Virginia scholarships can make the difference between affording college and taking on crushing debt. The Commonwealth of Virginia invests over $172 million annually in state financial aid. That money reaches more than 37,000 students each year. However, many Virginia families miss out simply because they do not know what is available.
This guide covers every major state-funded program, top institutional awards, and proven strategies to maximize your aid. Whether you are heading to a four-year university or a community college, virginia scholarships exist for nearly every situation. In-state tuition in Virginia runs about 24 percent above the national average. As a result, finding scholarships is not optional — it is essential for most families.
Virginia State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
Virginia funds two dominant need-based programs that distribute the vast majority of state aid. The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) covers up to full in-state tuition plus a book allowance. The average VGAP award is approximately $5,964 per year. You must be a Virginia high school graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA. You must also demonstrate financial need and enroll full-time at a Virginia public college.
The Virginia Commonwealth Award serves students who may not qualify for VGAP. It provides up to $9,000 per academic year based on need. The average award is roughly $3,679. Together, VGAP and the Commonwealth Award account for over 95 percent of all virginia scholarships funded by the state. You cannot receive both at the same time.
The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is unique because it requires no financial need. VTAG pays $5,250 per year to Virginia residents attending eligible private nonprofit colleges. Students at Virginia private HBCUs can receive an additional $7,500 supplement. For example, that means up to $12,750 annually at qualifying HBCUs. The VTAG deadline is September 15 each year.
Top Virginia Scholarships Programs
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) | Up to full tuition + books (avg. $5,964/yr) | March 1 (FAFSA priority) | VA high school grad, 2.5+ GPA, financial need, public college |
| Virginia Commonwealth Award | Up to $9,000/yr (avg. $3,679) | March 1 (FAFSA priority) | VA resident, half-time enrollment, financial need |
| Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) | $5,250/yr undergrad ($12,750 at HBCUs) | September 15 | VA resident, full-time at VA private nonprofit college |
| Two-Year College Transfer Grant | $1,000–$3,000/yr | March 1 (FAFSA priority) | VA community college grad, 3.0+ GPA, transfer to 4-year |
| G3 Program (tuition-free community college) | Full remaining tuition and fees | Rolling (FAFSA required) | Household income under 400% FPL, high-demand field |
| VA Military Survivors & Dependents (VMSDEP) | Full tuition waiver + stipend | 60 days before tuition due | Dependent of disabled/deceased VA military member |
| VA National Guard Tuition Assistance (STAP) | Up to $4,500/semester | Varies by semester | Active VA National Guard member, 2+ years remaining |
| Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship | Up to $10,000/yr | Varies | Descendants of those denied education 1954–1964 |
| Jefferson Scholarship (UVA) | Full cost of attendance (4 years) | Nomination-based | Exceptional academic and leadership record |
| 1693 Scholars Program (William & Mary) | Full ride (4 years) | January (with admission) | Top academic achievement, nomination required |
The Two-Year College Transfer Grant rewards community college graduates who move to four-year schools. You can earn $1,000 base, plus $1,000 more for STEM, nursing, or teaching majors. An extra $1,000 applies if you transfer to ODU, VCU, Radford, NSU, UVA-Wise, or VSU. That means up to $3,000 per year for qualifying students.
The G3 Program makes community college essentially tuition-free. It covers remaining tuition after other grants for students in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, education, and public safety. Typically, households earning under roughly $124,800 for a family of four qualify. This is one of the most valuable virginia scholarships for career-focused students.
Cost of College in Virginia
Virginia’s in-state tuition runs higher than the national average. The average across Virginia public four-year universities is approximately $14,846 in tuition and fees. The national average for public four-year schools is about $11,950. That puts Virginia roughly $2,900 above the national figure. Including room and board, the total averages $29,538 per year at Virginia public universities.
Costs vary dramatically by institution. The University of Virginia charges about $23,897 in tuition and fees. William & Mary is similar at roughly $25,041. However, Old Dominion University comes in around $13,320, and James Madison University is about $14,300. Virginia Tech sits at approximately $16,526. George Mason University held tuition flat for 2025-26 at around $14,316.
