Virginia Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Virginia Scholarships & Grants

Virginia offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Virginia more affordable.

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) supports private colleges; also see Commonwealth Award.

How to Get a Grant for College in Virginia?

To secure a college grant in Virginia, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most state and federal grants.
• Apply for State-Specific Grants: Virginia offers grants such as the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) and the Commonwealth Grant.
• Check Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet residency, financial need, and enrollment criteria for specific grants.

Contact the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) or your college’s financial aid office for more guidance.

What Is the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) provides financial aid to Virginia residents attending private colleges and universities in the state. Key details include:

• Must be a Virginia resident.
• Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an eligible private institution.
• Provides up to $5,000 annually for undergraduate students and up to $2,500 for graduate students.

Applications are due by July 31 each year.

What Is the Virginia Commonwealth Grant?

The Commonwealth Grant is a need-based program for Virginia residents attending eligible public colleges or universities. Eligibility includes:

• Virginia residency.
• Full-time enrollment in an eligible institution.
• Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA results.

Award amounts vary depending on financial need and available funding.

Does Virginia Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, Virginia offers several full-ride scholarships. These include:

• Jefferson Scholarship: A merit-based full-ride scholarship at the University of Virginia for exceptional students.
• In-state Honors Programs: Many public universities, like Virginia Tech and William & Mary, offer honors scholarships that cover tuition and other expenses.

These scholarships are highly competitive and require strong academic and leadership credentials.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Virginia?

High school seniors in Virginia can apply for:

• Virginia High School League Scholarships: Awards for student-athletes and leaders participating in high school athletics and activities.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship: A national program for high-achieving, low-income students, headquartered in Virginia.
• Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program: Provides tuition waivers for dependents of military personnel.

Many local organizations and schools also offer scholarships for graduating seniors.

Scholarships in Virginia for Adults

Adults returning to college in Virginia can explore:

• Re-Employing Virginians (REV) Grant: Provides funding for adults pursuing high-demand career training.
• Virginia Community College FastForward Program: Covers two-thirds of tuition for short-term training programs in high-demand fields.

These programs aim to support non-traditional students and workforce development.

University of Virginia Scholarships

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a variety of scholarships, including:

• Jefferson Scholarship: A prestigious full-ride scholarship based on leadership, academics, and service.
• AccessUVA: A need-based financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Visit UVA’s financial aid office or website for detailed eligibility and application requirements.

Virginia Tech Scholarships

Virginia Tech provides several scholarships, including:

• Presidential Scholarship Initiative (PSI): A need-based scholarship covering tuition and fees for high-achieving, low-income Virginia residents.
• Virginia Tech General Scholarship: Merit-based awards for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Students are encouraged to use the Virginia Tech Scholarship Portal to explore opportunities.

William & Mary Scholarships

The College of William & Mary offers scholarships such as:

• 1693 Scholars Program: A full-ride scholarship for exceptional students.
• James Monroe Scholars Program: A merit-based program offering academic enrichment funding.

These scholarships reward academic excellence and leadership potential.

Virginia Grants for College

Virginia provides several grants to help students afford college, including:

• Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG): For Virginia residents attending private institutions.
• Commonwealth Grant: Need-based aid for students at public institutions.
• Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP): A need- and merit-based grant for in-state residents.

These grants ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent students from pursuing higher education.

How to Apply for Virginia Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Virginia:

• Complete the FAFSA: This is the first step for most state and federal aid programs.
• Explore State Programs: Research options like the VTAG, Commonwealth Grant, and VGAP.
• Contact Your College: Reach out to your school’s financial aid office for additional institutional scholarships and grants.

Apply early and meet all deadlines to maximize your financial aid opportunities.