April 15 financial aid deadline fast approaching for W.Va. students

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today reminded high school seniors, college students and others planning to attend a West Virginia higher education institution this fall that April 15, 2015 is the deadline for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the state’s Higher Education Grant.

“The Higher Education Grant is West Virginia’s largest need-based financial aid program,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Each year, it places college within reach for thousands of West Virginia students who have a demonstrated financial need. With the deadline quickly approaching for this program, we encourage students to complete the FAFSA and see if they are eligible.”

In the 2013-14 academic year, the Higher Education Grant Program awarded nearly $41 million to more than 19,000 students across West Virginia. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and may be used in conjunction with other forms of state, federal and institutional financial aid. The grant may be renewed for up to three academic years beyond the initial award; however, renewal is not automatic and students must reapply by submitting the FAFSA each year.

For more information on the Higher Education Grant, visit the state’s free college-planning resource, the College Foundation of West Virginia, at www.cfwv.com. The FAFSA, which serves as the application for the state need-based grant program, is available at www.fafsa.gov.

The Commission also offers a financial aid hotline – 888-825-5707 – for individual questions and to schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

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