Dependent Education Scholarship FAQs
What is the Dependent Education Scholarship?
The Dependent Education Scholarship was established to help even more members of the West Virginia University family realize the benefits of a WVU education. The University is proud to offer this program to help dependent children of WVU benefits-eligible employees with the cost of an undergraduate education.
Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Dependent children of benefits-eligible employees under age 26 who are enrolled as full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students at WVU campuses and WVU Online are eligible.
How much is the scholarship?
In-state undergraduate dependent children under age 26 may be eligible for up to $1,650 per academic year ($825 per semester) for a maximum of four years and with a maximum lifetime benefit of $6,600. Out-of-state undergraduate dependent children under age 26 may be eligible for up to the difference between in-state and out-of-state University tuition for a maximum of four years.
What is covered by this scholarship, and how will funds be disbursed?
The scholarship will be applied up to cost of attendance and can be used to cover University or college/school tuition, fees, room and board, books or other related costs. The student’s account will be credited at the beginning of each term.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Students apply one time annually depending on the term first enrolled in an academic year. The application is available online.
May the scholarship be used to attend a summer session?
The scholarship benefit may be applied to any two terms each academic year (fall, spring, or summer terms).
What is the deadline to apply for the scholarship?
The established deadlines are:
- Fall – June 1
- Spring – November 1 (only if the student is not awarded for the preceding fall semester)
- Summer – April 1 (only if the student is not awarded for both preceding fall and spring semesters)
Note: Only one application per academic year is required.
How many credits do students have to take to be eligible?
Students must be full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students at the start of the semester (12 hours minimum for fall, spring, and summer terms), unless they are a graduating senior and need fewer than 12 credits to graduate. In such cases, students will need to maintain a minimum of half-time status or 6 credit hours.
Are there any academic requirements to qualify or remain eligible for the scholarship?
Admitted first-time freshmen or transfer students are eligible (there is no minimum high school or transfer GPA or ACT/SAT scores). Continuing students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to remain eligible. GPA checks will be performed as follows:
Applications for Fall- Continuing Student: All students who wish to be considered for fall need to complete a fall application every year. GPA will be checked at the end of the spring semester for the upcoming academic year. If eligible, students will be awarded for the fall and spring semesters only. If the student does not meet the GPA requirement, they are not eligible for a fall award. Summer grades may not be used to meet the GPA requirement. Students may reapply for a future semester.
- Newly Admitted Student: There is no GPA requirement for incoming students. Students will be awarded the fall and spring semesters only.
- Continuing Student: GPA will be checked at the end of the fall semester. If eligible, students will be awarded for the spring semester only. If the student does not meet the GPA requirement as of the end of the fall semester, they are not eligible for a spring award. Students may reapply for a future semester.
- Newly Admitted Student: There is no GPA requirement for incoming students. Students will be awarded for the spring semester only.
- Current Student: GPA will be checked at the end of the spring semester. Students will be awarded for the summer term only. Summer awards are only available for students who were not awarded during the prior fall and spring. All students who wish to be considered for the following fall need to complete a fall application every year.
- Newly Admitted Student: There is no GPA requirement for incoming students. Students will be awarded for the summer term only. All students also will need to complete the application for the upcoming fall semester.
Do I need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible?
Although a FAFSA is not required to be eligible for this scholarship, it is still recommended to ensure maximum consideration of federal and state aid. The FAFSA may be completed at fafsa.gov.
How will I know if I’ve been awarded the scholarship?
Students will receive an email to their WVU MIX email address from the WVU Hub verifying eligibility and scholarship status.
Does the scholarship apply to WVU Tech, WVU Potomac State?
Yes. This scholarship applies to the entire WVU System, including classes held on the Morgantown, Keyser, and Beckley campuses.
Will the scholarship for Children of Classified Staff Tuition Assistance be affected?
No. The Children of Classified Staff Tuition Assistance program will not be affected. It is a separate program that is managed by Staff Council. Visit the Staff Council website for more information.
Note: The Dependent Education Scholarship may be adjusted as more information about other aid becomes available. Adjustments may be needed if a student's financial aid exceeds the cost of attendance.
What if my eligible parent leaves employment during the year?
A student is eligible for the semester benefit as long as their parent/guardian was a benefits-eligible employee on July 1 for the fall semester, November 1 for the spring semester and April 1 for the summer semester.
What if I turn 26 in the middle of the year?
As long as you are a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student under age 26 at the beginning of the term receiving the award, you will remain eligible for the benefit during that term only.
Can I defer the scholarship, even if it pushes me beyond the maximum 4 academic years?
Students whose first enrollment is the spring semester, or who have deferred other institutional scholarships for one semester, may defer the Dependent Education Scholarship. The deferral may fall into the next academic year, as long as the student and parent continue to meet eligibility requirements, the award is not given for more than 8 academic terms, and the maximum lifetime benefit is not exceeded.
If I am not awarded, is there an appeal process?
There is not an appeal process for the Dependent Education Scholarship. Since the award is ongoing, students can reapply for the upcoming term, and their eligibility will be re-reviewed.
One of my parents works for WVU, and the other works for WVU Medicine. Since both employers are offering an education scholarship, may I receive both benefits?
No. A student may only use one benefit. Students should only apply for the scholarship that is most beneficial to them.
Who do I contact with questions?
Questions may be directed to the WVU Hub at hub.wvu.edu or call 304-293-1988.
Where can I find information on WVU Medicine’s Dependent Tuition benefit?
For questions regarding WVU Medicine’s Dependent Tuition benefit, contact the WVU Medicine HR Service Center at 1-833-599-2100.