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Alyssa Schulz Image Written By: Alyssa Schulz | Edited By: Cara Goldstone | Updated: June 20, 2025

Virginia Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • There are a wide range of scholarships avalible for students who attend a college or university in Virginia, those who are residents of Virginia, or both.
  • Some Virginia scholarships have specific eligibility criteria such as residency in particular counties, while some are available for residence throughout the entire state.
  • Virginia scholarships can be merit-based, which consider academic achievements, need-based, which depends on on an applicants’ financial situation, or both.

As of 2024, the average cost an in-state student will pay to attend a 4-year public college in Virginia is $27,697; many students are unable to afford such high costs, even with federal financial aid on their side. Luckily, Scholarships.com is here to help you find the best Virginia scholarships available. Keep reading for a list of the top scholarships for Virginia students, along with all the information you need to win.

The 25 Best Virginia Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • BPW Virginia Ruff Scholarship for Continuing Education

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

This scholarship honors Virginia Ruff, a member of Bedford BPW for more than 50 years at the time of her death in April 2002 at age 94. A graduate of The College of Mary Washington and The College of William and Mary, Miss Ruff dedicated her life to the education of Bedford children as a teacher at the Villamont and Montvale schools, and as a librarian at Bedford and Liberty High Schools. She

  • 2

  • SEAFWA’s Law Enforcement Chief’s Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2025

Annually, SEAFWA’s Law Enforcement Chief’s Scholarships are awarded to students who advocate for wildlife conservation. There are three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each available to deserving students. This award is intended for students with a passion for the outdoors and an interest in the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources. The scholarship will assist students

  • 3

  • Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program

  • Amount$7,600
  • DeadlineSeptember 1, 2025

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) offers valuable education benefits to the spouses and children of qualifying veterans and service members. These benefits support survivors and dependents whose loved ones have been severely disabled or lost due to military service. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in partnership

  • 4

  • Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program

  • Amount$12,750
  • DeadlineSeptember 15, 2025

The majority of federal and state financial aid programs are decentralized to institutions of higher education. While the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has administrative and financial oversight of state-funded financial aid programs, Virginia's participating institutions: oversee the application process; allocate awards to students; and determine final eligibility for federal,

  • 5

  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Visual Arts Fellowship

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineNovember 7, 2025

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship Program is dedicated to supporting professional artists and art students in Virginia. The program has awarded over $6 million to Virgninian artists since its inception. Scholarship Details There are 5 different categories of Fellowships; apply based on your student status during the fellowship period, not your current student status (if

  • 6

  • Lincoln-Lane Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2025

The Lincoln-Lane Foundation welcomes scholarship applications from any high school or college student who is a resident of the Tidewater area of Virginia and meets the following guidelines: be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; have a GPA of at least a 3.0; demonstrate financial need; and plan on applying to, or be currently attending, a four-year college or university in the

  • 7

  • Hagan Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Scholarship Details Need-based merit scholarship for high-achieving rural

  • 8

  • Kids’ Chance of Virginia Scholarship

  • Amount$7,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

Kids’ Chance of Virginia is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for children of Virginia workers that have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident or occupational disease. Eligible applicants must: be 26 or younger at the time of the application; demonstrate financial need; be a US citizen; and be accepted or planning to attend a college, university, or

  • 9

  • University of Minnesota National Scholarship

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 1, 2026

The University of Minnesota National Scholarship is for residents of any state, excluding Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Incoming freshmen are considered for these scholarships based on an overall assessment of the application for admission. Full consideration for academic scholarships is given to students who submit a complete application for freshman admission by either

  • 10

  • Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 3, 2026

As part of Farm Credit’s centennial celebration, the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is kicking off a new scholarship program. We’ll be awarding 10 scholarships worth $10,000 each to students planning to pursue a career in agriculture. Not sure if you fit the bill? There’s more to agriculture than farming. Check out our video to learn about the bright future that lies ahead

  • 11

  • Built Ford Tough Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 9, 2026

Through the National FFA Foundation, businesses and individuals support scholarships that are awarded to students with a wide variety of higher education plans and career goals. FFA provides scholarships that support all areas of agriculture, either in trade schools, certifications, or college. Scholarships support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Just one application is required

