Types of Aid

There are lots of ways you can get help paying for college, and most students combine several of them.

Once we get your application, we’ll put together a package for you that typically includes three different types of financial assistance: grants and scholarships, loans, and college employment.

Federal Grants (need based)

The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal grant program for undergraduate students. Awards range from $555 to $5,550 per academic year, for either full – or part-time study. The Student Aid Report will tell you whether or not you are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. It is, however, up to the Office of Financial Aid to determine the amount of your award based on federal guidelines.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) is also funded by the federal government and is administered by individual colleges. SEOG awards range up to $3,000 per year. Because SEOG funds are limited, they must first be awarded to students with the greatest amount of need (who are also eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants).

State Scholarships/Grants (need based)

Virginia Student Financial Assistance Program is a need-based scholarship program for qualified Virginia residents. It is designed to assist students demonstrating financial need by providing a portion of their college costs. State statute requires that awards be proportional to need, so that students with the greatest need receive the largest awards. This program is divided into two parts: The Commonwealth Grant (formerly known as the Virginia State Undergraduate Program) is available to Virginia residents with demonstrated financial need. These awards range from $2,000 to annual tuition and a portion of required fees and is renewable.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) is available to those needy students who graduate from a Virginia high school and have an academic grade point average of 2.5 or greater. The student has to advance a class level (30 hours) upon completion of each year. The student must be classified as a dependent student in order to qualify. The VGAP award ranges from $2250 to annual tuition and a percentage of required fees and is renewable.

Private Scholarships

Many private scholarships are available to students who attend UVA Wise. Students are encouraged to investigate private scholarship sources on their own. To see what is available, check with high school counselors, trust departments of banks in your hometown, reference departments of libraries, with your employer as well as your parents, business leaders, and local civic organizations.

UVA Wise Scholarships

The Office of Student Financial Aid administers a large number of scholarships from funds that have been provided by generous donors interested in our students. Many of these scholarships are targeted for quality students who demonstrate financial need. Entering freshmen applying under the Early Admission Programs will be considered automatically based on academic information provided by the Office of Admissions. Returning UVA Wise students applying for the first time and incoming transfer students will also be considered based on academic information provided by the Admissions and Registrars Offices. Scholarships will be automatically renewed if students meet the required renewal criteria. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,500.

Federal Direct Loans

The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program provides four types of Direct Loans: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Federal student loans tend to have lower, fixed interest rates, which can make repayment easier. When it comes to borrowing money, student loans are usually considered “good debt.” With student loans, you get a college education, which increases your lifetime earning potential. UVA Wise will work with you and your family to determine which loans are best for you and the appropriate amounts.

College Employment

• Federal Work-Study Program: The primary purpose of the Federal Work-Study Program is to stimulate and promote the part-time employment of students with financial need, providing them funds for college and/or living expenses. Work opportunities are available in almost all departments on campus. Eligible students are employed on the basis of qualifications and the availability of openings. Yearly work-study earnings can range from $500 to $3,000 annually. Due to limited resources provided by the Department of Education, employment opportunities are limited.
• Regular Student Employment: For students who do not qualify for the Federal Work study program, a limited number of on-campus, part-time employment opportunities are available through the College. Students apply directly to the employing department and are paid from departmental funds. Hourly regular student employment earnings range upwards from minimum wage, depending upon the skills required for the job. These work opportunities are not associated with the financial aid office in any way.