Virginia scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Virginia runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Hide service scholarships (9) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Virginia Space Grant Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
Up to $8,500 per yearVirginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia)
Open now · due February 3, 2027Up to $8,500 for STEM juniors and seniors at VSGC member universities doing faculty-mentored, NASA-relevant research.
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For STEM students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Nurse Educator Scholarship
Up to $7,000 per award year full-time; up to $3,500 part-timeVirginia Nursing Workforce Center (Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work 2 years full time as a nurse educator in an underserved Virginia area per award year, or you may have to repay.
Up to $7,000 a year (full-time; $3,500 part-time) for Virginia RNs in nurse educator graduate programs, for two years of service per award year in an underserved Virginia area.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For nursing education students
- Who can get it: Valid Social Security number required
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Nurse Midwife Scholarship
Up to $7,000 per award year full-time; up to $3,500 part-timeVirginia Nursing Workforce Center (Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work one year full time as a nurse midwife in an underserved Virginia area per award year, or you may have to repay.
Up to $7,000 a year (full-time; $3,500 part-time) for Virginia RNs in nurse-midwife programs, for one year of practice per award year in an underserved Virginia area.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For nurse midwifery students
- Who can get it: Valid Social Security number required
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Nurse Practitioner Scholarship
Up to $7,000 per award year full-time; up to $3,500 part-timeVirginia Nursing Workforce Center (Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work one year full time as a nurse practitioner in an underserved Virginia area per award year, or you may have to repay.
Up to $7,000 a year (full-time; $3,500 part-time) for Virginia RNs in nurse practitioner programs, for one year of practice per award year in an underserved Virginia area.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For nurse practitioner students
- Who can get it: Valid Social Security number required
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Space Grant Graduate STEM Research Fellowship
$6,000 per yearVirginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia)
Open now · due February 3, 2027$6,000 add-on fellowship for full-time STEM graduate students at VSGC member universities doing NASA-relevant research (requires $6,000 institutional match).
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For STEM students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)
Up to $5,250 per year for undergraduates (2026-27 maximum); $5,000 for eligible graduate health-professions students; higher at Hampton and Virginia UnionState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); awarded by participating private colleges
Open now · due December 1, 2026Non-need grant for Virginia residents attending an eligible private nonprofit Virginia college full-time: up to $5,250 for 2026-27 undergraduates.
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Optometry Grant Loan Program
$5,000 per yearState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Practice optometry full time in Virginia for 2 years per award, or repay it.
$5,000 a year for Virginia residents in Doctor of Optometry programs, forgiven by practicing optometry in Virginia for two years per award.
- What it takes: state application
- For grad students
- For optometry students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Long-Term Care Nursing Scholarship (CNA, LPN and RN)
$2,000Virginia Nursing Workforce Center (Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work one year full time in a Virginia long-term care facility after licensing or certification, or you may have to repay.
$2,000 for Virginia CNA, LPN and RN students who commit to one year of full-time work in a Virginia long-term care facility.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For trade school students, undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For nursing students
- Who can get it: Valid Social Security number required
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship (CNA, LPN and RN)
$2,000 (LPN or RN); up to $1,000 (CNA)Virginia Nursing Workforce Center (Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work full time in Virginia for one year in your nursing role after licensing or certification, or you may have to repay.
$2,000 for Virginia LPN and RN students (up to $1,000 for CNA students) in exchange for one year of nursing work in Virginia.
- What it takes: state application + essay + recommendation + transcript
- For trade school students, undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: Valid Social Security number required
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Two-Year College Transfer Grant (CTG)
Up to $1,000 per year base; plus up to $1,000 STEM-N bonus; plus $1,000 incentive at NSU, ODU, Radford, UVA Wise, VCU and VSUState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); awarded by participating four-year colleges
Apply any timeUp to $1,000 a year (plus a $1,000 STEM/nursing/teaching bonus and a $1,000 incentive at six universities) for Virginia community college graduates with a 3.0 GPA who transfer to a Virginia four-year college.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + transcript
- For transfer students, undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
G3: Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back
Last dollar: remaining tuition, fees and books after other grants; plus up to $2,250 for full-time students eligible for the maximum Pell GrantVirginia's Community Colleges (VCCS), state-funded; listed by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Apply any timeLast-dollar grant that covers remaining tuition, fees and books at Virginia community colleges for in-demand programs, for households up to 400% of the poverty line (about $120,000 for a family of four).