  • 12

  • University of Alabama Out-of-State Merit Scholarships

  • Amount$112,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 10, 2026

The University of Alabama offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the country for qualifying students. As a first-time freshman applicant, you must submit the following to be considered for admission to the university: an application for admission, and an official high school transcript. There is also an optional submission of official ACT or SAT test scores. To maximize

  • 13

  • YouthCon Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 12, 2026

YouthCon’s “Act with Impact” empowers students to create meaningful change through actionable ideas. With a $300 budget, participants are challenged to address community needs, inspire peers, and make a lasting difference. It’s about turning vision into reality and showcasing how small efforts can lead to big, transformative impact. Scholarship Details Open to high school and middle

  • 14

  • State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,561
  • DeadlineJanuary 22, 2026

The guiding principles of the State Fair Scholarship Program are to promote educational programs that incorporate high ethical standards, integrity and consistent educational growth and achievement. This must be used by the applicant's 24th birthday. Criteria may vary by award, but for many of them, applicants must have participated in the State Fair of Virginia competitions. The top 5 applicants

  • 15

  • Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$129,992
  • DeadlineJanuary 22, 2026

Upon completing an application for admission, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides students with their applicant credentials for use with Scholarship Central. Students will have access to this portal before an offer of admission. For maximum scholarship consideration, prospective students must submit the General Scholarship Application by the due date. In addition to the General

  • 16

  • Posse Foundation Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2026

The Posse Scholarship recognizes outstanding high school students with full-tuition scholarships to attend one of Posse’s partner colleges or universities. This program identifies and supports young leaders who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to teamwork and diversity, offering them the resources to thrive in college and beyond. Scholarship Details Full-tuition scholarship to

  • 17

  • BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship - Western VA

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2026

Better Business Bureau Serving Western VA (BBB) promotes integrity and ethics in the marketplace through voluntary business self-regulation. The Annual Student of Integrity Scholarship competition honors high school seniors and homeschooled students from our 32-county service area who personifies ethics through leadership, community service, and actions. Students should have a 3.0 GPA.

  • 18

  • InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2026

InspirASIAN makes a difference in our community by supporting graduating high school seniors with their college education through our scholarship awards. InspirASIAN awards national scholarships to students residing in any state with a participating local InspirASIAN chapter. All students who apply will be considered for the national scholarships awards. Students who are not awarded national

  • 19

  • Roothbert Fund Scholarships

  • Amount$7,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2026

The Roothbert Fund was established by Albert and Toni Roothbert to provide financial assistance to students whose daily actions are guided by spiritual values. Through its scholarship program, the Fund supports both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing education at accredited institutions in the United States. The Roothbert Fund operates as a volunteer organization based in New York City,

  • 20

  • Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

The Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship is dedicated to helping deserving students achieve their dream of a college education. Having awarded 620 scholarships to date, these scholarships have supported students across the United States in prestigious institutions like Auburn, Alabama, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and many more. The Foundation's goal is to empower students to excel in their

  • 21

  • Simon Youth Greg Saunders Legacy Scholarship Program

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 14, 2026

Each year, SYF awards up to $1 million in one-time and renewable Simon Youth Scholarships to high school students in every community that is home to a Simon Mall. Targeting first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need, the Simon Youth Scholarships program furthers the SYF commitment to extending educational opportunities to all students who want to learn,

  • 22

  • John Randolph Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 15, 2026

The John Randolph Foundation is proud to offer a number of scholarships for a variety of academic pursuits to local students residing in Hopewell, Prince George, Enon, Chester, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Charles City and Varina. For a complete list of scholarship programs, please view the "scholarship list." Students wishing to apply should begin by visiting the John

  • 23

  • Anne Moncrief Layman Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 15, 2026

The purpose of the Anne Moncrief Layman Nursing Scholarship is to promote careers in the nursing profession by awarding scholarships to students pursuing a degree as a Registered Nurse and who meets the basic requirements as outlined in the scholarship guidelines. This scholarship is available to residents of Hopewell and the following localities: Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg,

