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, housing and meal plan. A news release from the university said a declining college-aged population in West Virginia, as well as rising financial costs and other factors have the university facing a $35 million structural budget deficit for fiscal year 2024. The university operates a budget of $1.3 billion so a $35 million deficit equals about 3% of the total budget, according to President Gordon Gee. A financial plan is being developed to serve the future growth and stability of the university.