CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More West Virginia students are completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid so far this year compared to last year, according to a recent announcement from the National College Access Network.
West Virginia ranked 4th out of all 50 states for FAFSA completion, jumping from 10th place last year.
As of this month, 52 percent of West Virginia high school seniors completed a FAFSA.
“This really has been a collective effort and many folks around West Virginia have jumped in and wrapped their arms around this issue,” said Dr. Adam Green, vice chancellor of student affairs for the Higher Education Policy Commission. “It’s exciting.”
Green said he expects even more students to enroll in higher education come next fall.
“We have a goal of 60 percent of our students who will complete a FAFSA by September 1,” he said. “I’m very optimistic. Our schools are working hard. Our partners are working hard and our families are working hard.”
There were 37 high schools in the state who met or exceeded the state’s spring goal for increasing the number of 12th graders who complete the FAFSA.
To ensure more students are aware of the FAFSA, the HEPC will be working with college and university partners from across the state to increase numbers, Green said.
“I think we continue to build on the momentum and continue to build our partnerships and that’s what it’s about. Not one body can do this. This is all about West Virginia working together and knowing that an education and training beyond high school is essential for the future of our state,” he said.
Students can complete the FAFSA any time after Jan. 1 in the year they intend to go to a college, university or trade school.
The following high schools met or exceeded West Virginia’s FAFSA completion spring benchmark this year:
Bishop Donahue Memorial High School
Bluefield High School
Bridgeport High School
Cameron High School
Cross Lanes Christian School
East Hardy High School
Frankfort High School
George Washington High School
Greenbrier East High School
Hedgesville High School
Hundred High School
Hurricane High School
Jefferson High School
Keyser High School
Magnolia High School
Mingo Central High School
Nicholas County High School
Paden City High School
Paw Paw High School
Pendleton County High School
Petersburg High School
Pocahontas County High School
Ravenswood High School
Ripley High School
Ritchie County High School
Roane County High School
Sissonville High School
Tug Valley High School
Tyler Consolidated High School
University High School
Valley High School – Fayette County
Wahama High School
Washington High School
Webster County High School
Williamstown High School
Winfield High School
Wirt County High School