West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship

The PROMISE Scholarship is West Virginia's merit-based state scholarship for high school graduates attending an in-state public or eligible independent two- or four-year institution. It pays up to $5,500 per year (or the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less) for up to 8 semesters (bachelor's) or 4 semesters (associate degree). Current eligibility is a 3.0 cumulative GPA plus an ACT composite of at least 21 (English/reading/math subsections) or an SAT total of at least 1080 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math); starting with the 2027-28 applicant cohort, students may superscore across test dates. Awards are contingent on annual funding from the West Virginia Legislature.

Eligibility

DemographicsCurrent (Class of 2027) test benchmark is a flat ACT composite of 21 (English/reading/math subsections, no separate subscore floor) or SAT 1080 combined EBRW+Math. Earlier cohorts (2026 and before) had additional minimum individual subscores; contact promise@wvhepc.edu for an earlier cohort's exact figures. No essay or recommendation letters required.

Applying

$5,500/year or the cost of tuition & mandatory fees, whichever is less; the cap adjusts annually per HEPC decision.