The following financial aid programs are available to students who demonstrate financial need and in some cases meet other criteria.

·         Federal Pell Grant (up to $5,350, students attending summer session may receive additional payment) – awarded to undergraduates who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and who have exceptional financial need. Undergraduates taking 3 or more credits may receive Federal Pell Grant.  Beginning July 1, 2009, the maximum life-time number of semesters or equivalent the student may receive Federal Pell Grant is 18 semesters.

·         Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) (up to $4,000 a year) – awarded to Federal Pell Grant eligible undergraduates pursing their first bachelor’s degree. Federal SEOG is available to undergraduates who take 3 or more credits. Students with exceptional financial need, typically equated with a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as indicated on the student’s Student Aid Report (SAR) are considered first.  Because Federal SEOG funding is limited, priority is given to applicants meeting the March 1 FAFSA filing deadline.

·         Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) ($750 for freshman year; $1,300 for sophomore year) – Federal Pell Grant eligible students who have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study, completed secondary school after January 1, 2006, and are Federal Pell Grant eligible. ACG is available only for the freshmen and sophomore years of study. To receive ACG for the sophomore year, the student must continue to be eligible for Federal Pell Grant and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at the end of the freshmen year. Students must be at least half time to qualify for ACG; award amounts are pro-rated if the student attends 1/2-time or 3/4-time.

·         Federal National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) ($4,000 per year for the junior and senior year) – awarded to Federal Pell Grant eligible students who are majoring in SMART eligible academic programs (physical, life, or computer sciences; mathematics; technology; engineering; or, a foreign language deemed critical to national security). Students must enroll at least half time and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) to receive SMART.  Additionally, students must be enrolled in at least one course required for the eligible major; award amounts are pro-rated if the student attends 1/2-time or 3/4-time.

·         WV Higher Education Grant ($1,300 to $3,300 per year) – Recipients must be U.S. citizens, WV residents (student and parents) for 12 months immediately preceding March 1 prior to the academic year. Student receiving WV Higher Education Grant must demonstrate financial need, enroll full time and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA). The maximum number of semesters or equivalent the student may receive WV Higher Education Grant is 8 semesters (or 4 years). The deadline to apply for WV Higher Education Grant is March 1 prior to the academic year the student plans to attend.

·         WV Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant (up to actual tuition & fee charge) – awarded to part-time WV residents (resident for a minimum of 12 months) who demonstrate financial need and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Funding for this program is limited; therefore, all part-time WV students who qualify will be considered to the extent of funding availability.

Loan Programs

Many students must rely on educational loans to cover at least some portion of their educational costs. Educational loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students as well as parents of undergraduate students.

When you file the FAFSA, the Office of Student Financial Assistance automatically considers your eligibility for the Federal Perkins Loan and Federal Direct Loan. However, for other loan programs, you will have to take additional steps or meet certain criteria for consideration.

Student loan borrowing is in investment in your future. When deciding to borrow, it is very important that you obtain the best possible loans available to you in terms of interest rates and repayment options. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will always offer you the best educational loans available and your maximum student loan eligibility. However, you should only consider borrowing only an amount that you absolutely need to keep your loan indebtedness as low as possible. Remember that you have to repay these funds at a later time and will want to have a modest loan repayment amount when that time comes.

Below is information on various loan programs available to Marshall University students:

• Federal Perkins Loan
• Federal Direct Loan
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan
• Private Alternative Loans

Federal Work-study

Federal Work-study is a program that provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating financial need. Most Federal Work-study positions are available on campus. However, there are several opportunities for students to work off campus performing community service work.

The amount of your Federal Work-study offer as indicated in your Financial Aid Package is the maximum you are allowed to earn. You will be paid directly for Federal Work-study earnings in the form of a paycheck. Federal Work-study awards are not credited to your student account.

Federal Work-study earnings are excluded from income on your subsequent year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so it doesn’t affect your eligibility for financial aid in the future.

Medical School Financial Aid Programs

The Office of Student Financial Assistance is committed to providing you with every opportunity to obtain funding to support your educational costs. One of our goals is to assist you in planning for and meeting your educational expenses. We know that very often the cost of medical school must be offset by some form of financial assistance. Medical school students need guidance on financing options. There are many procedures that must be followed to obtain assistance. Also, you should receive informative information about the costs associated with attending the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. To provide you this information and guidance, the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Student Financial Assistance Guidebook has been prepared for you. We encourage you to download and print the guidebook for your information and reference.

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Student Financial Assistance Guidebook (2009-10)

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Student Financial Assistance Guidebook (2008-09)

Veteran Educational Benefits

For efficient handling of student’s VA records, inquiries and other VA related questions including VA Educational Benefits, please contact VA Coordinator,

Corwlyn Payne
in the Registrar Office at
304-696-2294.