Financial Aid in Virginia (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Virginia's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Virginia FAFSA deadline for state aid
As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Deadlines vary by institution.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Virginia grant programs
Virginia Commonwealth Award & VGAP
Need-based grants at Virginia public colleges, with larger VGAP awards for lower-income students with strong grades.
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant
Non-need-based grant for Virginia residents at private colleges in the state.
Administered by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Virginia students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Virginiastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Virginia?
For 2026–27 state aid: As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Deadlines vary by institution. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Virginia offer?
Virginia Commonwealth Award & VGAP: Need-based grants at Virginia public colleges, with larger VGAP awards for lower-income students with strong grades. Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Non-need-based grant for Virginia residents at private colleges in the state. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Virginia resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Virginia?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how State Council of Higher Education for Virginia determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.