How to Afford College: SVU's Scholarship and Financial Aid Checklist

College affordability can feel overwhelming (and sometimes intimidating) for many students and families today. With rising education costs and uncertainty about the future, it’s easy to worry about whether a college education is financially possible.

However, a college education can expand your future potential, rather than limit it. When you pursue the right degree, you’re preparing to make a meaningful difference in your career, your community, and the world. 

At Southern Virginia University, we believe that cost should never be the obstacle that keeps you from following your calling. That’s why we crafted a simple financial aid and scholarship checklist, so you can see the path forward, understand your options, and begin building a college plan that is both affordable and achievable.

Why Can’t Students Afford College Today?

College costs have risen steadily since the 1980s, and many families feel the pressure long before they receive a financial aid package. Many students experience genuine anxiety about whether higher education remains within their reach. It’s understandable to feel discouraged when the starting numbers look so high.

But one of the most important things to remember is this: very few college students actually pay full sticker price.

Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and institutional support can dramatically reduce the amount students are responsible for. For most students, the difference between college feeling impossible and college feeling attainable isn’t a different price tag; it’s having clear financial aid instructions, constant experienced guidance, and a step-by-step path forward.

How to Make College More Affordable

Affording college rarely comes down to one big decision. It comes from small, steady steps taken throughout your college journey. Many families don’t start thinking seriously about cost until late in senior year—but by then, many of the highest-impact opportunities (like certain scholarships, FAFSA timing advantages, or competitive external awards) have already passed.

At Southern Virginia University, affordability isn’t just theoretical. SVU is already well below the average cost of private colleges, which means many students start from a more attainable baseline before scholarships, grants, or aid are even applied. When families begin this process early, they not only position themselves for more options—they also get a clearer picture of how affordable SVU can realistically become.

This is where a clear checklist becomes essential.

Your Financial Aid Checklist: Practical Steps to College Affordability

College affordability becomes much more manageable when you break the process into smaller steps. This checklist will help you create a structure for your financial aid plans, whether you’re still finishing high school or already enrolled at SVU. 

• Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (and double-check deadlines).

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the federal form that determines what grants, federal loans, and need-based aid you’re eligible for. Completing it early means that the SVU Financial Aid Team can evaluate your financial need and start creating a plan to get you the best possible aid. Submitting early increases your chances of receiving the maximum amount of need-based aid available to you. (You can find the official FAFSA launch and updates at studentaid.gov.)

• Apply early for SVU institutional scholarships.

Institutional scholarships can significantly reduce your cost of attendance—and the earlier you apply, the more options you have available. SVU awards more than $5 million in academic, talent, or need-based scholarships to students annually, including a $2,000 scholarship for returned missionaries.

Learn how to apply for aid at Southern Virginia University.

• Apply for outside private scholarships.

Local organizations, alumni groups, nonprofits, church denominations, and community foundations often offer scholarships that stack on top of those offered by the university. Websites like fastweb.com, scholarships.com, and BigFuture from the College Board can also expand your search.

• Explore federal and state grant opportunities you qualify for.

Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid, and they are often one of the most under-utilized financial aid resources. The Federal Pell Grant alone offers thousands of dollars each year to qualifying students, and Virginia residents may also qualify for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG).

• Consider a Federal Work-Study as part of your affordability plan.

Federal Work-Study is a program that lets you earn money through part-time jobs (on campus or nonprofit partner sites) to help pay for educational expenses. It lets you earn income during the school year through part-time roles on campus or in community service settings. It offsets cost, builds professional skills, and helps you gain résumé experience while you study.

• Meet with SVU financial aid counselors to maximize your awards.

SVU’s financial aid team can help you navigate your FAFSA, understand your award letter, compare offers, and make strategic decisions around grants and scholarships. Personalized support means you aren’t trying to figure this out alone.

• Create your college budget early.

Your total cost of attendance includes more than tuition: housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses all come into the final sum. Pricing these out early helps you avoid unplanned cost surprises and make wiser, more informed decisions.

• Build a scholarship application routine.

Applying for 1–2 scholarships per week during senior year dramatically increases your chances of securing multiple awards. Treat it like financial aid workouts: small, steady effort compounds in real financial impact.

Financial Aid FAQs

How does financial aid work?

Financial aid is funding that helps cover the cost of college through grants, scholarships, loans and federal work-study. Colleges use your FAFSA information to determine eligibility and packages. Aid is meant to make college costs more manageable and accessible.

Learn more about SVU’s types of financial aid.

How hard is it to get scholarships?

Many students assume scholarships are extremely competitive but there are thousands of small and mid-sized opportunities that receive fewer applications. Success comes more from steady weekly submissions than a perfect résumé. Most college funding is built by combining multiple awards instead of hoping for one large scholarship.

Explore SVU’s scholarship opportunities.

How much financial aid will I get?

Your aid amount depends on when you submit your FAFSA, your financial need, your scholarships, the cost of attendance, and institutional formulas. Every student at SVU receives a personalized financial aid package tailored to their specific needs.

When does financial aid disburse?

Financial aid is typically disbursed at the start of each term. SVU applies funds directly to your student account to cover tuition and required fees first. Remaining funds (if any) will be released to you for other approved expenses, such as textbooks or transportation.

Does financial aid cover housing?

Yes. Your SVU financial aid will be used toward on-campus housing costs. This is included in the cost of attendance calculations for aid packaging.

One of the Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia: Why SVU Is a Values-Aligned Choice

Affordability is one of the most important things to consider when making your college choice. However, it should work together with your mission, career goals, and the ultimate value of your education. A good affordable college is not just one that costs less—it is a place where learning, community, belonging, and calling can transform your story.

Southern Virginia University is one of the most affordable Christian colleges in Virginia. Our liberal arts degrees for Latter-day Saints cost less than half the average cost of private colleges. 

SVU also awards more than $5 million annually in academic, talent, and need-based scholarships, helping students pursue an education that aligns with their values and long-term impact goals. Our Financial Aid Team works one-on-one with students to navigate options, maximize awards, and build a realistic financial plan. With this support, 95% of SVU students receive some form of scholarship or aid each year.

When affordability, mission, and outcomes come together, college becomes a wise investment and a pathway to meaningful, Christ-centered growth—not a financial compromise.

Ready to explore what that could look like for you?

Download our Financial Aid Guide for Latter-day Students to learn how to take practical next steps toward making college possible at SVU.

Get Your Financial Aid Guide