CFWV’s Financial Aid 101 guide provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic of financial aid, with an emphasis on scholarship and grant programs funded by the State of West Virginia.

Contents:

• Intro to financial aid: the basics of financial aid and paying for college
• Paying for college: calculating costs and paying the bill
• West Virginia programs: funds provided and managed by the State of West Virginia
• Planning timeline: important dates, deadlines and tasks
• Aid for adult students: a guide for students ages 25 and older
• Financial aid lingo: common terms and phrases

Downloadable Resources:

Financial Aid 101 – Condensed Brochure

This one-page guide outlines key facts regarding financial aid programs managed by the State of West Virginia. Information in this resource is reflective of requirements and deadlines for academic year 2026-27.

Downloadable Resources:

WV Financial Aid Programs Fact Sheet

CFWV’s Admissions 101 guide provides valuable information to assist students in exploring college options and applying for admission.

Contents:

• Know your options: types of colleges and programs
• The right fit: find the right school or college for you
• Entrance exams: preparing for and taking the ACT and SAT
• Planning checklist: a timeline and “to do” list for applying
• College lingo: common college terms and phrases
• West Virginia colleges and universities

Downloadable Resources:

Admissions 101 – Condensed version

Admissions 101 – Full Version

The Writing 101 guide provides you with tips and guidance, so you can craft an excellent document whenever you need.

The Transition 101 guide provides information for preparing for your educational pathway and staying on track, so you can make the most out of your college experience.

Contents:

-College lingo: common college terms and phrases

-College readiness: developing the skill set and knowledge required to succeed during college

-Postsecondary transition: steps that you can take during the spring and summer to help you prepare before you arrive on campus

-First year: information to help guide you through the transition to and through your first semester of college

-Personal wellness: caring for your mental health during your transition

Please note, this item is available as a digital download only.

Click here to download

CFWV’s College 101 guide provides valuable information to assist students in transitioning to life in college.

Contents:

• Understanding degree programs and majors
• College lingo: common college terms and phrases
• Planning timeline: a checklist for getting ready and getting settled
• On-time graduation: five tips for staying on track to earn your degree
• The college experience: co-curricular activities, networking, and career development
• Parental support: a guide for parents of college students

Downloadable Resources:

College 101

West Virginia ranks among the top states for providing financial aid for students. In fact, most West Virginia students receive financial aid to help pay for college. But to be eligible, you need to stay on top of application deadlines.

College Road Map and Financial Road Map Rack Cards

Roadmap to College

FAQ for Incoming College Students

Road Map to the Personalized Education Plan

The College is Possible campaign strives to demonstrate to students that college is possible in the state of West Virginia. Posters include data that show the necessity of a college-educated workforce in the state, the affordability of a college education in public two- and four-year colleges and universities, and how going to college benefits students personally. The map showcases West Virginia’s public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities in terms of their locations and categorization. Theses resources are available as digital downloads below.

Affordable

Necessary

Possible

Worth It

WV Colleges and Universities

West Virginia has joined Complete College America and its partners to launch a statewide “15 to Finish” campaign. The campaign reminds students that to graduate “on time,” they must earn at least 15 credit hours per semester.

Poster

Rack Card

SAT Test Codes for West Virginia’s public two-year schools, public four-year schools, and independent, non-profit schools. Click here to download.

Provided by Legal Aid of West Virginia, this packet contains two articles. The first is about applying for FAFSA when students do not live with their parents. The second is about infant (or minor) guardianships. This article explains what a court considers when deciding whether to grant a guardianship. Also, you will find the forms caregivers must complete to ask for a guardianship.

You can apply for services from Legal Aid of West Virginia if you have questions or need more help. Call 1-866-255-4370 or apply online at www.lawv.net. If your caregiver receives WV Works, have your caregiver ask for a referral to Legal Aid.

This resource is only available as a digital download.

Click here to direct download

Hosting a financial aid workshop is one of the most important services educators can provide to help their students prepare for college or postsecondary training programs. The CFWV Financial Aid Workshop Digital Toolkit provides you with resources to help plan and host your workshop — and make sure it’s a success.

Click here to download the toolkit

Toolkit contents:

• An overview of state and federal financial aid resources
• Understanding types of financial aid workshops
• A guide to finding financial aid experts and resources
• Workshop planning timeline and checklist
• Template: event promo postcards
• Template: event promo flyers
• Template: community announcement and/or news release
• Template: social media images and scripts
• Template: website banner images

The Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and others. Use these free resources to help students and parents prepare for college or career school. This resources is provided by the U.S. Department of Education (not CFWV). Click here to go to the Federal Student Aid Outreach Toolkit. 

The CFWV College Visit Toolkit outlines a planning timeline, best practices, and activities to ensure that your school’s visit to a college campus is a success. Please note, this item is available as a digital download only. No hard copies will be provided.

The information and instruction provided in this toolkit is intended to assist high school counselors
in their role in processing the Promise Scholarship Awards each year.

PROMISE Scholarship Toolkit

Set yourself up for success by becoming a CFWV 21st-century scholar! Scholars who complete the three college milestones will be recognized at the end of the school year with with a graduation cord.

Download the 21st Century Scholar flyer

21st Century Scholars

21st Century Scholars

21st Century Scholars

In 2009, the Lumina Foundation for Education provided a grant to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to fund activities focused on helping adults return to college to earn a two- or four-year degree. As a result, the Commission created the DegreeNow program. DegreeNow offers resources to assist higher education professionals and workforce development practitioners in encouraging and supporting adults in earning their degree.

Resources include:

• best practices and case studies in creating adult-friendly campus policies and environments
• training guides to assist student affairs professionals and other administrators in building support and awareness among their colleagues on campus
• survey templates and strategies to assist campuses in assessing current adult learner outreach efforts
• an ebook outlining the DegreeNow program and proven methods for increasing degree completion among adult learners
• a marketing and communications toolkit featuring templates campuses can use to market degree opportunities to adult learners

The DegreeNow toolkit is available as a digital download only.