Virginia Scholarships

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. It is ranked at #10 in Education overall by the U.S. News and
#20 in Higher Education. It has a population of around 8.6 million and houses more than 540,000 higher education students.

As a student, the state 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. Moreover, the state has a moderate cost of living that is similar to the national average – in fact, slightly lower. This further helps students to afford living here more conveniently as compared to other states.

The in-state tuition in Virginia, however, is more expensive than the national average. Due to the higher-than-average tuition costs, the student loan debt here is also in the top 10 with the average borrower debt equalling around $38,900. These loans have to be repaid by the students after graduation which creates a long-term liability. Therefore, it is important to exhaust all other financial aid resources like Virginia scholarships and grants before deciding to take out loans.

Scholarships are a great way to pay for college and they do not require any sort of repayments. There are different types of scholarships for different students and of varying amounts. Some scholarships are based on merit, some on financial need, and some on athletic or other types of talent. Students can use these scholarships to pay a significant amount of their tuition. We have listed more than 20 Virginia scholarships for students to consider. There is also a guide on how to apply for them and a few tips to increase your chances of winning.

Virginia has approximately 163 tertiary schools actively operating in the state, including 44 public and 119 private institutions. Students can also choose from 40 community colleges and around 35 trade school options available. The top three education institutions in Virginia include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech University, and William & Mary College.

The University of Virginia is ranked at #24 by the U.S. News on the list of the top national universities in the U.S. It is a public university with around 17,496 undergraduate enrolments. It is a hard college to get into as the acceptance rate is only 19%. Moreover, eventhough it is a public institution, it charges a high in-state tuition and fees comparatively, which is around $22,323. Out-of-state students have to pay around $58,950 for tuition and fees. Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Social Sciences, and Engineering majors are some of the more popular ones here.

Virginia Tech University, a public institution, is located in the city of Blacksburg. It has a high undergraduate enrolment of around 30,434 and the total student enrolment reaches up to around 38,170. This university charges $15,478 for in-state tuition and fees and non-Virginia residents pay $36,090. It is a very prestigious university being in the top 50 on the list of best national universities and has an acceptance rate of around 57%.

William & Mary College is one of the oldest colleges in the country which was established in 1693. It has a suburban setting and the acceptance rate here measures around 33%. This is also one of the more expensive public institutions in the country as it charges $25,041 for tuition and fees; whereas, out-of-state tuition and fees are $48,841. There are about 6,797 undergraduate enrolments and the most popular majors here include Social Sciences, Business, Management, Marketing, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences. All three of these top national universities of Virginia offer on-campus housing facilities and the room and board costs more than $14,000 per year at each place.

Students with GPAs that are around 3.0 can consider Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, and Southern Virginia University.
Virginia State University is a public 4-year university located in Petersburg, Virginia. It has an acceptance rate of around 89.7%. It is an easier school to get into with a 3.0 GPA as the average GPA of accepted students circles around 2.85. Submission of test scores is also optional here and they will only be considered if submitted. This is also a free school to apply to as there is no application fee charged.

Norfolk State University is another public institution that is located in the city of Norfolk in Virginia. With an acceptance rate of 89.5% and an average accepted GPA of around 2.9, it is an easier school to get admission to. SATs/ACTs are also optional and considered only of submitted with the application. However, a fee of $25 is charged to prospective students to apply to Norfolk State University.

Southern Virginia University is a private college and it is situated in Buena Vista. It has a high acceptance rate of 99.4% and the average high school GPA of new admissions here is around 3.19. Like the previous two options, test scores are optional. This university also charges an application fee of around $35 from prospective students.

Virginia has an average in-state tuition cost of $13,931 for students studying at public institutions.

This is among the top 10 most expensive average tuition rates and also higher than the national average of $9,349. This makes it one of the most expensive states to pursue higher education in. However, the cost of living in the state of Virginia is almost the same as the national average which can make housing and transportation costs more bearable.

Some of the most expensive institutions in Virginia include the privately-owned Marymount University which charges $38,250 for tuition and fees, William & Mary College with in-state tuition and fees of around $25,041, and the University of Virginia which charges in-state tuition and fees of $22,323. The University of Virginia and William & Mary College are both public institutions and out-of-state students at these institutions end up paying up to $59,000 for tuition and fees at these universities. Students who wish to live on campus has an added yearly expense of more than $14,000. The lowest fees that in-state students have to pay in the state is at the Radford University which charges $12,286 for tuition and fees, and the Old Dominion University charging $12,262.

Since the cost of college in Virginia is so high, students require financial assistance to be able to afford a good education here. Some of the best Virginia scholarships to consider that can help with tuition costs in the state include The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship, the Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship, and the ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship.

Virginia has a total college enrolment of around 548,397, out of which around 431,952 are undergraduates and approximately 116,445 are graduates. Moreover, the total student population has more female students than males as women make up around 57% of the total figure.

Virginia is an ethnically diverse state. White Americans make up the largest percentage of the total with a student population of around 270,117. Black Americans have the second largest population of around 97,402, followed by Hispanics and then Asians with 53,779 and 40,692 student enrolments respectively. Native Americans and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders each contribute less than 2000 students to the total population of students in the state.

