How to win Virginia scholarships
Winning Virginia scholarships requires students to mix their personal passions with the uniqueness of Virginia as a state. This allows scholarship committee members to select candidates they believe will better the state of Virginia as well as themselves by making the most of the scholarships awarded.
Scholarships360 is here to help you win Virginia scholarships by showing you how to present your best self. Many scholarship applications require you to write an essay about yourself. Therefore, the hard part can be learning how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay. Luckily, we have your back! Also, don’t miss our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay, how to write a 500 word essay and the not to be missed ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships.
Virginia student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Virginia residents owe $42.4 billion total in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe $39,165 each on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 53.4% of these loan borrowers are under the age of 35.
Remember, earning scholarships allows you to take out fewer student loans. Therefore, be sure to apply for as many scholarships as you can! Keep on reading to learn more about top Virginia scholarships as well as merit scholarships offered by Virginia colleges.
Merit scholarships at Virginia colleges and universities
In the list below, you will read about merit scholarship opportunities at some highly ranked colleges and universities in Virginia. Our list focuses mainly on merit scholarships for in-state and out-of-state first-year students. Remember, there are many other opportunities in Virginia, so allow yourself plenty of time for research. Good luck!
College of William and Mary
- Eligibility: Finalists typically rank in the top 1% of their class, score a 1500 and higher on the SAT (Critical Reading plus Math) and take the most demanding curriculum available to them
- Amount: Full cost of attending
- Deadline: January 1
George Mason University
- Eligibility: High school seniors with exemplary records of academic achievement, intellectual vision and creativity, and a commitment to meaningfully contributing to their communities
- Amount: Covers the full cost of tuition over four years
- Deadline: November 1
Hampton University
- Eligibility: Students must have a minimum 3.30 (unweighted) cumulative GPA. A minimum 1030 SAT (EBR & M), or an ACT Composite score of 20 is also required. Students who apply using the Test Optional Policy are NOT eligible for merit based scholarships
- Amount: $5,000 up to $25,000 per academic year
- Deadline: November 15
Hollins University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with a strong academic profile
- Amount: $500 per year up to full tuition
- Deadline: January 1
James Madison University
- Eligibility: Based on demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and community service
- Amount: 75% up to 100% of in-state cost of attending
- Deadline: November 1
University of Richmond
- Eligibility: First year students that are academically outstanding and well-rounded
- Amount: One-third tuition up to full tuition and fees
- Deadline: December 1
University of Virginia
- Eligibility: Outstanding high school seniors. All applicants must be nominated by their school
- Amount: The entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia
- Deadline: December 1
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Eligibility: Recipients are selected based on academic merit; leadership, and community service. Artistic talent (when applicable) also may be considered
- Amount: $8,000 up to full cost of tuition and room and board
- Deadline: November 1
Virginia Military Institute
- Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic and well-balanced high school record including a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities
- Amount: $5,000 up to full cost of tuition and room and board
- Deadline: February 1
Virginia Tech
- Eligibility: Awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, talent, and more
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: January 15
Washington and Lee University
- Eligibility: Incoming students that demonstrate high academic achievement and leadership
- Amount: Full tuition, room and board, and a $7,000 summer stipend
- Deadline: December 1
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition is the price that Virginia residents are required to pay for Virginia universities. In-state tuition costs are often less than half the cost of regular tuition and can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Here are a few well-known Virginia universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
George Mason University
- In-state tuition: $4,897
- Out-of-state tuition: $16,980
James Madison University
- In-state tuition: $13,576
- Out-of-state tuition: $30,790
Virginia Tech
- In-state tuition: $12,104
- Out-of-state tuition: $31,754
How do you get Virginia in-state tuition?
It is clear that being a Virginia resident can save you thousands of dollars in Virginia college tuition. So, how do you qualify for Virginia in-state tuition? In order to establish Virginia residency for in-state tuition purposes you must demonstrate legal residency with an intent to remain in Virginia. This includes living in Virginia for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment in a Virginia institution. Some ways to demonstrate an intent to remain in Virginia are getting a Virginia driver’s license, registering your vehicle in Virginia, and having post-graduation employment in Virginia.
Does Virginia have tuition reciprocity?
Yes, we are happy to share that Virginia does have tuition reciprocity. Virginia is a part of the Academic Common Market (ACM) which is a tuition-savings program that is administered by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The ACM has 15 participating states (including Virginia) which allows students to pay in-state tuition rates at out-of-state public institutions while studying in their home state.
Additional Virginia resources
Grasp
GRASP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable, college-access organization that assists students and families in obtaining funding for post-secondary education. This includes helping them set attainable goals, assisting with financial aid/scholarships applications, and supporting them through their post-secondary journey.
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
Tells you pretty much everything you need to know about education in Virginia. Bookmark this one!
Virginia Education Wizard
Access to all sorts of amazing resources, including scholarships, financial aid, community college application, and job training. Who needs Oz?
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant
Established in 1972, the Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Virginia, excluding religious training or theological education. The grants are renewable, with an average award of $3,400 per year for undergraduates and $1,700 for graduate students.
Frequently asked questions about Virginia scholarships
How can I find Virginia specific scholarships?
Can out-of-state students receive scholarships to attend Virginia colleges and universities?
Can I apply for multiple scholarships in Virginia?
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