Top Virginia Scholarships in 2020
When it comes to colleges, Virginia offers some of most impressive the United States has to offer. To start, Virginia is home to some of the most prestigious public institutions, including 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!). In addition to larger world renowned research universities such as Virginia Tech, there are plenty of small liberal arts colleges for those looking for a more intimate experience. No matter what your college preference, Virginia will make a lover out of you!
Top Virginia Scholarships in 2020
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 Colleges & Universities
From the sandy shores of Assateague Island to the mighty Appalachian Mountains, Virginia offers something for everyone. Aside from the collegiate experiences on campus, Virginia is a wonderful place to explore when you have some downtime. It has four distinct seasons, with the western half of the state offering majestic leave peeping opportunities. Spring comes a little earlier than in the Northeast, so really, students get the best of Mother Nature.
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
Other Resources for Students
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.
