Financial Information

Virginia Tech awards financial aid to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. The majority of financial aid is intended for fulltime students with financial need.

To apply, entering freshmen, transfer students and returning Virginia Tech students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically at http://www.fafsa.gov. The Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid’s priority deadline is March 1 for the upcoming academic year.

The priority deadline applies to all financial aid programs except the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford, Federal GradPLUS and Federal PLUS Loan Programs.


Applicants for scholarships and financial aid must list Virginia Tech's institutional code number 003754 on the FAFSA for the analysis of the FAFSA to be sent to the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid. Elibible non-citizens must submit a copy of the alien registration card or arrival departure record each year. Students must complete and submit a new FAFSA to the federal processing agency every year to be considered for financial aid at Virginia Tech.

The electronic FAFSA application is available every year after January 1. All offers of financial aid are contingent upon receipt of anticipated federal and state funds by the university. Awards may be reduced or canceled if anticipated funds are not received. Offers of financial aid are subject to full-time enrollment and the student meeting the Reasonable Academic Progress Policy requirements.

Virginia Tech administers a comprehensive scholarship and financial aid program to support the financial need of students. More than 70 percent of Virginia Tech students receive some form of financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive aid from state and federal need-based programs, an applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements: enroll or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student; be a citizen or an eligible non-citizen; submit a complete FAFSA; andmeet the Reasonable Academic Progress Policy for Title IV recipients. Full-time enrollment is required for the majority of federal, state, and institutional programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor to determine how financial aid will be reduced for less than full time enrollment.

Federal Title IV Programs

The FAFSA is the application for all federal financial aid programs.

Federal Work-Study Program. This federal program provides employment opportunities to students with demonstrated financial need. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students are limited to 20 hours of work per week while classes are in session. All Federal Work-Study Program jobs pay at least minimum wage.


William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. This federal program encompasses Federal Stafford, Grad PLUS, and PLUS Loans. Federal Stafford Loans are long-term, low-interest loans guaranteed by the federal government for the educational expenses of eligible students enrolled at least half-time. . Repayment begins six months after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment. The Federal PLUS Loan is available to parents of undergraduate dependent students enrolled at least half-time. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid for which the student qualifies. Similarly, the Federal Grad PLUS Loan provides additional loan funds to graduate students that have exhausted eligibility in the Federal Stafford Loan Program. Students must complete other loan applications available at the office website to be considered for these loan programs.

Federal Perkins Loans. This federal program provides long-term, low-interest loans to students with financial need. The interest rate to first-time borrowers is 5 percent. Repayment of both principal and interest begins when a student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Pell Grant Program. Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students with financial need. This program is intended to provide grant support to lower income families. Students must be pursuing a first bachelor’s degree to receive the Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Virginia Tech awards grants from federal funds to undergraduate students with extraordinary financial need. These funds are restricted to Pell-eligible students.

Commonwealth of Virginia Programs

College Scholarship Assistance Program. This need-based grant program is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is funded jointly by both the federal government and state resources. Recipients are selected by Virginia Tech from among eligible undergraduate Virginia residents with high levels of financial need.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program. Grants of up to the cost of tuition and fees are awarded by Virginia Tech from funds administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Awards are made to selected undergraduate residents of Virginia with demonstrated financial need. Entering freshman must have a 2.5 high school grade point average and continuing students must have a 2.0 for renewal.

Commonwealth Award. Awards are made by Virginia Tech from funds administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to Virginia residents seeking a first bachelor’s degree with demonstrated financial need. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA for renewal of this award.

Two-Year College Transfer Grant. The Two-Year College Transfer Grants vary in amount up to $1,000 and are administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. These grants are for undergraduate state residents who transfer from a community college with a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) after completing an Associate’s Degree at a Virginia two-year public institution. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program. The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program provides tuition and fee educational assistance for a maximum of 48 months to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict. This program was formerly named the Virginia War Orphans Education Program.To be eligible for assistance, application is made to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

University Programs

Academic Scholarships and Grants. The university awards a number of merit scholarships to select undergraduate students who establish outstanding academic records, including incoming freshmen. All of the colleges and many departments within the university also award scholarships. No application is necessary for university-wide awards or for college or departmental awards, unless specifically requested. An electronic application is required for the General Scholarship Program and is available at http://www.finaid.vt.edu/.

Athletic Scholarships. Admission and enrollment of students who are candidates for financial aid for which athletic ability is a consideration shall be conditional upon compliance with applicable regulations of the Atlantic Coast Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Senior Citizens' Benefits. On a space-available basis, in accordance with Virginia law, Virginia residents 60 years of age may register for and attend courses without payment of university fees. Senior citizens also may audit courses. Details may be obtained from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits (GI Bill). Applicants who wish to receive VA Educational Benefits, including assistance through the Yellow Ribbon Program should contact the Office of the University Registrar or visit www.registrar.vt.edu. Application information for veterans benefits may be obtained from the nearest regional office of the Veterans' Administration. Students must enroll for a minimum of 12 credits each term to receive benefits as full-time students.

Additional Information

Additional information on financial aid and scholarships may be obtained by writing, calling, or visiting:

The Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid
200 Student Services Building
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/231-5179
Fax: 540/ 231-9139
E-mail: finaid@vt.edu
Website: http://www.finaid.vt.edu

All information is correct at the time of publication. Current information is available from the University Scholarships and Financial Aid website.