Virginia Scholarships
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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.
Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship
The Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship Program offers five $1,000–$5,000 scholarships to undergraduates and postgraduates.
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.
Study.com September Scholarships
The Study.com September 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Graybar Construction Trades Scholarship
There are 50 opportunities worth $1,000 in the first year and renewable at $2,000 in the second year.
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.
¡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.
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award 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.
Virginia scholarships for women 2023
Access to education continues to be a challenge for women in Virginia. Statistics show that more than a quarter of women in the state lack a high school diploma or equivalent, making it harder for them to pursue higher education and career advancement. Furthermore, gender disparities contribute to Virginia’s troubling pay gap, with women at all levels of educational attainment earning less than men. This means that women often have to make difficult decisions between pursuing education, finding higher-paying opportunities, and balancing family responsibilities. Through scholarships, women can access higher education and pursue their dreams. The of up to $5,000 is one of those programs dedicated to empowering women. The program is offered by the Southern Automotive Women’s Forum to female students of all educational levels to complete their studies.
Tips for Winning Virginia Scholarships
1. Get organized. Before applying for scholarships, create a spreadsheet with all the potential scholarships you want to apply for and their deadlines. This will help you stay on track and make sure that you don't miss any important deadlines!
2. Take advantage of resources available in Virginia. There are many websites listing scholarships specific to Virginia students, like the Virginia Education Wizard, which offers financial aid and scholarship information. You can also check with your school or local community college to see if they offer any scholarships.
3. Make sure your application stands out! When you're applying for a scholarship, always remember to tailor your application to show how you meet their criteria, demonstrate excellence in your chosen field, and explain why you are an ideal candidate. Make sure to read through your application packages thoroughly and ask for help if needed! Good luck!
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships for minorities in Virginia?
Yes. Most of the scholarships in Virginia are available for all eligible students despite race, gender, ethnicity, etc. Among the listed scholarships available of Scholaroo are specifically designed for minorities like the EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship program and the ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program.
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.