Virginia Scholarships

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$1,500
185 Award Winners

¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

The ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program offers 185 $1,500 flight e-passes to undergraduate and graduate students who travel away from home to study.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
February 1, 2024
Application Deadline
April 26, 2024
Closing in 1 Day
$1,500
185 Award Winners
Open
$1,000–$2,000
3 Award Winners

Fourth Circuit Essay Contest

The United States Court Of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit offers the Fourth Circuit Essay Contest to high school students with awards of $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – High School Senior
Application Open Date
February 1, 2024
Application Deadline
May 31, 2024
Open
$1,000–$2,000
3 Award Winners
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship Award

The Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship awards $2,000 to a graduate student studying acting or musical theater. Students who graduated from universities in the SETC region can apply.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,500
1 Award Winner

Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award

The Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship awards $1,500 to a graduate student studying costume design or technology. Applicants must have studied or will study at an SETC region institution.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$1,500
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Robert Porterfield Scholarship Award

The Robert Porterfield Scholarship awards $2,000 to graduate students pursuing a degree in theatre. Applicants should have graduated from an undergraduate program at a university in the SETC region.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship awards $2,000 to one high school senior in the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) region who will pursue studies in theater.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

William E. Wilson Scholarship Award

The William E. Wilson Scholarship awards $5,000 to a secondary school teacher pursuing graduate studies in theatre or speech and theatre. Applicants must be legal residents of any SETC state.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$400
50 Award Winners

Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship

Preparing for college is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming undertaking, especially for students graduating during a pandemic.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – High School Graduate
Application Open Date
April 1, 2023
Application Deadline
May 10, 2023
Closed
$400
50 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000–$5,000
1 Award Winner

SAWF Scholarship Program

The Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship Program provides scholarships between $1,000 and $5,000 to women enrolled or who plan to enroll in a STEM-related field.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – High School Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
May 20, 2023
Closed
$1,000–$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,000–$5,000
25 Award Winners

Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship

The Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship Program offers five $1,000–$5,000 scholarships to undergraduates and postgraduates.

Eligible Grades
College Sophomore – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
May 31, 2023
Closed
$1,000–$5,000
25 Award Winners
Closed
$500
30 Award Winners

Study.com November Scholarships

The Study.com November Scholarships offer 30 students in any field of study from the United States or 25 specific states a $500 scholarship each to pursue their undergraduate studies.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
May 2, 2023
Application Deadline
November 1, 2023
Closed
$500
30 Award Winners
Closed
$6,000
6 Award Winners

VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships – Graduate

The VMFA offers the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships Graduate to graduate students who are professional artists and art and art history students who demonstrate exceptional creative ability in their chosen discipline.

Eligible Grades
Graduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
June 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 3, 2023
Closed
$6,000
6 Award Winners
Closed
$4,000
8 Award Winners

VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships – Undergraduate

The VMFA offers the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships- Undergraduate of $4,000 to high school graduates and undergraduate students enrolled in art-related programs at accredited universities or colleges in Virginia.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
June 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 3, 2023
Closed
$4,000
8 Award Winners
Closed
$3,000
1 Award Winner

ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship

ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship is an annual program to support undergraduate engineering students in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
December 1, 2023
Closed
$3,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner

EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program

Students at HBCUs can apply for up to $5,000 in awards each academic year to pursue programs related to environmental science, clean energy, and climate policy at EESI-accredited institutions.

Eligible Grades
College Sophomore – College Junior
Application Open Date
November 1, 2023
Application Deadline
January 12, 2024
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,750–$10,000
3 Award Winners

Liberty University Academic Scholarship

Liberty University in Virginia offers the Liberty Academic Scholarship of three scholarship awards to undergraduate students enrolled at the university who require financial assistance to complete their education.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – High School Graduate
Application Open Date
September 1, 2023
Application Deadline
January 26, 2024
Closed
$1,750–$10,000
3 Award Winners
Closed
$2,000
28 Award Winners

InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

The InspirASIAN Scholarship Program awards $2,000 to qualifying high school senior and graduate students and undergraduate student in one of 18 states of InspirASIAN Chapter to complete their degrees.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
November 15, 2023
Application Deadline
January 31, 2024
Closed
$2,000
28 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000
25 Award Winners

InspirASIAN Scholarships

InspirASIAN National Scholarships and InspirASIAN State Scholarships are annual programs offering $2,000 and $1,000 to selected high school students for college studies.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
November 1, 2023
Application Deadline
January 31, 2024
Closed
$1,000
25 Award Winners
Closed
$4,000
1 Award Winner

American Electric Power Scholarship

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers the American Electric Power Scholarship to an eligible student enrolled in an ABET-accredited school who demonstrates an interest in power engineering.

Eligible Grades
College Sophomore – College Junior
Application Open Date
December 1, 2023
Application Deadline
February 29, 2024
Closed
$4,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,500
1 Award Winner

Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award

SETC’s Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award provides one student with a $2,500 scholarship to study theater directing at a regionally accredited graduate school in the upcoming academic year.

