UVA Wise’s Within Reach Program Gives New Opportunity to Students Whose Families Earn $80,000 or Less

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) announced this week that it will now serve families who earn $80,000 or less through the Within Reach program, which provides tuition and fees for Virginia students. 

The College has been helping students whose families earn $40,000 or less since 2019, when the Within Reach program debuted. This fall, leaders at UVA Wise decided to double the income threshold covered by the initiative—which not only covered tuition but also fees.

"At UVA Wise, we not only believe in the transformative power of higher education for all individuals, but have prioritized affordable access to an excellent and well-rounded college experience,” says UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry. “We’re excited to be able to build on that commitment through Within Reach once more.”

In the Within Reach program, UVA Wise packages students through a combination of need-based financial aid and scholarships to cover tuition and fees. Utilizing these funding sources means that students who qualify for Within Reach are never required to pay the costs of tuition and fees. Instead, those costs are provided by a combination of state and federal grants as well as merit and need-based scholarships. 

Chancellor Henry emphasizes that the College has received and continues to advocate for state and federal financial aid for decades that assists students in earning a higher education. She also applauds the generous gifts of many benefactors, who have created numerous scholarships as well. 

When packaged together, these funds have allowed generations of students at UVA Wise to attend college and graduate with little to no debt. In fact, prior to implementing Within Reach, UVA Wise was named a “Top Bang for Your Buck” college by Washington Monthly, which it remains today. It is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Top Performer on Social Mobility. 

“It is very important that we continue to offer programs that provide both flexibility and affordability to students,” says Jeffrey Baylor, vice chancellor for enrollment management. “We understand our responsibility to the people of Southwest Virginia, and this is just one way we can continue to serve our mission.”

The College has opened applications for its spring 2025 and fall 2025 terms. Interested students should visit www.uvawise.edu/apply.