Virginia’s total student debt is around $43 billion which is spread over 1,105,400 borrowers and the majority of these borrowers are aged under 35 years. The average student borrower debt within this state equals $38,900 which is higher than the national average of $28,950.

Out of the total student borrowers, around 23.2% owe between $20,000 to $40,000 in debt and only 13.6% owe less than $5,000 in student loans. This debt sometimes becomes hard to pay back which is why students should prefer to pay for tuition with scholarships mostly rather than by loans completely.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experience only and can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some Virginia scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Virginia scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Virginia offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

High school seniors can apply for all the following scholarships. These scholarships can help ease some of the financial burden of higher education and make it more affordable.

1. Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
2. SAWF Scholarship Program
3. Liberty University Academic Scholarship
4. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
5. Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship
6. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships

Undergraduate students studying in freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years can all apply for the following scholarships to help with college expenses. These scholarships can help reduce the need to take up loans.

1. ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship
2. VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships – Undergraduate
3. Graybar Construction Trades Scholarship
4. The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
5. VMDAEC Educational Foundation Scholarship

Following are some of the best scholarship options for students pursuing graduate degrees in Virginia:

1. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
2. William E. Wilson Scholarship Award
3. Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship Award
4. Robert Porterfield Scholarship Award
5. Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award
6. VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships – Graduate
7. Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award

There are not many teacher-specific scholarships in the state. Students pursuing educational degrees can apply for all those scholarships that are not limited by a specific major. Following are some options to consider.

1. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
2. The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
3. InspirASIAN Scholarships
4. VMDAEC Educational Foundation Scholarship

Students studying nursing can get help from the following scholarships. These scholarships are not for a specific major and students studying any major can apply for them easily.

1. Fourth Circuit Essay Contest
2. Study.com November Scholarships
3. Liberty University Academic Scholarship
4. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

Women make up around 57% of the total student population in Virginia. Most of these women face various financial problems and find it hard to complete their higher education. They end up taking loans which creates a burden on their incomes after graduation. The following Virginia scholarships are specifically for women to help them pay for college.

1. Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship
2. SAWF Scholarship Program

Students can contact their university’s financial aid office to inquire about the merit-based financial aid they provide. Many universities and colleges provide merit-based scholarships and some examples in Virginia include Virginia State University, the University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia State University (VSU) offers various scholarships that are based on merit to their incoming freshmen. Two main awards include the $10,000 Presidential Scholarship that is those with high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher and the Provost Scholarship which requires a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and awards $6,500. Other merit scholarships at VSU include the Presidential STEM Scholarship, Founder’s Scholarship, Reginald F. Lewis Scholarship, and Computing Scholarships. Most of these awards ask for GPA of a minimum of 3.0 or higher and the amounts range from $500 to $6,500.

The University of Richmond’s Richmond Scholars Program is its most prestigious and competitive scholarship that covers full tuition plus housing and food. They also award merit-based Presidential Scholarships that cover one-third of the tuition, the Oliver Hill Scholars Award provides aid to cover one-half of the tuition cost, the Bonner Scholars Program awards $3,600, and the Davis United World College Scholars offers amounts up to $30,000.

Students applying at the Virginia Commonwealth University who have exceptional GPAs can benefit from their Presidential Scholarship awards up to $16,000 per year, and Provost Scholarship which also covers tuition and fees of up to $16,000. There is also the Deans’ Scholarship that awards up to $8,000 per year to deserving students. These scholarships, however, cover in-state costs only.

There are quite a few resources for scholarships in Virginia like the Virginia Higher Education Fund. The Virginia Higher Education Fund is a not-for-profit corporation that works towards increasing higher education numbers within the state by financially supporting high school students who are underserved or have experienced adverse challenges in life. They have many scholarships listed on their websites like the Bridgewater College Lantz Scholarship which is a merit-based scholarship and the Virginia College Scholarship Assistance Program which is a need-based program.

Child Care Virginia is an official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia that provides scholarships to assists Virginia students with tuition and college-related expenses. They have two main college scholarships listed on their portal including the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program and the Project Pathfinders Funding Program.

Some other places to look for Virginia scholarships include The Esperanza Education Fund, Inc. and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. The first is a volunteer-run organization and the latter is a consumer-owned, state-chartered electric utilities organization.

Students can always go through scholarship search tools and websites that list many available scholarships within a state under one roof. Scholaroo lists more than 20 Virginia scholarships to help make tuition more affordable for students. Students can also look for rare scholarship opportunities by contacting their local churches or organizations related to their specific major. Moreover, most universities also offer various scholarships and students can find the relevant information by contacting their financial aid offices.

The state offers various grants to resident students. Students can find all the available grant opportunities on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website. Some of their main grants for students include the Virginia Commonwealth Award for undergraduates and graduates, the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program, and the Two-Year College Transfer Grant. All of these grants are need-based and the awards are subject to the needs of the student and the funds available.