Robert C. Byrd Scholarships

Under this program, the federal government makes funds available to states to award scholarships to exceptionally able students for study at postsecondary schools.

Each state agency must establish guidelines for selecting scholars. Scholarships are awarded to entering freshmen. They can be renewed for an additional three years provided that funds are appropriated and the students maintain eligibility according to their state guidelines.

Initial Student- Minimum Eligibility Guidelines:

A student must:

  • graduate from a public or private secondary (high) school OR a homeschool OR OR receive the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (G.E.D);
  • have applied ot been accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an institution of higher education;
  • be a legal resident of the state to which he/she is applying for a scholarhip
  • be a U.S. citizen or national or provide evidence from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that he/she is a permanent resident of the United States;
  • is not ineligible to  receive assistance as a result of defaulting on a federal student loan or other obligation as provided under 34 CFR75.60, and
  • is registered with the Selective Service (if required) in accordance with the regulations in 34 CFR 668.33

Renewal Requirements

Awards can ve renewed for up to three additional years provided that funds are appropriated and students remain eligible. A student remains eligible for the scholarship as long as he/she continues to:

Byrd scholarships are awarded for not more than 4 years. If the student completes his/her undergraduate program in three years, then the student cannot receive a scholarship for a 4th year of study.

Scholarship Suspension

A scholar who fails to meet any of the eligibility requirements withing the award year will have his/her scholarship suspended by the State Education Agency (SEA) that awarded the funds. The scholar's eligibility remains sustended until he/she is able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the SEA that he/she again meets the requirements. Once the suspension period reaches 12 months, his/her eligibility for the scholarship is terminated.

Byrd Scholarships in Louisiana

Prior to the 1996-97 award year, scholars could receive up to $1,500 annually. For the 1996-97 award year, both first year and continuing scholars received a pro-rated scholarship of $1,121. Awards were $1,110 for the 1997-98 year and were $1,500 for the 1998-99 year. Awards currently average $1,500 a year. Under a provsion of the Omnibus Consolidated Recissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-134), each scholarship must be pro-rated so that the number of new scholarship awards is maintained at the same level as the new scholarships awarded in 1996-97.

Learn more about Senator Robert C.Byrd

Updated December 28, 2009