The purpose of the Virginia Commonwealth Award is to assist undergraduate students with financial need and graduate students to pay part of their college costs. The funds are appropriated directly to each state-supported institution.
Scholarship Details
- Funds are appropriated directly to Virginia public colleges and universities
- Supports Virginia resident undergraduates and graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state)
- Awards are need-based and may not exceed tuition and required fees
- Renewable annually based on funding availability and academic progress
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate students:
- Admitted to a Virginia public two- or four-year college or university
- Enrolled at least half-time in an approved degree, certificate, or diploma program
- Meet Virginia residency requirements or tuition equity provisions
- In compliance with federal Selective Service registration requirements
- Demonstrate financial need as determined by the institution
- Graduate students:
- Enrolled full-time in an approved graduate degree program
- In compliance with federal Selective Service registration requirements
- Meet additional eligibility criteria set by the institution
Application Process
- Complete the FAFSA or VASA application by your institution’s financial aid application deadline
- Contact the financial aid office at your Virginia public college or university to confirm participation in the program
- Follow the institution’s financial aid procedures for consideration
Funds may be used for need-based grants to Virginia resident undergraduates or for grants or assistantships to graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state). The law requires that the awards to undergraduates be proportional to need so that the students with the greatest need receive the largest awards.