Fact Sheet: Tuition Assistance Grant Program

General Description and Purpose

Established in 1972, the Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, non-profit colleges and universities in Virginia for other than religious training or theological education. The VTAG is authorized in Chapter 4.1 Section 23-38.11 through 18 of the Code of Virginia as the Tuition Assistance Grant Act.

Application Process

Applications may be acquired from the financial aid office of the private institution the student plans to attend. Completed applications must be submitted to the financial aid office of the institution on, or before, July 31 prior to the fall semester of enrollment. Applications submitted after July 31, but no later than December 1, will be considered for an award only if funds are available.

Eligibility

While this document does not cover all of the eligibility requirements, the basic criteria are:

1. Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia as defined by the Domicile Guidelines and the Code of Virginia §23-7.4;
2. Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student; and
3. Be enrolled at an eligible institution pursuing an eligible degree that is not in religious training or theological education.
4. Beginning in 2009-10, eligible graduate programs are limited to those in a health-related professional program, designated by the 51 series of programs under the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs.

Awards

The award amount is based on the number of eligible students and the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Maximum 2010-11 Annual Award:
Undergraduate= $2,600 Graduate= $1,130.

Renewal

Awards are automatically renewed provided that the student continues to meet eligibility requirements and has not exceeded the maximum number of years of eligibility.

This fact sheet is produced by the SCHEV to provide a general overview of the program

For additional information, view the VTAG brochure.