Grants

Grants

Grants are financial aid awards that are usually based upon federally- or institutionally-calculated need. These awards need not be repaid and are generally renewed for each year of a student’s enrollment provided no change in need has taken place. Grants may be funded by the federal government, state government, Bethany College, or outside organizations.

Bethany College Grant
Awarded to students who have financial need. Recipients must complete the FAFSA. These awards are reviewed annually and may be adjusted if a student’s need changes.

Federal Pell Grant
A Pell Grant is a need-based award that does not have to be repaid. The grant is determined by the Department of Education based on your financial need, calculated from the information you submitted on the FAFSA and your enrollment status. Award amounts are based upon federal calculations and may change annually. For 2022-2023, Pell Grants ranged $400 to $6,895 per year. FAFSA is required to receive this award.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Generally restricted to Pell Grant recipients matriculated in traditional programs. Awards range from $100 to $4000 by federal definition. SEOG may be awarded for up to four years of full-time study as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress. FAFSA is required to receive this award.

WV Promise
West Virginia residents may receive up to $5000 in annual aid if they attend one of the state’s public or private colleges. The amount of your award depends upon your academic qualifications. Awards are contingent upon annual funding of the program by the West Virginia State Legislature. Students must complete their FAFSA no later than March 1, 2023 to receive this award for the 2023-2024 academic year.

West Virginia Higher Education Grant (WVHEG)
A need-based financial aid program for West Virginia residents. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need.

Pennsylvania (PHEAA – PA State Grant Program)
Please note the following eligibility requirements for PHEAA:

•  To be considered for a PA State Grant, you must fill out the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete the PA State Grant Form BEFORE May 1, 2023.
• You must be a PA resident and not have already earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

Other State Grants
If you are not a resident of West Virginia, your state may allow you to use a portion of your state grant to attend Bethany College. To learn more about these grants, go to your state’s higher education website.

Veteran Benefits

College policy restricts institutional financial aid (scholarships/grants) from paying more than 100% of tuition when combined with certain non-Bethany awards. When VA Benefits cover 100% of your tuition costs, there are certain situations in which your VA Benefits will take precedence over any institutional scholarships or grants for which you might otherwise qualify. Examples of this include:

• Yellow Ribbon eligible students
• Students who are 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill® eligible

Should your status for 100% eligibility change, or you reach your annual tuition cap, you would then be able to utilize your institutional scholarship or grant.

Bethany College has partnered with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Administration to offer the Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship to students with 100% eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The Yellow Ribbon Program at Bethany College will cover 100% of tuition and fees over the Post-9/11 GI Bill® yearly tuition cap (50% funded by Bethany College and 50% funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.)

All students with 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill® eligibility are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, except for Active-Duty students and their spouses, per the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The cap on Yellow Ribbon funds is currently unlimited.

Because the Yellow Ribbon award is a form of Bethany College institutional aid, it cannot be combined with any other Bethany College scholarships or discounts.