STUDENTS

While there may be several definitions for "non-traditional" students, this term generally refers to students who are beyond the traditional college going age of 24 or 25, who usually enroll part-time and who frequently take classes away from the larger campus.

To qualify for Title IV aid and most other aid, students must enroll in a degree program and generally at least half-time (6 hrs undergraduate, 5 hrs graduate). There are exceptions to the half-time requirement such as the Federal Pell Grant and the HEAPS (Higher Education Adult Part-time Student) Grant Program . Both are restricted, however to undergraduate students.

EXTENDED LEARNING - CLASSES ON THE WEB
Universities across the country are seeing an increased demand for classes offered on the web. West Virginia University offers many classes on the web each semester and the number of courses will continue to grow. The Division of Extended Learning has offered grants to faculty to stimulate the development of new courses and to move traditional courses to the web.

What does it mean to take a class on the web? Classes at WVU are offered through a software program called Web CT. Students get a password and log on through a regular browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer from their home, office or lab computer. Lessons, homework and exams are all offered in one place. Online professors, like their counterparts in the traditional classroom, vary in the amount or type of communication they have with their students. There may be bulletin boards, chat rooms or e-mail for correspondence.

An updated list of courses is available online or by contacting your regional center. For a list of Regional Centers, click here .

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based aid. Students who filed a FAFSA last year should receive a renewal FAFSA in the mail between November and January. If you don't receive a Renewal FAFSA by January 30, fill out a standard FAFSA. The FAFSA is normally available in December from a high school guidance office, local college or the WVU Financial Aid Office. You may also complete a FASFA online . Everyone is encouraged to complete the form since there is no charge for applying. Include the WVU school code -003827- on your application. To receive WVU aid, you must be admitted to WVU.

You are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by February 15 for priority consideration. There is a deadline of March 1 for many campus-based programs.

COST OF ATTENDANCE
To view current Cost of Attendance figures, click here.

The costs shown above are estimates for 9 months based on full-time study. Charges for students who enroll part-time may be substantially less. Per credit hour charges for Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 are as follows:

* Please note that some majors may charge additional per credit hour fees.


The following are some other Financial Aid terms and information you may find helpful:

EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC):
The EFC is derived from the information reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  It is based on your family's income, assets, the number of family members in the household and the number in college.  The EFC is the Department of Education's formula for calculating need.  It does not mean that this is the amount you owe WVU.  If your family has special circumstances (loss of income, death in the family, etc.)  document them on a separate sheet and mail it to the Financial Aid Office. 

CALCULATED FINANCIAL NEED
This figure is calculated by subtracting your EFC and resources from your estimated cost of attendance.  This is the amount of need-based assistance for which you qualify.

Note: Federal grants (ex. Pell grant) and State grants (ex. WV higher education grant) are available only for the first bachelor's degree.   The Perkins loan may also be limited to a first bachelor's degree if funds are limited.  If you are working on a second bachelor's degree, Title IV aid will be limited to student loans in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.

GRADUATE STUDENTS
For the purposes of processing aid, a tuition waiver will be estimated for ALL graduate students.  If you will not have a tuition waiver and you need additional assistance, please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing.

FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT
Financial aid administered through WVU's Financial Aid Office will first be applied to your WVU charges.  Any funds remaining will be mailed to your local address on file with Admissions and Records. It is your responsibility to update your address with Admissions and Records.  To update your address online click here .  It is also your responsibility to check on the availability of these funds with the Office of Student Accounts.  They may be reached at (304) 293-4006.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS FOR TITLE IV FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID
To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be eligible to continue in the degree program in which they are enrolled and must make satisfactory academic progress towards a degree.  Part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate students are required to complete at least 70% of all hours attempted with a minimum GPA as follows: 1.6 Freshman (0-28 hours),  1.9 Sophomores (29-58 hours),  2.0 for other undergraduates, and 2.25 for graduates.  Undergraduate students may receive aid for a maximum of 180 credit hours attempted.  Graduate students may receive aid for a maximum of 54 credit hours attempted.  Doctoral students have a maximum of 108 credit hours attempted (including MA degree) to complete their degree requirements.  Check with the Financial Aid Office for a complete description of satisfactory academic requirements.

