West Virginia University has announced a news scholarship program aimed at reducing the financial burden for some students.

The program – called WVU Pledge Scholarship – will assist Promise scholarship recipients, who are expected to have a family contribution of zero, with their tuition, free, housing and meal plan, a news release from the university said.

“It is imperative that we remove as many barriers as possible to allow our brightest West Virginia students access to higher education,” WVU President Gordon Gee said in the news release. “Ensuring that their basic needs are met allows them to focus on their education and their future.”

The announcement comes after the university said it found that about 25% of its students are eligible for Pell Grants, highlighting a need for financial support.

Gee announced the measure during his spring State of the University address on Monday.

He said a declining college-aged population in West Virginia, as well as rising financial costs and other factors has led to the university facing a $35 million structural budget deficit for fiscal year 2024, according to the news release.

“Keep in mind, the university operates a budget of $1.3 billion. A $35 million deficit equals about 3% of our total budget,” Gee said. “From a short-term financial perspective, the number is manageable.”

Gee also noted that a financial plan is being developed to serve the future growth and stability of the university, the news release said. He said work would move forward quickly but thoughtfully — driven by data with updates shared frequently with students, faculty and staff.