WV FAFSA Day logo

What Is FAFSA®?

West Virginia FAFSA Day, scheduled for February 5, 2026, stands as a collaborative effort spearheaded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, College for West Virginia (CFWV), West Virginia GEAR UP, and West Virginia TRIO Association. This initiative aims to heighten awareness surrounding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), underscoring its significance for both high school seniors and returning college students.  Given the essential nature of FAFSA completion, the West Virginia FAFSA Day seeks to emphasize the FAFSA’s significance for accessing federal, state-sponsored, and collegiate financial aid programs.

West Virginia FAFSA Day serves as a pivotal occasion to stress the urgency of filing—offering high schools and institutions of higher education the opportunity to host activities aimed at helping students and their families.  Through this campaign, West Virginia FAFSA Day endeavors to ensure that students seize the opportunity for postsecondary success by securing the financial assistance they need.

Webster County High School will be hosting several FAFSA workshops throughout the month of January to help students and families navigate the application process. If you have a high school senior, or know someone who is planning to attend an institution of higher learning this coming year, mark your calendars and join us. FAFSA events are scheeduled on Wednesday, January 14th; Thursday, January 22nd; and Monday, January 26th. You may call Donett Holcomb at Webster County High School (304) 226-5772 or Sharon Ray at Glade Elementary (304) 226-5353 to schedule a time that works best for you. 

Scholarship List & Financial Aid Updates

Financial Aid Timeline for WV Students

September 2025

The 2026-27 FAFSA opened. Any student planning to attend college or trade school the 2026-2027 academic year should file a FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa. FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid.

March 1, 2026

The deadline to submit the FAFSA and complete the application to apply for the Promise Scholarship. Promise Scholarship: Merit-Based Financial Aid - CFWV.com

March 1, 2026

The deadline to apply for the WV STEM Scholarship. West Virginia STEM Scholarship - CFWV.com

March 1, 2026

The application for the STAND Grant opens for fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027. STAND Program - CFWV.com

April 15, 2026

The deadline to submit the FAFSA to apply for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program. WV Higher Education Grant - CFWV.com

April 15, 2026

The priority deadline to submit the FAFSA and complete the application to apply for the West Virginia Invests Grant Program. Applications accepted after this date. West Virginia Invests Grant for Education - CFWV.com

April 15, 2026

The Nursing Scholarship application opens. WV Nursing Scholarship Program - CFWV.com

June 1, 2026

The deadline to apply for the Nursing Scholarship. WV Nursing Scholarship Program - CFWV.com

Stay Up-to-Date on Financial Aid Opportunities by Signing Up for Txt4Success

College-bound students from all over WV can sign up to receive text messages. The text messages sent to students serve as general college reminders and advice, such as key deadlines, financial aid opportunities, and regular check-ins to make sure students are transitioning well into college life. Students attending one of the CFWV partner institutions will receive additional messages specific to their college. Additionally, students who opt-in to the service can text at any time to have any of their college questions answered by a college access advisor. Students can sign up by texting "CFWV" to (304) 912-CFWV or by visiting CFWV.com. College for West Virginia - Free College & Financial Aid Resources

Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

For: 12th graders, college students, adult learners

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education

Deadline: January 20, 2026

For: Current College Students

Engebretson Foundation Scholarship Engebretson Foundation - "Always Give Back"

Deadline: March 1, 2026

For: High School Seniors

American Welding Society National Scholarship AWS National Scholarships | Pursue Excellence in Welding

Deadline: March 1, 2026

Path to Pro Scholarship skillpointefoundation_homedepot-pathtopro

Deadline: Varies; March 31, 2026

For: High School Seniors or graduates who plan to enroll in an approved trade-related program with a focus on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or construction management.

Colleges and universities offer scholarships and grants in order to attract students to their schools and help students pay for school. This type of financial aid is called institution-based aid. Visit cfwvconnect.com/scholarships to check out financial aid opportunities at colleges and universities across West Virginia, or visit the college or university's website. Follow the CRWV on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or Pinterest for a more complete and updated lists of scholarships and resources. Scholarships | CFWV Connect