The Rising Cost of College – and How TGKVF is Bridging the Gap

College Costs Are Rising — Even in West Virginia

For many West Virginia families, the dream of a college education feels increasingly out of reach. While our state remains more affordable than most, the actual cost of higher education, including housing, food, transportation, and technology, continues to climb.

• Average in-state tuition and fees at West Virginia public institutions: $7,418
• Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $14,159

Even as tuition increases moderately, non-tuition costs are multiplying, placing added pressure on students and families.

A Policy Innovation: Free Community College in West Virginia

In 2019, West Virginia became one of the first states in the nation to enact a “free community college” law, known as the WV Invests Grant Program.

This last-dollar-in program covers tuition and mandatory fees for community and technical college students after other federal and state aid is applied.

Key Features of WV Invests:
• Covers certificate and associate degree programs in high-demand fields
• Requires 2 hours of community service each semester
• Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA
• Recipients agree to live and work in West Virginia for two years after graduation
• Students must pass a drug screening to qualify

While WV Invests removes significant barriers, it doesn’t cover expenses such as housing, transportation, or textbooks — costs that often determine whether a student can remain enrolled. That’s where The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation steps in.

TGKVF Scholarships: Empowering Students Across West Virginia

In 2025, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation approved 590 scholarships totaling $1,720,400. For the first time in our history, applications were received from all 55 counties. Each award, which ranged from $1,000 to $12,000, provides more than financial support; it’s an investment in potential, persistence, and hope.

These scholarships help cover critical costs beyond tuition, including:
• Books and course materials
• Lab and program fees
• Living expenses that threaten college completion

“Every scholarship we award represents a bridge — connecting ambition to achievement.”

The Broader Context: Costs and Solutions

Nationwide, the average annual cost of attendance for undergraduates now exceeds $38,000, according to EducationData.org. Even with scholarships and grants, many students rely on loans or part-time jobs to stay enrolled.

“At The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, we believe cost should never be the barrier that keeps a student from realizing their dreams.” — Dr. Michelle Foster

In West Virginia, additional supports — including the Promise Scholarship and the Higher Education Grant Program — are helping families manage costs. The recent doubling of the state’s Higher Education Grant maximum award (from $3,400 to $6,800) is a welcome boost for need-based students.

Still, affordability challenges persist. Many low-income and first-generation students face difficult decisions about whether they can afford to enroll — or remain — in college.

A Shared Commitment to Educational Access

TGKVF’s scholarship program works in conjunction with public investments, such as WV Invests, to make higher education accessible to all West Virginians. But ensuring access requires collective effort. We must continue to:

• Support holistic student success — from mentoring to mental health to career planning
  • Strengthen partnerships with state agencies, colleges, and donors
  • Expand funding to meet the real cost of college attendance
  • Elevate community awareness of available resources

In Closing

TGKVF remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that education, one of the most powerful tools for transformation, remains accessible to every student in our state. Together, we can help make higher education not just a dream, but a reality for every West Virginian.

By the Numbers — TGKVF 2025 Scholarships

Metric | Value
Applications Received | 1,500
Scholarships Approved | 590
Total Dollars Awarded | $1,720,400
Award Range | $1,000 to $12,000
Median Award | $2,000

“To apply for a TGKVF scholarship, visit www.tgkvf.org and explore the different opportunities available. Our team is here to support you throughout the application process, so do not hesitate to contact Katie Ferrell at kferrell@tgkvf.org with any questions.”