If you’re thinking about college in Virginia, you probably know that paying for it is no small thing. But what you might not know is that there’s a resource already waiting to help you—a state grant that could save you thousands each year just for choosing a private college in Virginia.
It’s called the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG), and it’s not a loan you’ll be paying off in ten years. It’s a valuable resource for how to pay for college, awarded every year you’re eligible, turning your private college education into an attainable goal.
Many students are unaware of it, or they assume it doesn’t apply to them. Others think it’s only a one-time thing or that faith-based colleges don’t qualify. We’re cutting through the confusion and breaking down six of the biggest myths about the VTAG.
What is VTAG? The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is a Virginia financial aid grant that helps state residents afford private college without adding debt.
Unlike many forms of aid, VTAG isn’t tied to your family’s income. It’s a non-need-based grant, which means if you’re a Virginia resident attending an eligible private college or university full-time, you can receive up to $5,250 per year toward your tuition.
Best of all, it’s renewable each year for up to four years as long as you remain eligible, which could help you save as much as $21,000 over the course of your degree. At Southern Virginia University, all of our undergraduate programs qualify for VTAG, making it easier for you to pursue a quality liberal arts education while keeping college affordable.
False.
The VTAG scholarship isn’t a one-and-done award, it’s renewable every year for full-time undergraduates who remain eligible. That means you can continue to receive funds each year you’re enrolled.
To stay eligible, you need to:
Be a Virginia resident
Be a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or professional student
Be enrolled in an eligible Virginia private college or university
At SVU, many students receive VTAG for all four years, easing the financial load each semester.
Actually, it’s worth thousands.
VTAG currently offers up to $5,250 per year, and over four years, that adds up to as much as $21,000 in tuition savings. All it takes is one simple application to secure funds that can help reduce debt and make private college much more affordable.
False.
The grant applies to religiously affiliated colleges, such as Southern Virginia University, as long as the degree program isn’t exclusively religious or theological. All of SVU’s majors qualify for VTAG, allowing you to receive financial support while pursuing a Christ-centered liberal arts education.
Mostly true, but check anyway.
VTAG is designed for Virginia residents, but there are exceptions. If your parents are Virginia residents or if you’ve recently moved, you may qualify. It’s always worth asking the SVU financial aid team to review your situation before assuming you don’t qualify.
False—you have to apply.
VTAG isn’t automatically added to your tuition bill. You’ll need to submit the VTAG application yourself to receive the funds by July 31 for the upcoming academic year. The process is quick, and the potential savings make it well worth your time.
Not exactly.
This grant is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition, but it does not fully cover it. However, it can be combined with other sources like federal financial aid, SVU scholarships and grants, and other outside funding sources to make your degree more affordable.
Many SVU students use VTAG as a building block within a larger financial aid package, helping them reduce out-of-pocket costs while pursuing their degrees.
Choosing a university eligible for VTAG opens the door to thousands of dollars in financial support you don’t have to pay back. Over four years, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant can add up to major savings for your degree, making a private college education far more affordable than you may realize.
At Southern Virginia University, we’re proud to be one of Virginia’s VTAG-eligible schools, combining the financial advantages with a faith-centered, liberal arts education designed for Latter-day Saints.
If you’re planning for college and have questions about how VTAG can fit into your financial aid plan, SVU’s Financial Aid Team is ready to help. We can walk you through your options, clarify eligibility, and guide you through the simple application process so you don’t leave money on the table.
Ready to explore how to pay for college with confidence? Access our free resource, Private Scholarships vs. Federal Loans: A Financial Aid Guide for Latter-day Saint Students.