The state aid picture
Virginia's state aid is coordinated by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), with need-based grants at public colleges and a tuition-assistance grant for private ones — plus the G3 program for high-demand career fields.
Need-based state grants
- Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)A need- and merit-based grant for Virginia residents at public colleges who meet GPA requirements.
- Commonwealth AwardA need-based grant for Virginia residents at public colleges.
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)A grant for Virginia residents attending eligible private, nonprofit Virginia colleges (not need-based).
Promise & free-college programs
Get Skilled, Get a Job, Get Ahead (G3) provides tuition assistance (and, for low-income students, financial support) for community-college programs in high-demand fields like health care, IT, public safety, and skilled trades.
College savings (529 plan)
Virginia's Virginia529 (Invest529) is a leading tax-advantaged college-savings plan.
Applying & the state agency
File the FAFSA, and apply through your Virginia college's financial-aid office (VTAG has its own application).
- File the FAFSA earlyIt's the trigger for state grants and many scholarships
- Register with SCHEVCreate the state agency's student account to track and claim awards
- Confirm your detailsVerify residency, GPA, and enrollment as required
- Meet any extra requirementsSome programs need a separate form, GPA, or service commitment
- Reapply every yearState aid is awarded annually
Deadlines & timing
State deadlines are typically much earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline, and some aid is first-come, first-served until funds run out. File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (in the fall) and confirm the state's specific priority date.
Tips to maximize state aid
- File the FAFSA as early as possiblePriority deadlines and limited funds reward early filers
- Confirm your residency and eligibilityMost state aid is for residents attending in-state schools
- Maintain the required GPAMerit awards usually require you keep a minimum GPA to renew
- Use the state agency's portalTrack, confirm, and claim your awards there
- Check renewal rules each yearKnow what keeps your award going
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get Virginia state aid?File the FAFSA (and any state form) by the deadline; SCHEV administers the programs.
- Is it need-based or merit?Both — Virginia offers need-based grants and merit scholarships.
- Are the deadlines earlier than federal?Usually yes — file early, as some aid is first-come.
- Can I use it out of state?Most Virginia aid is for in-state schools; check each program.
- Does this list private scholarships?No — this guide covers official state programs only.
Key facts
- Need + meritVirginia Guaranteed Assistance Program
- Need-basedCommonwealth Award
- Private collegesVirginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)
- High-demand fieldsG3 Program
- 529Virginia529 (Invest529)
- AgencySCHEV
Where to learn more
Confirm current programs, amounts, and deadlines with the state agency: