Virginia State Council Of Higher Education, VA
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Virginia’s private colleges seek increased state tuition aid
But now all schools — private and public — are contending with real financial obstacles as they prepare for federal funding caps and limits on Pell grant eligibility. Many of Virginia’s private institutions are observing closely what’s happening nationally while focusing on donor-funded scholarships and building up the state-funded tuition grant fund available for private college students who reside in Virginia full time.
Statewide, 53% of all four-year private nonprofit college undergraduates enrolled during 2024-25 received Pell grants, according to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Percentages at individual schools vary widely, from 77.3% at Virginia Union University to 17% at Washington and Lee University.
However, the federal program, which aids about 6 million to 7 million college students each year, is expected to have a $5.4 billion shortfall in fiscal 2026 and could approach a $17 billion shortfall the next year, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported earlier this year. Also, the 'Big Beautiful Bill' budget reconciliation act passed last July set borrowing caps on federally backed student loans, expected to affect up to 40% of all graduate student borrowers, particularly in health care fields," reports Virginia Business.
Photo: Roanoke College President Frank Shushok often reminds prospective students that the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant can help them afford school. Photo courtesy Roanoke College.