Virginia is a state widely known for their high-quality education system. From top-ranked public high schools like Thomas Jefferson High School to the globally-renowned University of Virginia, children in Virginia are supported every step of the way from birth to graduation by quality teachers and facilities.
However, although grades K-12 are free, the price tag only increases once high school seniors graduate and enter their first year of college. College costs in Virginia were an average of $14,460 for in-state students in the 2024-2025 year. Students coming from out-of-state face much higher tuition costs and need to pay for room and board, which in-state students don’t necessarily require.
Regardless of which state you’re coming from, college is an investment. For some families, it may come at too high a price. Scholarships and other forms of aid are often necessary to bridge the gap. As a well-established scholarship database, let Scholarship Institute help match you with relevant opportunities!
As a trusted authority in scholarships, student finances, and academic resources, we at Scholarship Institute connect students with opportunities that align with their needs. We make finding financial aid easier so you can focus on achieving your academic goals. The following scholarship opportunities seek to encourage more students to dream bigger with the assurance that they’ll be financially supported during their academic journey.
Scholarships are sourced from the Virginia State Council for Higher Education, privately funded opportunities, and the following Virginia community foundations:
- Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
- Community Foundation of the New River Valley
- Community Foundation Serving West Virginia
Explore some more top scholarships with our Scholarship Institute scholarship lists!

Overview of Scholarships in Virginia
What Are Virginia Scholarships?
Virginia scholarships are financial aid for college created specifically for students living in Virginia or looking to go to school in Virginia. All Virginia scholarships are free money for college that you don’t have to pay back. That means they can help you achieve your academic goals without taking on debt.
They’re different from grants, which often require the funds to be used for specific initiatives or projects that benefit the community. Schools may also give out need-based financial aid. This differs from most scholarships because need-based financial aid is usually automatically applied and doesn’t require a separate application beyond filling out the FAFSA.
Eligibility Requirements for Virginia Scholarships
Before applying for any Virginia scholarships, you first need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Most scholarships tend to have a variety of eligibility requirements. Here are some of the most common ones:
- minimum GPA
- Virginia residency or enrollment in a Virginian institution
- leadership activities
- community service
Eligibility requirements will differ depending on the type of scholarship you’re looking at. There are three major categories of scholarships you should look into. Depending upon your personal background, you may qualify for all three types!
- Merit-based scholarships: prioritize strong academic grades and extra-curriculars.
- Need-based scholarships: typically have an income cap, meaning you must earn less than a specific amount to qualify.
- Demographics-based scholarships: support minority groups, so racial and ethnic backgrounds tend to be key eligibility requirements.
Apply for more merit-based scholarships and get the recognition you deserve!

Top Scholarships for High School Seniors in Virginia
AMS Opportunity Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is funded by American Management Systems (AMS), which was a pioneer in the Northern Virginia technological industry. To continue this legacy of developing technology in Virginia, they created this scholarship to support high school seniors going into STEM fields in Northern Virginia.
Award Amount: $2,500
Eligibility Requirements:
- minimum 2.7 GPA
- demonstrated financial need through FAFSA
- attending an accredited higher education institution
- resident of Northern Virginia
Citizens Scholarship Fund
The Community Foundation of New River Valley only requires one application to apply for dozens of scholarships in their database. One such scholarship is the Citizens Scholarship Fund, which supports graduating seniors from Floyd County, whether they attend a Floyd County high school or are homeschooled.
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- minimum 3.0 GPA
- must attend high school or be homeschooled in Floyd County
- attending an accredited higher education institution
Eddie Simpson Scholarship Fund
This general scholarship seeks to support young men and women in their higher education pursuits. As it is administered by the Community Foundation of Western Virginia, qualified applicants must be graduating seniors from a county in Western Virginia.
Award Amount: $1,500
Eligibility Requirements:
- demonstrate financial need
- graduating senior from Western Virginia
- attending an accredited higher education institution
Increase your chances with more scholarships for high school seniors!

State Grants
While grants are technically different from scholarships, some are virtually identical to scholarships. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia offers a variety of state-funded grants to give free money to students in support of their education.
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG)
The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) is a grant for Virginia residents attending private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Virginia. Applications can be obtained from the financial aid office of the private institution you’re attending. The award amounts vary depending on the institution and level of degree earned.
Award Amount: $1,700 – $12,750 per year
Eligibility Requirements:
- full-time Virginia student
- not in religious training or theological education
Virginia Commonwealth Award
The Virginia Commonwealth Award aims to support undergraduate students at institutions in Virginia. This grant is need-based, meaning students with greater financial need will receive larger awards. Grant money will be directly appropriated to the student’s institution.
Award Amount: varies by institution
Eligibility Requirements:
- at least a half-time Virginia student
- demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) provides assistance to financially needy students. There’s no separate application, so students just have to fill out the FAFSA or VASA in order to apply. They aim to inspire elementary and secondary school students to attend college, knowing they have financial assistance to support them.
Award Amount: varies by institution, the maximum award is a full-ride
Eligibility Requirements:
- full-time Virginia student
- must have graduated from a Virginia high school or completed homeschooling in Virginia
- demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA or VASA
- minimum 2.5 GPA

