The Virginia Commonwealth Award Program provides undergraduate and graduate students at state-supported colleges and universities with financial assistance to pay college costs.
Virginia law requires that awards be proportional to need, so that students who show the greatest financial need will receive the largest awards. To be eligible, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university for at least half-time study leading to a degree, certificate or diploma. Students must be legal United States citizens and residents of Virginia. Graduate students must be enrolled full-time.
The value of the awards varies by institution, but cannot exceed the tuition and required fees of the college or university. The awards can be renewed each year as long as the student maintains academic achievement and continues to meet all eligibility requirements.
The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) provides help to financially needy students so that they can pursue higher education in the state.
To be eligible for the VGAP, students must graduate from a Virginia high school or approved home schooling program; GED recipients are not qualified for this program. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher, a SAT score of at least 900 or an ACT score of at least 19. Students must be admitted to a public two- or four-year college or university for full-time study. Applicants must be legal citizens of the United States and Virginia, and demonstrate financial need.
Awards will vary by institution; the neediest students will receive at least the cost of tuition. The highest award covers tuition, fees and books.
Awards can be renewed for up to three years so long as students maintain academic achievement and eligibility requirements.
While the other grants provide funding for students attending public institutions, the Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) assists student attending private, non-profit colleges and universities.
Applicants must be residents of Virginia enrolled as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student, pursuing a degree that does not involve religious training or theological education.
The value of the awards varies depending on funding and the number of eligible students. Awards are automatically renewed each year as long as the student continues to meet eligibility.