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West Virginia has historically ranked among the states with the highest student loan delinquency and default rates in the nation.
According to data released by the U.S. Department of Education, 17.7% of students who entered loan repayment in 2015 had defaulted three years later in West Virginia. (More recently, data from 2025 showed that 34% of student loan borrowers in West Virginia had at least one loan that was either past due or in default.)
Economists in West Virginia and Kentucky say the high default rates reflect the rising costs for college, stagnant wages for many entering the workforce, and budget cuts that target higher education.
Franklin, J., & Boles, S. (2018, October 1). West Virginia and Kentucky College students still struggle to pay back loans - woub public media. Louisville Public Media.
Education is a vital human right and plays a key role in human, social, and economic development. Education reduces poverty, boosts the economy, promotes gender equality, and promotes peace. Education is essential in achieving the 17 Global Goals for sustainable development to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet by 2030. These goals include no poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, and more.
Benefits of education | global partnership for education. Global Partnership for Education. (2026). https://www.globalpartnership.org/benefits-of-education
A study conducted in 2026 by WalletHub shows that West Virginia ranks lowest in percentage of adults holding an Associate's and Bachelor's degree. West Virginia is tied for second to last in adults holding a Graduate degree. Overall, West Virginia ranks as the least educated state and landed in 45th place for quality of education.
“There’s a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation. The most educated states provide high-quality educational experiences from elementary school all the way to graduate programs, which helps parents raise children in an environment that gives them as many opportunities as possible. The top states also provide equitable schooling conditions, with low racial and gender gaps in educational attainment.” - Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Why scholarship central was created
Why scholarship central was created
Scholarship Central grew in a time where I had realized just how difficult the search is. In my first year as a high school counselor, I had done everything possible to post as many scholarships for my seniors as I could find. Unfortunately, it would never come to feel like enough. Thus, Scholarship Central was born.
The entire summer following was spent creating, adjusting, and perfecting what you now see as Scholarship Central. Truly, it’s a work in progress at all times as I continuously find new ideas or new tricks that make the process easier to glide through. With tons of resources, I’ve tried my best to answer any question my students and their guardians have asked me.
As time goes on, my ultimate goal is to provide students here in West Virginia with the best possible opportunity to create their most successful scholarship and college applications. To quote a former student of mine, "Debt-free education is possible!" My hope is that this helps many students, but if it only helps one, then I feel my job was well done.
Kyra Burnett, MA, NCC
High School Counselor
Harrison County, WV
kyra@scholarshipcentral.net
💡 Tip: As the great Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." This website was created for you to take advantage of. Use it, and use it well! Debt free postsecondary education IS possible!💡
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