Virginia Commonwealth Award Program
Scholarship Sponsored by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
The Virginia Commonwealth Award is designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students in need and graduate students, helping them cover a portion of their college expenses. The funds are allocated directly to each state-supported institution and can be used for need-based grants for Virginia resident undergraduates or for grants or assistantships for graduate students, regardless of their state of residence. The law stipulates that the distribution of awards to undergraduates should be need-based, ensuring that those with the greatest financial need receive the most substantial awards.
How to Apply
There is no separate application process for this program. Students are required to complete either the FAFSA or VASA application to be considered. The application and awarding processes are managed by the financial aid office at each public college or university in Virginia. For information on application procedures and deadlines, students should contact the financial aid office at their chosen institution.
Qualification Criteria
To qualify for an award, an undergraduate student must:
- Gain admission into a public two or four-year college or university in Virginia;
- Enroll at least half-time in an approved degree, certificate, or diploma program;
- Comply with federal Selective Service registration requirements;
- Be classified as a Virginia student by 1) meeting the domiciliary resident of Virginia criteria as defined by the Code of Virginia §23.1-502 and supplemented by the Domicile Guidelines, 2) meeting the military dependent requirements under § 23.1-505 or 3) meeting the Tuition Equity provision requirements under § 23.1-505.1;
- Show financial need as determined by the institution;
- Apply for financial aid by completing the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application by the institution’s published financial aid application deadline.
To qualify for an award, a graduate student must:
- Enroll full-time in an approved graduate degree program at a participating public Virginia college or university; and
- Meet the requirements set by the awarding institution;
- Comply with federal Selective Service registration requirements.
Award Amounts
Undergraduate: The actual award amounts will differ by institution and depend on available funding. The awards cannot exceed tuition and required fees.
Graduate: The actual award amounts will differ by institution and depend on available funding. The award amount will be determined by the institution.
Award Renewal
Provided that funds are available, awards may be renewed if the student:
- Maintains satisfactory academic progress;
- Continues to fulfill all the requirements of the Virginia Student Financial Aid Program regulations; and
- If a graduate student, meets the eligibility requirements for graduate students set by the awarding institution.