TYPES OF AID AVAILABLE

Federal Pell Grant:
This grant is offered by the federal government to the most needy undergraduate students using a federal formula.  The range of awards for 2001-2002 is $400 to $3750 per year. 

State Grants:
Full-time undergraduate WVU students may apply for one of several State Grant programs awarded by each State Grant office.  The West Virginia Higher Education Grant pays 70 percent of tuition and fees.  The Pennsylvania State Grant offers a maximum award of $600 per year for undergraduate students and $800 per year for undergraduate veteran students.  Typically, you must be a resident of the state offering the award.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant:
Undergraduate students are eligible for this grant if they meet the March 1 FAFSA deadline, qualify for a Federal Pell Grant and meet additional WVU packaging requirements.

Federal Perkins Loan:
A long-term, low-interest loan awarded by WVU.  It has a fixed 5 percent interest rate and a nine month grace period following graduation (or when you cease to be enrolled at least half-time).  If there are limited funds, this loan may be available to undergraduate students only.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan:
A loan offered by WVU and funded through the U.S. Department of Education.  The yearly maximum amounts are: $2,625 for freshmen, $3,500 for sophomores, $5,500 for juniors and seniors, and $8,500 for graduates.  Independent students and graduate students may qualify for an additional amount.

Higher Education Adult Part-time Student Program (HEAPS)

What is HEAPS?
HEAPS is the acronym for the Higher Education Adult Part-time Student Grant Program, a new program created during the 1999 West Virginia legislative session.  HEAPS is designed to encourage and enable needy West Virginians to continue their education on a part-time basis at the post-secondary level.

Should you apply for other assistance?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate that they have applied for or accepted other federal student financial aid.  All applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What types of classes are covered?
To be eligible for a HEAPS Grant, a student must be enrolled in a program leading to a certificate or an undergraduate degree.

Can a HEAPS Grant be renewed?
Yes, HEAPS Grants may be renewed until the course of study is completed but not to exceed an additional nine years beyond the first year of the award.

How are the recipients selected?
Recipients will be selected each year by the institution they plan to attend based on the availability of funds and applicants' eligibility. 

You are Eligible If:

• You are a West Virginia resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
• You are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of study with the goal of attaining a certificate, an associate or bachelor's degree as an undergraduate on a part-time basis (6-11 hrs) at an eligible institution of post-secondary education.
• You have not been enrolled in a high school diploma program, other than general education development (GED), for at least two years.
• You are making satisfactory progress at the time of application.  Satisfactory progress for the first time award means being accepted for enrollment by the institution you plan to attend.
• You qualify as an independent student according to federal financial need for funds.
• You have complied with the Military Selective Service Act.

Special Note to "Seniors" Students who are age 65 or older may be eligible for a 50% discount on tuition and fees.  Contact the office of Admissions and Records at  (304) 293-2124.

OTHER SOURCES OF AID
Churches, unions, fraternal organizations, high schools, civic organizations, and employers may offer funding.  For additional listings, check literature available through libraries and high school guidance offices.  The Internet also has sites that provide information on sources of funding for higher education.  A good place to begin your Internet search is www.finaid.org.

FINANCIAL AID REPAYMENT POLICY
When a student withdraws from school before completing a period of enrollment, federal regulations require that WVU determine whether any of the student's financial aid must be repaid.
A student earns Title IV aid based on the length of time he or she remained enrolled.  If the student has completed more than 60% of the period, all Title IV funds are considered "earned" and no funds have to be repaid.  
A student owing a repayment to any federally sponsored student aid program cannot receive any federally supported student assistance for future enrollment periods until repayment arrangements have been made with either the WVU Office of Student Accounts or the U.S. Department of Education.