teacher certification/recertification may be considered when determining enrollment level and student aid eligibility.

Documentation/Requirements

1. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the aid year they are seeking the loan consideration.
2. Students must meet with a WVU academic advisor in the program of study the student is seeking admission into or receiving state teacher certification/recertification to complete the "Federal Financial Aid Application for Non-Degree Students" available under the Forms section of this website.

Aid Eligibility

• Aid eligibility is limited to Federal Direct Loans.  Amounts vary based on student type.  Annual limits can be found View Annual limits.
• Loan eligibility is limited to a single consecutive 12-month period for students in preparatory coursework.  This limitation does not apply to those seeking teacher certification/recertification.
• Students will be monitored throughout the enrollment period to ensure they remain eligible.

Other Options to Fund Educational Expenses

• Search for external scholarships.
• Take advantage of our monthly payment plan option.
• Apply for credit-based private educational loans.  Note: please ensure the loan does not require the student to be a degree-seeking student for eligibility.