How to Complete Your FAFSA and Financial Aid Steps:
Step 1: Create Your FSA ID
- Go to www.studentaid.gov
- Create your FSA ID (username and password)
- Note: This can take 3–5 business days to be verified by Social Security
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
- Visit www.studentaid.gov
- Complete the current year’s FAFSA
- Enter BridgeValley’s school code: 040386
- Have your tax information from two years prior available
Step 3: Apply for WV Invests
- Go to www.cfwv.com
- Apply for the current year’s WV Invests Grant
- Note: WV Invests helps cover tuition and some fees not paid by federal aid
Step 4: After You Submit
- Processing takes time. Please be patient.
- FAFSA and WV Invests can take 8–10 business days to be sent to BridgeValley
Step 5: Watch for Updates
- You will be notified through:
- MyBridge Student Portal, or
- Your BridgeValley student email
- Log in to Student SSB to check for outstanding requirements
Step 6: Meet with Financial Aid (If Needed)
- Go to the Financial Aid page
- Select Book an Appointment
Step 7: Complete All Requirements
- Check your Student SSB and student email frequently
- Complete any requested documents to avoid delays
Step 8: Financial Aid Disbursement
- Refunds are issued every Wednesday after the semester begins
- Funds are released once all requirements are met for the term
More Information about Filing the FAFSA:
Every year students must complete a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the United States Department of Education. The FAFSA is an application for the following federal aid programs:
- Pell
- SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
- State Grants (HEAPS Part-Time, WV Invests)
- Federal Work Study
- Subsidized Student Loan
- Unsubsidized Student Loan
- Parent PLUS Loan
FAFSA Filing
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 at www.studentaid.gov. The student and one parent (if dependent) must create an FSA ID to complete the application and access federal aid systems.
BridgeValley’s school code is 040386. The recommended filing deadline is March 1. The FAFSA uses prior-prior year tax information.
After submitting, review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy and make corrections if needed.
- 2025–2026 FAFSA: For Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
- 2026–2027 FAFSA: For Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027
Use school code 040386 for all terms.
Filing Assistance
Click here for videos and infographics on filing the FAFSA.
If you need assistance completing the application, you can obtain information from the hotline at the Federal Student Aid Programs (1-800-4FED-AID), or attend one of our FAFSA workshops and we will be happy to assist you.
Financial Aid Offers
Financial aid is awarded after all admissions and aid requirements are completed. Students are notified via their college email, which is the primary method of communication.
Loan processing deadlines: October 25 (fall) and March 25 (spring).
Aid offers are based on full-time enrollment. Pell Grant amounts will be prorated if you enroll less than full time.
| Semester Hours | Pell Percentage of Full Time Amount |
| 11 | 92% |
| 10 | 83% |
| 9 | 75% |
| 8 | 67% |
| 7 | 58% |
| 6 | 50% |
| 5 | 42% |
| 4 | 33% |
| 3 | 25% |
| 2 | 17% |
| 1 | 8% |
All offers are initially made for fall and spring only. Summer offers will be made once you enroll for the summer term. If your annual eligibility has been exhausted prior to the summer semester, we will contact you via email.