The State Code of Virginia § 23.1-601 requires Virginia colleges and universities to provide grants for tuition, general fees, housing, and food for certain students. To be eligible, the student must meet all of the following criteria:
- a) received a high school diploma or passed a high school equivalency exam approved by the Board of Education and was in foster care, was in the custody of the Department of Social Services, or was considered a special needs adoption at any time after they turned 14; or b) was in foster care when they turned 18 and then received a high school diploma or passed a high school equivalency exam.
- Is enrolled as a full-time or part-time college student, taking a minimum of 6 credit hours per term, in a degree-seeking program
- Has not been enrolled in postsecondary education as a full-time student for more than 5 years or does not have a bachelor's degree
- Maintains the required minimum GPA
- Has applied for financial aid and has demonstrated financial need
- Must be a Virginia resident
Grant funding will be available for eligible students for all terms: fall, January, spring, and summer.
Student Financial Services will identify potentially-eligible students through the financial aid application process, but if you believe you meet all the eligibility criteria, we invite you to reach out to us at [email protected] or (434) 982-6000.