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
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.