WVU makes the ‘Pledge’ to help students complete degrees

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has announced additional financial assistance to incoming first-time freshmen through the WVU Pledge, a last-dollar-in automatic aid program for qualifying Promise Scholarship recipients that will be offered beginning this fall.

George Zimmerman

WVU Assistant Vice President forĀ  Enrollment Management George Zimmerman said students are beginning to learn how they qualify for the program.

“We’ll be automatically awarding this, and we’ve actually started those awards today,” Zimmerman said. “Students will begin to see their aid package update as these awards are applied, and they’ll get a letter from us.”

For those approved for the Promise Scholarship, the program bridges the gap between grant money and out-of-pocket expenses. The money can be used for campus housing, books, fees, tuition, and meal programs.

“It is a “last dollar in,” so that means the dollar amount is determined by how much the student owes after federal, state, and other SID programs are applied to the student’s account,” Zimmerman said.

During the spring state of the university address, president Gordon Gee said the program is one way they can put students first and remove barriers to education. The poverty rate in West Virginia was 16.8 percent, compared to a national rate of 11.6 percent.

“We know that bachelor’s degrees help move students and families out of the poverty range,” Zimmerman said. “So, really, this is a way to show a commitment to our state.”

Qualifying Promise Scholarship recipients must be first-time freshmen for the fall 2023 semester, have an expected family contribution of zero, live in a residence hall, and have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by May 1.

“To qualify, they need to have a zero EFC (expected family contribution) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) and be eligible for the Promise Scholarship and be awarded that scholarship by July 1 by the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC).”

Zimmerman said the residence hall requirement is designed to keep students engaged in the campus community. Studies show that students who live on campus do better academically and graduate at a higher rate than off-campus students.

“We know students tend to be more engaged and more successful,” Zimmerman said. “We want them to really have everything lined up to be able to graduate, be successful, and leave WVU with a bachelor’s degree, so living on campus for those four years will be required.”

The program was unveiled by WVU President Gordon Gee during his recent State of the University Address.





More News

News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am
News
West Virginia Parkways Authority prepares for Easter travelers on the Turnpike
More than 500,000 transactions are projected at the West Virginia Turnpike through Monday.
March 28, 2024 - 11:30 am
News
Governor vetoes vaccination exemption bill, and now that debate is primed to get even bigger
House Bill 5105 would have removed vaccination requirements for students in virtual public schools, and it also would have allowed private and parochial schools to set their own standards.
March 28, 2024 - 11:14 am
News
Lottery reports $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Charleston
Four numbers and Power Ball matched.
March 28, 2024 - 10:24 am