This page contains information on federal, state, and University of Virginia scholarships and grants. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the different types of awards that are out there. Some of them will end up on your financial aid award, if you apply for financial aid. For those who have applied for need-based financial aid with SFS and who have non-University scholarships, we provide a guide for how those outside scholarships may impact your need-based awards.
We also provide you with information on non-UVA scholarship opportunities that we think are worth bringing to your attention: Going Merry, the Big Future search engine at the CollegeBoard, and Tuition Funding Sources.
In the most general terms, scholarships are awarded to students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic, or artistic achievement. Awards are also available for students who are interested in particular fields of study, are members of certain underrepresented groups, live in certain areas of the country or who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), also available in a Spanish-language version. Students miss scholarship opportunities because they do not complete a FAFSA.
SFS-Administered Scholarships
SFS offers a number of privately endowed need-based scholarships. Most of the awards were established by individuals or foundation and are intended for students who meet specific criteria. Although the primary criterion for many of the endowed scholarships is need, there are several awards that include merit and region as other determinants. This page shows a complete list of named scholarships that are part of the AccessUVA program.
There is no application process for the endowed scholarships offered by SFS. In most instances, students do not need to complete a separate application form, but are considered automatically upon enrollment. Awards are made based on the annual scholarship earnings and number of recipients; with first preference given to renewal candidates. Students awarded an endowed scholarship will receive written notification of their selection.
Other scholarships administered and awarded by SFS where the student must self-identify their qualifications can be found by accessing this link. All students who believe they meet a scholarship's qualifications should email sfs@virginia.edu, indicating the scholarship for which they believe they are qualifed. SFS will reply with further instructions.
Please review our list of SFS-administered scholarships that do not require separate application by the student. These are scholarships where SFS identifies the students based on their qualifications and awards them as a matter of course.
Academic Departments
Academic Departments often have scholarship awards that can be offered to students who meet select criteria. In most instances these are not publicized awards and are only offered to returning students. It is recommended that a student make contact with his school or department to find out what awards are available and when he should begin the application process.
Other University of Virginia Scholarship Resources
Office of Citizen Scholar Development (only for currently enrolled students or alumni)
Office of African-American Affairs
NON-UVA SCHOLARSHIP
Non-UVA awards are offered by sponsors outside of the University. Many of these awards are made co-payable to the student and University; therefore, before the funds for these awards can be applied to the student’s SIS account, the student must physically sign the check. In the case where the funds have been paid directly to the student, the student is required to report the award to SFS. Many students ask us about merit-based scholarships. We recommend students begin their search at websites such as this one managed by College Board.
Federal regulations require that the University consider all resources available to a student when determining eligibility for financial aid awards. Not reporting scholarships can result in late fees, account holds, and incorrect awarding of financial aid. SFS will notify the student if their non-UVA scholarship causes a revision to their financial aid package.
To report a non-UVA scholarship, complete and submit the "Outside Scholarships Self Reporting Form" found under the correct academic year on our Forms page. Unless otherwise specifically requested in writing by the donor or awarding agency, Student Financial Services will credit one half of the scholarship amount to the fall charges and one half to the spring. If you wish to have the entire amount applied to one semester only, please contact the donor to have them provide documentation of their request.
GRANT
Federal Grant Programs
The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools.
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need. It does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Pell Grant awards are based on the EFC (expected family contribution), as calculated by the FAFSA formula and after the verification process is completed.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded based on financial need. It does not have to be repaid. It is federally funded and administered by Student Financial Services. FSEOGs are awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need, and preference is given to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Annual FSEOG awards range from $200 to $4,000 a year.
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching. Learn more about this grant.
As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve in which you agree to (among other requirements) teach
- in a high-need field
- at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families
- for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants provide money to college or career school students to help pay their education expenses. However, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants have special eligibility criteria.
You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if
- you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution but
- meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
- your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
- you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.
State Grant Programs
Virginia Residents
State financial aid grants and scholarships are funded by the Virginia General Assembly and are administered by Student Financial Services at the University. To be considered for the following state programs, students must meet all State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) requirements and have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
RESOURCE AND APPLY : CLICK HERE
