Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 135-8-4 - Student Eligibility4.1. To be eligible for a West Virginia Invests Grant Program award, an applicant must: 4.1.1. Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States who meets the residency requirements for Federal Student Aid to receive Title IV funds;4.1.2. Have been a resident of West Virginia for at least one year immediately preceding the date of application for a grant or renewal of a grant; 4.1.2.a. For dependent students, the legal residence of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) shall be prima facie evidence of the student's legal residence. 4.1.2.b. Students may provide documentation that is approved by the Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board to determine a student's eligibility as a resident of West Virginia.4.1.3. Have earned a high school diploma or passed a state approved high school equivalency exam;4.1.4. Have not been previously awarded a post-secondary degree; or reached ninety attempted credit hours;4.1.5. Be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester in an eligible post-secondary program, as defined by West Virginia Code § 18C-9-3 at an eligible institution; 4.1.5.a. Recipients enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program can continue to receive West Virginia Invests Grant Program funds if during the recipient's program of study, the post-secondary program is no longer considered an eligible post-secondary program, as long as the student maintains all other eligibility criteria and maintains continuous enrollment.4.1.6. Submit both a completed FAFSA and any application form required by the Council by the deadline established by the Council; 4.1.6.a. Must complete verification if selected on the FAFSA by the U.S. Department of Education or the institution.4.1.7. Have, prior to the start of each academic year or prior to the initial period for which the student is enrolled if that period for which the student is enrolled is not the beginning of the academic year and in which funds are received, taken an approved drug test that is verified by the Senior Director of Financial Aid, or his/her designee: provided, that the applicant shall be responsible for the actual cost of the drug test; 4.1.7.a. The Council shall approve the drug screening policy and requirements necessary to receive West Virginia Invests Grant Program funds.4.1.8. Not be in default on a federal student loan;4.1.9. For initial awards, an applicant must be accepted for enrollment by the institution and meet the institution's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Eligibility for the West Virginia Invests Grant Program does not guarantee admission to an eligible institution or eligible post-secondary program.