Scholarships for Specific Majors and Interests
Education – Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP)
The Virginia Department of Education offers a unique scholarship loan to support aspiring teachers and educators in Virginia. Upon receiving the scholarship loan, students must agree to teach for one full academic year after attaining their license. If they do so, the money they received from this opportunity doesn’t have to be paid back. If they don’t fulfill this obligation, they must repay the full scholarship loan.
Award Amount: up to $10,000 per year
Eligibility Requirements:
- must be in an approved graduate degree program for teaching in Virginia
- minimum 2.7 GPA
- must be nominated by their institution
Nursing – VNF Scholarship
The Virginia Nurses Association provides a valuable college scholarship program for nursing students to reduce the cost of medical school. One year, they gave $18,250 in scholarships to selected winners from an applicant pool of 68 students.
Award Amount: varies
Eligibility Requirements:
- completed four nursing courses
- minimum 3.0 GPA
- Virginia resident
- must not be graduating this semester
If you’re among the many graduate students not studying nursing, check out our general list of scholarships for grad students!

Scholarships for Diverse Student Groups
Richard P. Leedom Memorial Scholarship
UMFS is an organization that supports children through services like foster care, daycare, and residential treatment. If UMFS has served you for at least 6 months, you’re eligible to apply for their Richard P. Leedom Memorial Scholarship.
Award Amount: $2,500 per year
Eligibility Requirements:
- must have been served by UMFS for at least 6 months
- must be enrolled in at least three courses per semester at an accredited institution
Valhen Adelante Scholarship
The Virginia Latino Higher Education Network offers a fantastic scholarship opportunity through the Valhen Adelante Scholarship. Latinx high school students and college students are all eligible to apply for this four-year renewable award.
Award Amount: $1,500 – $2,500
Eligibility Requirements:
- Virginia high school senior or high school graduate
- have Hispanic heritage
- enrolled in a Virginian higher education institution
If you’re a Hispanic student, consider applying to one of these top Hispanic student scholarships!
Military and Veteran Scholarships in Virginia
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is a program for spouses and children of military service members who are permanently disabled, missing in action, or killed in action due to military service.
Award Amount: full tuition and fees
Eligibility Requirements:
- must be a veteran that is at least 90% permanently disabled due to military service OR the spouse OR child of a qualifying veteran
- must attend a higher education institution in Virginia
Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VANG STAP)
The Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VANG STAP) is for members of the Virginia National Guard who are in good standing and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a Virginia college.
Award Amount: varies
Eligibility Requirements:
- member of the Virginia National Guard
- attending a college in Virginia

How to Apply for Scholarships in Virginia
Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Virginia
- Research Scholarships: Start by exploring scholarships tailored to your background, academic achievements, interests, and career goals. Use resources like school counselors, online databases, and local organizations to identify opportunities in Virginia.
- Understand the Requirements: Carefully read the eligibility criteria and application instructions for each scholarship. Note the required materials, such as transcripts, essays, or financial information.
- Prepare Your Materials: Gather all necessary documents in advance. Write compelling essays highlighting your unique strengths, obtain strong letters of recommendation, and ensure your application reflects your accomplishments.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of the scholarships you are applying for, their deadlines, and any additional requirements. Use a spreadsheet or calendar to manage your applications effectively.
- Submit Early: Aim to submit your application well before the deadline. This gives you time to address any last-minute issues and demonstrates responsibility to the selection committee.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking Proofreading: Ensure your application is free of spelling and grammar errors. A polished submission reflects attention to detail.
- Missing Deadlines: Submitting late can disqualify you. Start the process early and double-check deadlines.
- Ignoring Instructions: Follow the application guidelines precisely. Failure to include required materials or meet specific instructions can lead to disqualification.
Even if you don’t qualify for low-income scholarships, these middle-class scholarships may be what you’re looking for!

How to Apply for Financial Aid in Virginia
1. Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most crucial step in applying for financial aid. It determines your eligibility for federal and state programs, such as institutional aid—which includes grants, loans, and work-study programs. Gather necessary documents like tax returns, W-2 forms, and Social Security numbers to complete the application accurately. Submit the FAFSA as early as possible to meet priority deadlines.
2. Check with Your School’s Financial Aid Office
Contact the financial aid office at your college or university to inquire about additional requirements or forms specific to your school. Some institutions may require a CSS Profile or supplemental applications for their financial aid programs.
3. Apply for Scholarships and Grants
Explore various scholarship and grant opportunities to supplement your financial aid. Research state programs, private organizations, and local foundations in Virginia. Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of securing additional funds for your education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Virginia
1. Are Scholarships Taxable in Virginia?
Scholarships received by Virginia students are sent directly to the school they are enrolled in. Since the money goes to the institution rather than the winner, scholarships are not considered income and are therefore not taxable.
2. How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for a Scholarship in Virginia?
Check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, including GPA, community service, citizenship, and more. Students enrolled in a higher education institution should also ensure their institution is accredited by the scholarship foundation.
3. Which University in Virginia Offers the Best Financial Aid?
The University of Virginia (UVA) is often recognized for its robust financial aid programs, including the AccessUVA initiative, which meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualifying students. Additionally, other schools like Virginia Tech and William & Mary also offer competitive financial aid packages. The best financial aid program for you will depend on your individual needs and eligibility.
Got more questions? Head on over to our Scholarship Institute blog to get them answered!