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For early education, healthcare, hospitality & culinary arts students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver (Senior Citizens Higher Education Act)
Waiver of tuition and fees (course-material fees such as lab fees are not waived)Virginia public colleges and universities; overseen by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Apply any timeVirginians 60 and older can take credit courses tuition- and fee-free at Virginia public colleges if their prior-year taxable income was $23,850 or less, or audit/take noncredit courses free at any income.
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, grad students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Commonwealth Award (undergraduate)
Varies by college and need; may not exceed tuition and required feesState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); awarded by each Virginia public college
Apply any timeNeed-based grant for Virginia undergraduates at Virginia public colleges and universities, up to the cost of tuition and required fees.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
Varies by need; neediest students receive at least tuition; maximum is tuition, required fees and a book allowanceState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); awarded by each Virginia public college
Apply any timeNeed-based grant for Virginia high school graduates with at least a 2.5 GPA attending a Virginia public college full-time; the neediest get at least tuition, up to tuition, fees and a book allowance.
- What it takes: FAFSA + transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP)
Varies by need; up to tuition, fees and booksVirginia's Community Colleges (VCCS), state-funded; listed by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Apply any timeNeed-based state grant for Virginia residents attending a Virginia community college part-time (1-11 credits), up to tuition, fees and books.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Workforce Credential Grant (FastForward)
Up to two-thirds off the program costState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); offered through Virginia's Community Colleges (FastForward), the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and New College Institute
Apply any timeShort-term, noncredit job-training programs in high-demand fields at up to two-thirds off: students pay one-third up front and avoid a second third by finishing.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP)
Up to $10,000 per academic year (full-time; prorated part-time)Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Teach full time 2 years in a high-need Virginia public school setting, or repay it as a loan (one year of teaching forgives half).
Up to $10,000 a year for future teachers in Virginia's top-ten critical shortage areas; forgiven by teaching two years in a Virginia public school, repaid otherwise.
- What it takes: state application + school nomination + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 2.7+ GPA
- For education (critical teacher shortage areas) students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Graduate Commonwealth Award
Varies; set by the universityState Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); awarded by each Virginia public university
Check datesState-funded grants or assistantships for full-time graduate students at Virginia public universities; the university sets the terms and amount.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For grad students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Granville P. Meade Scholarship
$2,000 per year for four years (most recent cycle)Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), with SCHEV
Opens laterCompetitive scholarship for academically strong, financially struggling Virginia high school seniors: recently $2,000 a year for four years at a Virginia college.
- What it takes: state application + school nomination
- For high school seniors
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizenship not required
- Usual timing: Annual; application window opens in early January and the student deadline is early February (2026: Jan 5 - Feb 2); finalists announced in April.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Space Grant Community College STEM Scholarship
$2,000 (one-time)Virginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia)
Opens later$2,000 one-year scholarship for Virginia community college STEM students (3.0 GPA) interested in NASA-related careers, applied for in the second semester of freshman year.
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For STEM (not allied health) students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
- Usual timing: Annual; due March 15 (apply in the second semester of freshman year).
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Space Grant STEM Bridge Scholarship
$2,000 (one-time)Virginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia)
Opens later$2,000 one-year scholarship for STEM sophomores and juniors (3.0 GPA) at Hampton, ODU, UVA, Virginia Tech or William & Mary.
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For STEM students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
- Usual timing: Annual; due March 15.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Virginia School Nurse LPN-to-RN Scholarship
Up to $10,000 one-time (full-time); up to $5,000 (part-time)Virginia Nursing Workforce Center (Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work one year full time as an RN school nurse in a Virginia school after licensing, or you may have to repay.
