Non-Degree Student
- General Information
- Enrollment Requirements
- Documentation Requirements
- Aid Eligibility
- Other Options to Fund Educational Expenses
General Information
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:
- 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.
- 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
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the aid year they are seeking the loan consideration.
- 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 on our Forms webpage.
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.