Top 8 Virginia Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Virginia Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

How to Get a Grant for College in Virginia?

Virginia offers several strong grant programs aimed at helping residents reduce college costs, and many students qualify simply by completing the right steps early. The process begins with filing the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for both federal and state aid. Virginia also provides state-specific grants for students attending public or private institutions, with programs designed for traditional students, adult learners, and individuals pursuing high-demand fields. Because eligibility requirements vary based on residency, financial need, and academic program, students should review available programs carefully and consult financial aid offices or state resources for guidance. Applying as early as possible ensures the best chance of receiving maximum funding.

• Complete the FAFSA — required for most state and federal grants.
• Apply for state-specific grants such as the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) and the Commonwealth Grant.
• Check eligibility for residency, financial need, and enrollment requirements.
• Contact SCHEV or your college’s financial aid office for additional support.

What Is the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant is one of the state’s most significant financial aid programs for students attending private colleges and universities in Virginia. This grant is not based on financial need; instead, it is awarded to eligible Virginia residents who enroll full-time in qualifying undergraduate or graduate programs at approved private institutions. VTAG provides substantial annual tuition support and helps make private higher education more affordable for thousands of Virginia students each year. Because funding is limited, students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the July 31 deadline.

• Must be a Virginia resident.
• Must enroll full-time in an eligible private college or university.
• Provides up to $5,000 annually for undergraduate students and up to $2,500 for graduate students.
• Annual application deadline: July 31.

What Is the Virginia Commonwealth Grant?

The Commonwealth Grant is a need-based aid program that helps Virginia residents attending public colleges and universities reduce tuition costs. Award amounts vary depending on financial need and available state funding. The grant is designed to support students from low- and middle-income families and can be combined with federal aid to further reduce educational expenses. Eligibility requires Virginia residency, full-time enrollment at a participating institution, and demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA results. This grant is a key component of financial aid for many students attending public schools in Virginia.

• Must be a Virginia resident.
• Requires full-time enrollment at an eligible public college or university.
• Based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
• Award amounts vary depending on funding and student need.

Does Virginia Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Virginia offers several highly competitive full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and in some cases housing, books, and enrichment opportunities. These prestigious awards recognize exceptional academic achievement, leadership ability, and service to the community. The Jefferson Scholarship at the University of Virginia is one of the most notable merit-based full-ride programs in the nation, while institutions such as Virginia Tech and William & Mary also offer honors scholarships that may provide full or significant tuition coverage. Though competitive, these scholarships create valuable pathways for top-performing students to attend Virginia’s leading institutions with minimal cost.

• Jefferson Scholarship — full-ride merit award at the University of Virginia.
• Honors scholarships at major public universities such as Virginia Tech and William & Mary.
• Awards typically consider leadership, academics, and extracurricular excellence.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Virginia?

High school seniors in Virginia have access to a wide range of scholarships offered by state programs, local organizations, foundations, and individual institutions. Many awards recognize strong academics, athletic achievement, leadership, community service, or financial need. For example, the Virginia High School League Scholarships provide support for student-athletes and student leaders participating in high school activities, while nationally recognized programs like the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship offer substantial award amounts to high-achieving students with financial need. Additional opportunities such as the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program support families with military connections.

• Virginia High School League Scholarships — for student-athletes and leaders.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship — national program headquartered in Virginia.
• Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program — tuition waivers for military families.
• Local high school and community-based scholarships across the state.

Scholarships in Virginia for Adults

Adult learners returning to school in Virginia can access several scholarship and grant programs specifically designed to support re-training and workforce development. These programs help adults pursue high-demand careers, complete short-term training, or earn certificates and degrees. The Re-Employing Virginians Grant assists individuals pursuing fields such as healthcare, IT, public safety, and skilled trades. Similarly, the Virginia Community College FastForward Program offers significant tuition reductions for short-term job training programs that align with workforce needs. These initiatives provide strong pathways for adults seeking career advancement or transitioning into new fields.

• Re-Employing Virginians (REV) Grant — supports adults entering high-demand fields.
• FastForward Program — reduces tuition for career-focused training programs.
• Additional grants and workforce programs available through community colleges.

University of Virginia Scholarships

The University of Virginia offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships designed to support academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The Jefferson Scholarship remains one of the most prestigious and competitive awards at UVA, providing full financial support along with enrichment and leadership opportunities. UVA also offers AccessUVA, a comprehensive need-based aid program that meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for qualifying students. These programs help ensure access to UVA for students from diverse financial backgrounds.

• Jefferson Scholarship — full-ride merit scholarship for outstanding students.
• AccessUVA — meets full demonstrated financial need.
• Departmental and program-specific scholarships available across academic fields.

Virginia Tech Scholarships

Virginia Tech provides a broad range of scholarships for incoming and current students, including both need-based and merit-based awards. The Presidential Scholarship Initiative supports high-achieving, low-income Virginia residents by covering tuition and fees, and often includes additional benefits such as mentorship and academic support. Merit scholarships are also available to recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Students can explore the Virginia Tech Scholarship Portal to find awards that match their academic profile or major.

• Presidential Scholarship Initiative — need-based scholarship covering tuition and fees.
• General merit-based scholarships — available to in-state and out-of-state students.
• Departmental awards — tied to specific majors or academic accomplishments.

William & Mary Scholarships

William & Mary offers several prestigious scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership promise, and community engagement. The 1693 Scholars Program is one of the college’s highest honors, providing a full-ride scholarship along with research and enrichment funding. The James Monroe Scholars Program recognizes exceptional academic achievement and offers access to special academic opportunities, including funding for independent research or study abroad experiences. These programs reflect the university’s commitment to attracting and supporting top-performing students.

• 1693 Scholars Program — full-ride scholarship with enrichment benefits.
• James Monroe Scholars Program — merit-based award with academic enrichment funding.
• Additional departmental and merit scholarships available through the university.

Virginia Grants for College

Virginia offers several grant programs designed to support residents pursuing higher education. These grants help reduce tuition costs at public and private institutions and provide financial support based on need, residency, and academic merit. Programs like VTAG and the Commonwealth Grant serve as essential financial resources for thousands of students each year, while the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) supports academically strong students with financial need. These grants ensure that students from all backgrounds have opportunities to pursue degrees and training programs across the state.

• Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) — for residents attending private institutions.
• Commonwealth Grant — need-based aid for students at public institutions.
• Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) — need- and merit-based aid for eligible residents.

How to Apply for Virginia Scholarships and Grants

Applying for scholarships and grants in Virginia generally begins with completing the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for most federal and state aid programs. Students should also explore state-based opportunities like VTAG, VGAP, and the Commonwealth Grant, many of which require early applications or additional forms. In addition, contacting the financial aid office at your chosen college is essential for discovering institutional scholarships and campus-based grant programs. Applying early, staying organized, and meeting all deadlines will maximize your financial aid opportunities and increase the likelihood of receiving substantial support.

• Complete the FAFSA as the first step for most aid programs.
• Review and apply for state programs including VTAG, VGAP, and the Commonwealth Grant.
• Contact your college’s financial aid office for institutional opportunities.
• Apply early and monitor deadlines to maximize funding.