Virginia community colleges offer a far more affordable path. In-state tuition at Virginia Community College System (VCCS) schools runs about $168 per credit hour. A full-time student pays roughly $5,049 per year. That is less than half the cost of most four-year options. In most cases, starting at community college and transferring saves thousands. Students renting near campus should also compare renters insurance at Home Insure Guide to protect their belongings affordably.
Virginia FAFSA Tips and State Deadlines
Filing the FAFSA early is the single most important step for virginia scholarships. The Virginia state priority deadline is March 1. Filing after this date limits both the types and amounts of aid available. VGAP and Commonwealth Award funds are distributed on a first-come basis. Late filers often receive significantly less money.
Individual schools may have earlier deadlines. For example, VCU sets a February 1 priority date. Virginia Tech and most other public schools align with the March 1 state deadline. You should check each school’s financial aid office for specific dates. Typically, filing the FAFSA in October or November gives you the best chance at maximum aid.
One important note: VTAG does not require the FAFSA at all. It has its own application with a September 15 deadline. Students attending private colleges should apply for both VTAG and FAFSA-based virginia scholarships separately. Missing either deadline means leaving money on the table.
Best Virginia Universities for Financial Aid
The University of Virginia runs the AccessUVA program, which meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need. UVA also awards the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship. It covers the full cost of attendance for four years. About 52 students receive this award annually. For high-achieving, low-income students, UVA is one of the best values among virginia scholarships at the institutional level.
Virginia Tech launched its Presidential Scholarship Initiative (PSI). This need-based program covers tuition and fees for high-achieving Virginia residents from low-income backgrounds. William & Mary offers the 1693 Scholars Program, a full-ride merit scholarship. The James Monroe Scholars program at William & Mary provides academic enrichment funding to top students.
George Mason University offers competitive merit scholarships through the admissions process. VCU provides strong need-based aid packages. Old Dominion and Radford are among the most affordable options to start with, making them excellent choices when combined with state virginia scholarships. Students looking for extra cash to cover textbooks or living expenses can also check out bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily.
How to Maximize Virginia Scholarships
Start by filing the FAFSA as early as possible — ideally in October. Hit the March 1 Virginia priority deadline without exception. Apply for VTAG separately if you attend a private college. Then search for virginia scholarships at the institutional and departmental level. Many university departments offer awards that go unclaimed each year simply because nobody applies.
Consider the community college transfer path. Earn an associate degree with a 3.0 GPA, then transfer to a four-year school. You will qualify for the Two-Year College Transfer Grant and save thousands on your first two years. If you are studying healthcare, IT, or skilled trades, the G3 Program can make community college completely free. As a result, you could finish a bachelor’s degree with minimal debt.
Do not overlook lesser-known virginia scholarships like the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship or the VA National Guard Tuition Assistance Program. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) maintains a complete list of state programs. Check it every year because new programs and funding levels change. In most cases, combining state grants with institutional aid and federal Pell Grants can cover the majority of your college costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest virginia scholarship to get?
The Virginia Commonwealth Award is the most accessible need-based option. It requires no separate application — just file the FAFSA by March 1. However, you must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least half-time at a Virginia public school.
Can I get virginia scholarships if I attend a private college?
Yes. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant pays $5,250 per year at eligible private nonprofit colleges. Students at Virginia private HBCUs can receive up to $12,750 annually. Typically, you apply directly through the VTAG application by September 15.
Do virginia scholarships cover community college?
Yes. The G3 Program can make community college tuition-free for students in high-demand fields. VGAP and the Commonwealth Award also apply at two-year public colleges. As a result, many students pay little or nothing out of pocket for an associate degree.
Explore More Scholarship Resources
Looking for more scholarships, financial aid guides, and strategies to pay for college? Browse our complete library of scholarship resources.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on scholarships, financial aid, and federal student programs:
- Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: ed.gov
- College Board: collegeboard.org
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators): nasfaa.org
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics): nces.ed.gov
- IRS Education Credits: irs.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.