  • 24

  • Bobby Owen Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 15, 2026

The purpose of the Bobby Owen Memorial Scholarship is to promote careers as firefighters, police officers or emergency medical providers by awarding scholarships to students pursuing such careers. The scholarship program is available to students residing in Prince George County, the Enon District of Chesterfield County, or Varina. Student interns working for John Randolph Foundation are eligible

  • 25

  • Preventive Measures Legacy Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 27, 2026

Since 2019, we've awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to more than 70 deserving individuals through our PM Legacy Scholarship and PM Employee Scholarship Programs. Through our Legacy Scholarship, we will award $2000 to up to 45 students this year. Eligibility Resident of or attending college in Pennsylvania, Georgia or Washington D.C. Metro area Entering or enrolled in an

What are Virginia scholarships?

Virginia scholarships are scholarships given to college students who are either from Virginia or who attend school in Virginia. Some of these scholarships are only available for those who meet both requirements, while others only require one.

A great way to find scholarships is to look for ones with eligibility criteria particular to your interests, skills, and other attributes. State-based scholarships, like Virginia scholarships, are a perfect example of how to narrow your search and increase your chances of finding and winning scholarships.

Some Virginia scholarships may require that students major in a specific field or be part of a particular ethnic, racial, or minority group. Oftentimes, Virginia residency is only one of several criteria required for qualification, which is why creating a free account on Scholarships.com is a great way to find scholarships that fit you specifically.

How to apply for Virginia scholarships?

One of the most important when it comes to location-based scholarships is figuring out whether or not you qualify. For example, your eligibility may vary depending on whether you attend a school in Virginia, plan to enroll in a college or university in Virginia, or are a resident of Virginia. Some of these scholarships require you to meet all three qualifications while others only need you to fit one or two. Select scholarships might also be restricted to students from particular counties or regions in Virginia.

Many of these scholarships, especially ones with need-based components, require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not yet filled out the FAFSA, then you might not qualify for a given scholarship.

Submitting the FAFSA does not mean you have to take out federal student loans; it just means that you are sending your financial information to the schools, grants, and scholarships you are applying to so that they can decide what kind of financial aid you are eligible for.

What are the best Virginia scholarships?

The best scholarship for you will vary depending on your personal experiences, qualities, location, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, scholarships that are geared toward a smaller segment of that population, of which you are also a part, will be easier to win as there will likely be fewer applicants.

For example, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Visual Arts Fellowship provides funding to Virginian residents studying art or art history. The scholarship offers 6 scholarships of varying amounts of up to $8,000 to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Other scholarships may only apply to students attending particular institutions. The Virginia Commonwealth University Presidential Scholarship provides scholarships to incoming students attending Virginia Commonwealth University. The estimated total value of this four-year award is approximately $114,356.

As it may be difficult to meet a given scholarship's niche requirements, it is worthwhile to look into scholarships that pull from larger applicant pools as well. For example, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend any private university in Virginia.

Applying to all different types of scholarships you are eligible for, no matter how narrow or broad their qualifications, will increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship and open the door to new opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for online students

When you create a free account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including those for students who are residents of Virginia or attend or plan to attend institutions in Virginia. However, if you prefer to use our scholarship directory, you can search for awards in specific categories without making an account.

Brainstorm unique qualities and experiences you have and try to find awards that suit those characteristics. You can search for scholarships related to your race, ethnicity, or other distinguishing factors. There are also many LGBTQ+ scholarships, need-based scholarships, and minority scholarships that may be fitting.

For example, students of Korean heritage studying in an Eastern region state, including Virginia, can apply for the Korean American Scholarship Foundation’s Eastern Regional Chapter Scholarship. Students can apply regardless of their citizenship status.

Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program which provides full-tuition to students attending a Virginia public two-year or four-year college or university.

Just like other kinds of scholarships, Virginia scholarships may be based on need, merit, or both. If the scholarship you are applying for has a need-based component, you may be required to complete the FAFSA or submit a copy of your tax return to qualify. However, many scholarships are only based on merit or another defining factor.