Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Top Virginia Scholarships in 2021
Students in Virginia have access to a number of Virginia scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Virginia is home to the University of Virginia and William and Mary, founded in 1819 and 1693, respectively (started in 1693, W&M is the second oldest university in the USA!). The following list includes some great resources that help students find scholarships, apply for financial aid through the FAFSA, and more!
Jump ahead to:
- Top Virginia Scholarships in 2021
- Scholarships at Virginia Colleges & Universities
- Other Resources for Students in Virginia
- Summary of Scholarships at Virginia Colleges & Universities
Keep on reading to learn more about Virginia scholarships, financial aid, and resources to pay for college!
Top Virginia scholarships in 2021
Esperanza Education Fund
- Eligibility: Applicants must be born outside the U.S. or have two parents born outside the U.S. Applicants must be either a graduating senior at a high school in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia or a recent GED grad residing in DC, Maryland or Virginia
- Amount: $5000 to $20,000, depending on financial need
- Deadline: June 1
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship Program
- Eligibility: Citizens or permanent residents of the United States, as well as current legal residents of Virginia (and have been so for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the application)deadline.
- Amount: $8,000
- Deadline: November 6
Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program
- Eligibility: Candidates must have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 and be enrolled full-time or part-time in an approved undergraduate or graduate teacher education program
- Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
- Deadline: Varies
VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Enrolled as a full-time student at one of the five Virginia Space Grant Consortium member institutions (Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, The College of William & Mary, or Hampton University) and have completed at least two years of a STEM undergraduate program
- Amount: Up to $8,500
- Deadline: January 29
Virginia scholarships at colleges & universities
In the list below, you will read about scholarship opportunities at some of the most 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 grade point average. 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 -$25,000 per academic year
- Deadline: November 1
Hollins University
- Eligibility: Strength of students academic profile
- Amount: $24,000 per year to full tuition
- Deadline: January 1
James Madison University
- Eligibility: Based on demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and community service
- Amount: Full value of in-state cost of attending
- Deadline: November 1
University of Richmond
- Eligibility: Academically outstanding and well-rounded students
- Amount: One-third tuition to full tuition, room and board, in addition to other benefits such as study abroad
- Deadline: December 1 for full Richmond Scholars and January 15 for Presidential Scholars
University of Virginia
- Eligibility: Outstanding high school seniors. All applicants must be nominated by their school
- Amount: The award covers the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, plus coverage of supplemental enrichment experiences
- Deadline: December 1
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Eligibility: Recipients are selected based on academic merit; leadership, community service and artistic talent (when applicable) also may be considered
- Amount: Full cost of attending, including room and board
- Deadline: November 1 for full Richmond Scholar and January 1 for one-third Presidential Scholar
Virginia Military Institute
- Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic and well-balanced high school record
- Amount: Institute Scholars are awarded scholarship funds to supplement ROTC scholarships or other forms of financial aid in order to meet the full cost of attendance at VMI
- Deadline: February 1
Virginia Tech
- Eligibility: Awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, talent, and more. Eligible students will automatically be considered for the Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship Initiative. There is no application required other than completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Amount: Renewable, four-year financial packages for tuition, fees, room, and board
- Deadline: January 15
Washington and Lee University
- Eligibility: Academic achievement and demonstrated leadership
- Amount: Full tuition, room and board, and a $7,000 summer stipend
- Deadline: December 1
Resources for students in Virginia
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.
According to their website, “GRASP’s goal is to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity for continuing education after high school, regardless of financial or social circumstances.”
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 and FAFSA, 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.
