Virginia Financial Aid & Scholarships

Discover how Virginia's comprehensive financial aid programs make quality higher education accessible and affordable for all students.

Virginia State Financial Aid Programs

Commonwealth Award

Need-Based Grant Program

Award Details:

  • • Up to $5,000 per year
  • • Based on financial need (FAFSA required)
  • • Renewable for up to 4 years
  • • Available at participating Virginia institutions
  • • Priority deadline: March 1
Helps 30,000+ Virginia Students
Tuition Assistance Grant

Private School Support

Award Details:

  • • Up to $4,000 per year
  • • For students at private Virginia colleges
  • • Need-based assistance
  • • Renewable annually
  • • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Eligible Private Institutions
Virginia Military Survivors

Veterans & Military Families

Benefits Include:

  • • Full tuition waiver at Virginia public institutions
  • • Available to children and spouses
  • • Covers undergraduate and graduate study
  • • Military family support services
  • • Priority registration privileges
Honoring Service Families
Virginia Teaching Scholarship

Future Educators Program

Program Features:

  • • Up to $10,000 per year for teaching candidates
  • • Service commitment in Virginia schools
  • • Focus on high-need subject areas
  • • Supports diversity in education
  • • Loan forgiveness option available
Building Virginia's Future

Federal Financial Aid for Virginia Students

Pell Grant

Federal grant for students with exceptional financial need

Up to $7,395
Maximum Award 2024-25
  • • Does not need to be repaid
  • • Based on Expected Family Contribution
  • • Available for undergraduate study
Work-Study

Part-time employment to help pay education expenses

$15-20/hour
Typical Wage Range
  • • On-campus and off-campus positions
  • • Flexible scheduling around classes
  • • Career-related work experience
Student Loans

Low-interest loans to help cover educational costs

4.99%
Undergraduate Rate 2024-25
  • • Subsidized and unsubsidized options
  • • Flexible repayment plans
  • • Loan forgiveness programs available

Virginia Scholarship Opportunities

Merit-Based Scholarships

University-Specific Programs:

  • • UVA Jefferson Scholars: Full ride + enrichment opportunities
  • • Virginia Tech Stamps Scholars: Full tuition + $12,000 enrichment
  • • JMU Presidential Scholarships: Up to full tuition coverage
  • • VCU Honors College: Merit awards up to $8,000

Statewide Programs:

  • • Virginia Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • • Governor's STEM Scholarship
  • • Virginia Engineering Scholarship
  • • Commonwealth Scholars Program
Specialized Programs

Field-Specific Awards:

  • • Healthcare Professionals: Virginia Nursing Scholarship
  • • Education: Future Teachers Scholarship Program
  • • Agriculture: Virginia Farm Bureau Scholarships
  • • Business: Virginia Chamber Foundation Awards

Community-Based:

  • • Local Community Foundation scholarships
  • • Service organization awards
  • • Corporate sponsored programs
  • • Religious and cultural organization support

Virginia Financial Aid Timeline

October - December
  • Complete FAFSA (October 1 opens)
  • Research scholarship opportunities
  • Gather financial documents
January - March
  • Submit state aid applications
  • Apply for university scholarships
  • Priority deadline: March 1
April - May
  • Receive financial aid awards
  • Compare aid packages
  • Make college decision
June - August
  • Accept financial aid offers
  • Complete loan counseling
  • Prepare for enrollment

Continue Your Virginia College Planning Journey

With funding secured, now learn about the application process

Back: Explore Your Options

Return to explore Virginia colleges and universities

View Universities

Step 3: College Applications

Navigate Virginia university applications and Common App systems

Learn About Applications

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