SCHOLARSHIPS IN VIRGINIA

Virginia is a popular destination for college students for many reasons, including its proximity to Washington D.C. and its affordable cost of living in certain areas. However, since college costs may not be the most affordable depending on where you apply and on your individual circumstances, scholarships may be an effective method students can use to finance their education.

This page will explore Virginia scholarships and provide a few tips that students can use to obtain them.

 

Popular universities in Virginia

Virginia is home to some well-known colleges and universities. With a diverse offering of degrees, students can choose a college that suits their interests and career aspirations.

Some popular universities in Virginia include:

• The University of Virginia
• William & Mary University
• Virginia Tech
• George Mason University

Whatever field of study you are seeking to master, you have a robust set of colleges and universities to choose from in Virginia.

However, a college degree may not be the most affordable investment. Many students struggle with college debt and paying off student loans for years after graduation.

A scholarship may be the answer to helping you ease the financial burden of applying to college and obtaining a degree.

 

Types of Virginia Scholarships

As you explore different Virginia scholarships, a good first step would be to understand the different types of scholarships that may be available to you. You can take advantage of these opportunities provided that you are a U.S citizen or permanent resident. In some cases, you may also see a requirement for Virginia residency.

Below, we explain the five most common types of college scholarships in Virginia.

Merit-based Scholarships

Exceptionally bright and high-achieving students may be able to take advantage of the many merit-based scholarships offered by colleges across Virginia. These scholarships usually focus on students who maintain a higher than average GPA or perform well on standardized tests.

Some merit-based scholarships also require letters of recommendation. Make sure to ask for one from your teachers or mentors to showcase your abilities and potential.

An example of such merit-based scholarships includes the Society of Women Engineers Scholarship, which awards one $1,250 scholarship to women interested in technology, engineering, or other science-related fields. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to apply.

For those interested in more hands-on career options, a great scholarship opportunity is offered by the Professional Construction Estimators Association/Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which awards up to $1,000 to any student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a passion for the construction industry.

Need-based Scholarships

Many talented students across the country would like to have a college degree, but may not be able to afford it. That is why need-based scholarships in Virginia and many other states are popular. Any student who can demonstrate academic potential and difficulty paying for college may be able to qualify for this scholarship type.

Students aiming to obtain need-based scholarships should consider carefully preparing and submitting documents that prove their financial need to evaluators.

Some of these scholarships may also require students to be residents of a particular state. An example is the GSBA Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students on a need basis.

Federal Grants

To make college more affordable for students with low incomes, the government also awards federal grants. These are grants for students who can demonstrate their financial difficulty affording college.

Refer to the list of scholarships below so you can identify any opportunities for a federal grant and their requirements.

State Grants

In addition to federal grants, various states also provide scholarship and grant funds. These are similar to federal grants that offer assistance to those who can demonstrate financial need, such as low-income students, students with disabilities, and others.

To apply for these scholarships, it may not be necessarily be required that you choose a college within that state. For example, you can apply for the Washington College Grant if you are from Washington state but want to apply to a college in Virginia. The scholarship aims to help low-income students improve their skills and employability.

Employer-provided Scholarships

Some employers provide extensive development opportunities for their employees. One such opportunity is offered by Virginia scholarships. These scholarships are an excellent opportunity for potential students who want to continue their education or progress in their careers. If applicable, Inquire whether the company you work for offers such scholarships and what you need to do to apply.

 

Tips for Getting Scholarships in Virginia

If you have decided to apply for college scholarships in Virginia, it may help review some tips that may increase your chances of winning. Here are five tips for getting scholarships in Virginia.

Be professional and truthful

Your application should be the best reflection of yourself. Make sure to include all necessary information in a professional layout while answering all questions truthfully.

Obtain positive letters of recommendation

Politely ask your professors, mentors, employers, or peers to provide positive letters of recommendation which showcase your skills, abilities, and reasons why you deserve the specific scholarship in question.

Include your extracurriculars

Outline relevant extracurriculars that may show your passion for your particular field of study or extraordinary abilities in a sport, art form, or others.

Make sure you fulfill the criteria

Before submitting your application, look through the criteria, and required documents to see if you have missed anything. Make sure when you apply that you provide all of the necessary documentation that shows how you qualify for the scholarship.

Submit your application by the stated deadline

Finally, try not to miss the application deadline and submit all necessary documents at the right time. Many scholarship providers will not review an application submitted after the deadline, so do not miss your chance to take advantage of college scholarships in Virginia.

 

Stay Informed on the Latest Virginia Scholarships

Obtaining a college scholarship may help you reduce some of the costs of attending college. Browse through the CollegeData list below to find Virginia scholarships that best fit your needs and skills.

 

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