Grants

This is the largest federal grant program. The amount awarded is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated when you submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Pell Grants are available year-round (including the summer term).

A lifetime Federal Pell Grant limit that equates to 12 full-time semesters applies. Before the term census (i.e. the last day to drop with a tuition refund for the longest session of the fall, spring, or summer term), Federal Pell Grants are offered based upon anticipated full-time enrollment. Federal Pell awards will be reduced after the term census for less than full-time enrollment and will not be increased if courses are added later in the term.

Federal Pell Grant

This federal program offers grants to eligible students enrolled in at least six eligible credits. You must show exceptional financial need and be pursuing your first baccalaureate degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant may be offered to qualified students who are enrolled at least half-time, demonstrate financial need and are domiciled residents of Virginia.

Virginia Commonwealth Award

This program provides awards up to the cost of tuition and fees to eligible students who graduated from a Virginia high school with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and who are residents of Virginia. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for renewal and awards may only be received two times while attending NOVA (once per grade level). To be considered for VGAP, you must submit a final, official high school transcript to the Financial Aid Office in addition to completing the financial aid application.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)

These grants are funded by the Virginia Community College System and can be applied toward tuition for qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Recipients must be domiciled residents of Virginia and be enrolled in 1-11 required credits per term.

This program provides assistance to Virginia residents who have financial need and are enrolled in at least six required credits per term.

Different types of emergency aid may be available for students who have experienced an unexpected financial emergency that threatens their continued enrollment and success at NOVA. Emergency aid includes the Student Success Fund which is managed by the Office of Financial Stability and Advocacy and the Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund which is managed by the Financial Aid Office. Other types of emergency aid may be available. Contact those offices directly to explore your options and to discuss other available resources. Consider submitting an income appeal if your financial situation has been negatively  impacted.

The G3 initiative provides an opportunity for Virginia residents to earn a college credential that meets critical employer demands. G3 is a last-dollar grant for eligible students after other grant aid is applied. Awards may be up to tuition and fees minus any grant aid/tuition benefits, and may include a textbook stipend.  Funding is available for certain credit and non-credit programs.

To potentially qualify for G3 for credit programs, applicants must apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA or VASA application each award year, submit all required myNOVA To Do Items, enroll in at least 6 required credits in an eligible G3 program, have total household income that is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level as reported on the FAFSA, and qualify for in-state tuition. If household income has declined within the last two years, students are encouraged to submit an income appeal after they apply for financial aid.

Dual placement in non-G3 programs is not permitted. Students with a bachelor's degree or higher can qualify for G3, but not the Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG). The SSIG provides up to $2,250 per year for eligible students who are enrolled full-time and receive full Federal Pell Grants based on a Student Aid Index (SAI) between -1,500 and 0.  A textbook stipend of $500 for full-time enrollment, $375 for three-quarter-time enrollment, and $250 for half-time enrollment may be awarded per term.

G3 is a limited pool of funds and is awarded on a first-come/first-served basis as eligibility is determined. Academic (credit) students who are awarded G3 funding have 3 years (i.e. 9 consecutive terms including the summer term) to complete their G3-eligible associate’s degree. 

G3 Initiative

The VCCS Grant is awarded as a last dollar grant. To potentially qualify, students must have remaining need, be Virginia residents, enroll in at least one financial aid eligible credit, have a Student Aid Index (SAI) between -1,500 and 13,000, and NOT have a bachelor’s degree or higher degree. The award amount may cover the remaining tuition balance up to $500 per term.

This grant provides tuition and fees at any Virginia community college for high school graduates or General Education Development (GED) completers who were in foster care, in the custody of a social services agency, or considered a special needs adoption at the time of graduation or completion of their GED. You must be enrolled in at least six required credits.

You may be eligible to receive a Maximum Pell Grant, even if you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant based on your Student Aid Index, but

• you meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements;
• your parent or guardian died in the line of duty while either (a) serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and
• you are under 33 years old as of January 1 of the year prior to the start of the school year.

This program provides eligible students up to $10,000 per academic year (a maximum of $5,000 per semester) toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges. Awards will be reduced for less than full-time enrollment and canceled if you are enrolled less than half-time.