Elkins – The COVID-19 global pandemic has seemingly slowed West Virginians in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Davis & Elkins College emphasizes the importance of completing the form that opens the gate for students to receive financial aid for college and reminds state residents that the Highlands Scholar Program is one of the reasons why filing the form is so important.

Any West Virginia high school graduate could qualify for the Highlands Scholar Program at D&E and receive between $60,000 and $80,000 in scholarships over a four-year period.

The substantial opportunities include:
• regional awards for graduates from Randolph, Upshur, Barbour, Pocahontas, Tucker, Pendleton and Webster counties (up to $20,000 per year); or
• statewide awards for graduates from all other West Virginia counties (up to $15,000 per year).

“This is a renowned and recognized scholarship for West Virginia high school graduates and communicates a very clear message that D&E is investing in West Virginia,” said Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood. “Scholarships like the D&E Highlands Scholar Program really put the high-value, liberal arts education offered at D&E within reach. Completing the FAFSA can help set such opportunities into motion.”

D&E statistics show that Highlands Scholars consistently have higher graduation rates with an associate or bachelor’s degree. As of spring 2021, 277 D&E Highland Scholars receive $2.7 million per term or $5.4 million annually in institutional awards.

“Created specifically for West Virginia students to offer strong support for four years of attendance at Davis & Elkins College, the Highlands Scholar opportunity provides substantial financial assistance to West Virginia high school graduates,” Wood said. “As a result, these students are prepared to start successful, meaningful careers thanks to their D&E education. We invest in West Virginia students because we get results.”

A Forbes article published in late 2020 indicated that FAFSA completion was down nearly 16% among high school seniors nationwide. D&E strongly encourages high school seniors to complete the form as soon as possible.
“D&E is encouraging high school seniors not to give up on or delay their dreams and life goals. We help students stay on track to achieve the invaluable experience and life preparation of a college education,” said D&E Director of Financial Aid Matt Summers.

“The simple fact is that you can’t receive financial aid for college if you don’t fill out the FAFSA form,” Summers said. “Even if a student’s college plans are not yet clear or if loss of income is a factor, it’s important to submit the form to keep their options open. Our goal is to maximize financial awards for students and completing the FAFSA form is how that process begins.”

For further information about the Highlands Scholar Program, please visit https://www.dewv.edu/highlandswv/.