Eligible Grades
Graduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2024
Application Deadline
April 1, 2024
Closed
$2,500
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,000–$2,000
50 Award Winners

Graybar Construction Trades Scholarship

There are 50 opportunities worth $1,000 in the first year and renewable at $2,000 in the second year.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2024
Application Deadline
April 15, 2024
Closed
$1,000–$2,000
50 Award Winners
Closed
$500–$5,000
48 Award Winners

Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships

The Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship offers need-based scholarships of between $500 and $5,000 to graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in accredited colleges in the U.S.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – College Sophomore
Application Open Date
December 1, 2024
Application Deadline
February 7, 2025
Closed
$500–$5,000
48 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000–$20,000
12 Award Winners

The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship

The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship awards up to $20,000 is awarded to 12 immigrant high school graduates to pursue undergraduate programs of their choice in the U.S.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
April 1, 2025
Closed
$1,000–$20,000
12 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

VMDAEC Educational Foundation Scholarship

The VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Foundation annually offers scholarships of $1,000 to high school seniors and graduates from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware to pursue an undergraduate degree.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
February 1, 2025
Application Deadline
April 1, 2025
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

About Virginia Scholarships

There are a number of options available for students in the state looking to take advantage of grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Virginia’s Department of Education offers many opportunities for students to gain access to funds for college through their Scholarship Opportunity Program. Students can also find help from local organizations such as the College Foundation of Virginia and various nonprofit organizations offering scholarships to Virginia residents. Additionally, many employers in the state offer scholarship programs specifically for their employees and families. With these options available, students in Virginia have access to various sources of financial assistance to help them pursue higher education.

Why study in Virginia

Virginia has a wealth of educational resources, from top-tier universities like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech to more specialized institutions such as Liberty University and George Mason University. As a student, the state itself has a lot to explore, including its vibrant culture and history, ranging from sandy beaches along the eastern shore to the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in the west. Beyond that, Virginia is a great place for young professionals looking to start their careers. With bustling cities like Richmond and Norfolk as well as numerous tech hubs like Reston and Alexandria, there are plenty of job opportunities in almost any field. Virginia also features a low cost of living as compared to other states in the region. This makes it more affordable for people to study and live in Virginia without having to worry about high costs. In addition, Virginia boasts some of the best quality healthcare in the nation, so you can feel confident that you’re getting high-quality care when needed.

Cost of College in Virginia 2023

The average cost of college in Virginia is higher than the national average. Tuition and fees for public four-year colleges across the state was $13,072 for in-state students and $33,855 for out-of-state students during the 2019 school year. The three most affordable schools are Longwood University ($8,500 in-state, $19,800 out-of-state), James Madison University ($10,170 in-state, $25,480 out-of-state), and Radford University ($9,360 in-state, $23,160 out-of-state). The average student loan debt for Virginia graduates is about $33k. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help make college more affordable, so it is important that prospective students explore all their options in order to find the best fit for them. With careful planning and research, college can be an attainable goal in Virginia.

Best colleges in Virginia

When it comes to higher education, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to a variety of excellent colleges and universities. The top schools in Virginia can be found at both public and private institutions across the state. From large research universities like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech to smaller liberal arts colleges such as Sweet Briar College and Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia offers something for everyone.

Virginia’s flagship public university is the University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville. The school has consistently ranked high among colleges and universities in the United States and is known for its world-renowned faculty, top-notch academics, and beautiful campus. Other popular public schools in Virginia include Virginia Tech, James Madison University, George Mason University, and Old Dominion University.

There are also many outstanding private universities in Virginia. Washington & Lee University is a highly selective liberal arts college located in Lexington that offers rigorous academics and excellent student life options. The University of Richmond is another elite private school located in the capital city of Richmond. Other notable private institutions include Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, and the University of Mary Washington.

College education in Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia has made impressive strides in education over the last few decades. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Virginia saw significant improvements in educational attainment between 1999–2015. In that period, the number of adults aged 25 and older with a high school diploma or equivalent increased from 83% to 93%. During that same time, the number of adults aged 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased from 26% to 38%.

According to the NCES, college graduation rates in Virginia have steadily increased over the past few years. In 2017, the overall graduation rate was 64.3%, up from 61.2% in 2016 and 59.6% in 2015. The four-year graduation rate also rose to 57.8%, up from 54.5% in 2016 and 52.8% in 2015. Additionally, the six-year graduation rate climbed to 68%, a significant increase from 65% two years prior and 63% three years prior respectively. This data suggests that more students are successfully completing their college degrees on time or within a reasonable timeframe after enrolling at colleges across Virginia state lines than ever before!

10 best scholarships in Virginia 2023

There are a lot of scholarships available in Virginia – so we gathered 10 of the best value ones – from our list of scholarships that have the easiest application process. These scholarships are open to Virginia students, some are open to students across the U.S., and have minimal application requirements.

ScholarshipAward Amount
Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship$1,000-$20,000
Liberty University Academic Scholarship$1,750- $10,000
VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships- Graduate$6,000
Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship$500-$5,000
SAWF Scholarship Program$5,000
William E. Wilson Scholarship$5,000
EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship$5,000
Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship $1,000-$5,000
American Electric Power Scholarship$4,000
VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships- Undergraduate$4,000

Virginia scholarships for high school seniors 2023

High school seniors in Virginia face a wide range of challenges as they prepare to transition into post-secondary education and the workforce. The cost of college is one significant barrier, particularly for many low-income students. Therefore, many private organizations, government entities, along with post-secondary institutions created a number of scholarship programs in Virginia to support high school seniors in furthering their education and pursuing their dreams. The of up to $20,000 is sponsored by the Esperanza Education Fund, a volunteer-led public charity, dedicated to providing support for immigrant students in the Washington Metropolis Area.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular majors in Virginia?

The most common major in Virginia is business, which includes concentrations such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and international business. Engineering and computer science are also popular choices among college students in the Commonwealth. Other top majors include nursing, psychology/counseling, biology/life sciences, and education. Virginia is also home to many prominent universities, such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Where does Virginia rank in education?

Virginia continues to progress in education. It ranks fourth on a list of education quality. Read our reports on 2022 Most & Least Educated States and States with Best & Worst Public School Systems for more. According to U.S. News & World Report, Virginia was ranked as the third-best state for education overall in 2019, coming behind New Jersey and Massachusetts.