Up to $10,000 (full-time; $5,000 part-time) for LPNs working as Virginia school nurses who are finishing an RN degree, for one year as an RN school nurse.
- Who it's for: Licensed practical nurse currently employed as a school nurse in Virginia
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For nursing students
- Who can get it: Valid Social Security number required
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
Waiver of tuition and mandatory fees (up to 8 semesters); Tier 2 stipend up to $1,900 per year based on fundingVirginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Open now · due November 1, 2026Waives tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters at Virginia public colleges for spouses and children of qualifying disabled, deceased, MIA or POW veterans; Tier 2 students also get a stipend (up to $1,900 a year).
- Who it's for: Spouse or child (ages 16-29) of a qualifying Virginia-domiciled veteran (90%+ or permanently and totally disabled) or of a service member killed, MIA, POW or 90%+ disabled from combat
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP)
Tuition only, up to a per-semester cap ($5,000 per student for fall 2026)Virginia Department of Military Affairs (Virginia National Guard)
Open now · due November 1, 2026Service scholarshipThe catch: Serve 2 years in the Virginia National Guard after your last funded term; repayment terms are in the promissory note you sign.
Conditional state tuition grant for Virginia National Guard members at Virginia public or nonprofit private colleges; the fall 2026 cap was $5,000 per student, with a two-year service commitment.
- Who it's for: Member of the Virginia National Guard (Army or Air) with at least two years remaining on the service obligation
- What it takes: state application + membership + transcript
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition and Fee Waiver for Survivors of Virginia Public Safety Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Waiver of undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees, and books and supplies (not room and board)Virginia public colleges and universities (Code of Virginia § 23.1-609)
Apply any timeFree undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees, and books and supplies at Virginia public colleges for the spouse and children (16-25) of Virginia police, firefighters, rescue squad members, corrections officers and others killed in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Surviving spouse or child (16-25) of a Virginia law-enforcement officer, firefighter, rescue squad member, corrections/jail officer, sheriff/deputy, ABC agent, forest warden, or Virginia National Guard / Defense Force member killed in the line of duty
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Tuition Grant for Foster Care and Special-Needs Adoption Students
Tuition and mandatory fees (and room and board at public four-year institutions), after other grant aidVirginia public colleges and universities (required by Code of Virginia § 23.1-601); listed by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as the Foster Care Grant
Apply any timeVirginia's public colleges must cover tuition and mandatory fees (and room and board at public four-year schools) for students who were in foster care, in DSS custody, or a special-needs adoption after age 14.
- Who it's for: Foster care, DSS custody, or special-needs adoption at any time after age 14 (or in foster care at 18)
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program
Full tuition/program costs for directly affected individuals; up to $10,000 per academic year for descendantsBrown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee, Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Services)
Opens laterScholarships for Virginians whose schooling was disrupted by 1954-1964 school closings to avoid desegregation (full tuition) and their descendants (up to $10,000 a year).
- Who it's for: Directly affected by Virginia public school closings of 1954-1964 (Arlington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Prince Edward County, Warren County), or a lineal or collateral descendant of such a person
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school, trade school students, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, grad students
- Usual timing: Annual; applications posted around January 15 and due in spring (2026-27 descendant applications were due April 11, 2026); deadlines are not waived.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Virginia Early Educator Scholarship Program
In-state tuition and fees for up to 2 approved courses per semester; lifetime maximum $4,480 (new applicants)Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Opens laterPays in-state tuition and fees for up to two early-childhood courses a semester at Virginia community colleges (or approved Montessori programs), up to $4,480 total, for people working or planning to work in Virginia child care.
- Who it's for: Employee of a Virginia early care and education program (or a Virginia resident intending to work in one)
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For trade school students, undergrads, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education students
- Usual timing: Each term: summer Mar 15-Apr 24, fall Jun 15-Jul 25, spring Oct 15-Nov 21 (2026 dates); may close early if funds run out.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.