G3 funding covers tuition, fees, and a book allowance minus any grant aid — all forms of federal, state, and institutional grants in addition to tuition waivers, Chapter 33, and employer tuition reimbursement. Books cannot exceed $500 per term for full-time attendance and will be prorated to $375 for three-quarter time and $250 for half-time.
G3 Funding is only available to cover VCCS “approved” G3 academic programs. Those programs include multiple or stacked academic program plans. To qualify, all of your educational program plans must meet G3 requirements.
Once qualified, G3 funding includes academic performance requirements to stay eligible. A student must stay on track to finish in three (3) years and can take a break between classes while remaining on grant funding. Students must complete their academic program within three (3) years or nine (9) consecutive semesters.
G3 Requirements
- Virginia residents (in-state students only)
- At least ½ time (6 or more credits) enrolled ONLY in G3 academic program(s)
- Be Title IV aid eligible, as determined by a FAFSA with completed checklist items
- Be meeting SAP (satisfactory academic progress)
- Less than or equal to 400% of the Poverty Guidelines (see chart below)
- Has the remaining need for tuition, fees, and books after all other grant aid and waivers are calculated
Additional Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) Benefits
The Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) for full Pell recipients will equal $900 per term for full-time attendance in the fall and spring and $450 for full-time attendance in the summer term. Awards will be reduced for students who withdraw or stop attending through the 60% point of the semester, similar to the VGAP and COMA programs. The SSIG will be disbursed in two installments each semester, with the first one occurring after the semester census date and the second one delayed until the end of the term to confirm the student did not withdraw or stop attending.
G3 funds can make up the difference between what federal or state financial aid pays for. That means the G3 funds can bridge the gap in tuition and mandatory fees for your chosen eligible major. A book stipend is also available, based on the enrollment level for the semester.
Individuals enrolling in a designated short-term credential program must provide documentation of household income or eligibility for federal assistance programs.
Additional Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) Benefits
- Full-time (12 or more credit hours in the fall, spring, and summer semesters) and must receive a full Federal Pell Grant with an Student Aid Index (SAI) between -1,500 and 0 (zero)
- Students must pass/earn 30 or more credit hours to continue qualifying for the Student Support Incentive Grant
- Cannot have a Bachelor degree
This additional assistance (SSIG) is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student has to work so that he or she can spend more time studying.
2024 Federal Poverty Guideline Chart
| # IN HOUSEHOLD | FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINE | 400% |
| 1 | $15,060 | $60,240 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $81,760 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $103,280 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $124,800 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $146,320 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $167,840 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $189,360 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $210,880 |
| 9 | $58,100 | $232,400 |
| 10 | $63,480 | $253,920 |
| 11 | $68,860 | $275,440 |
Am I eligible for G3?
If you are a Virginia resident who meets the requirements below, you are eligible for G3:
- Be eligible for Virginia in-state tuition,
- Have a total household income less than or equal to 400% of the federal poverty level (roughly $111,000 for a family of four),
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a Virginia public community college in an approved program,
- Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester,
- Apply for federal and state financial aid programs for which they may be eligible.
Do I need a high school diploma or GED to receive G3?
A high school diploma or GED is not required to receive G3 funding, but may be required for specific programs.
Is G3 “free community college?”
Yes and no.
G3 provides tuition assistance if you are under a specific income level – and only for specific educational programs. Additionally, G3 is a “last dollar” program, which means after other grant aid is taken into consideration first, G3 assistance makes up the difference, so if you meet all the eligibility requirements, it would bring your total out-of-pocket costs to $0.
How does G3 tuition assistance work?
G3 assistance makes up the difference between what federal or state financial aid pays for and the cost of tuition, fees and books. This means if you enroll in a G3-eligibile certificate or degree program, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also be required to provide documentation of household income or eligibility for federal assistance.
If you want to come to school and get certifications or a degree that leads to a career, we can help you find money to make it happen — through G3 or other funding.
Do I have to enroll as full-time student?
G3 is for full- and part-time students.
If you are a part-time student, you must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours (usually two classes) per semester or in an otherwise approved short-term program.
You may also receive additional financial assistance if you qualify for full Federal Pell Grants and enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours in fall and spring semesters, and 6 credit hours in summer — usually four and two classes, respectively). This additional assistance is intended to help offset costs outside of the classroom so you can focus on school without worrying about other expenses.
Additionally, to stay eligible for G3, you must also maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Is there a time limit for G3 tuition assistance?
As long as you continue pursuing the same G3 educational program, you have three years to complete an associate degree.
If you complete a certificate with your chosen G3 track and stop school to work, you will still be eligible for G3 tuition assistance if you return within one year. After returning, you then have two years to complete your associate degree before funding expires.
You’ve mentioned both associate degrees and certificate programs. What’s the difference and how do they fit into G3?
An important benefit of G3 assistance is that it applies to different pathways to student success, depending on a person’s individual needs and circumstances.
Many programs at Virginia Peninsula Community College are made up of multiple levels of training. For some programs, your first semester or two will be made up of specialized training. By the end of those training programs, you’ll take a certification exam and earn a workplace credential. Then, you’ll take additional courses and training to earn an associate degree.
Some jobs only require a workplace certification, while other jobs may require an associate degree. This program gives you both.
Programs that are eligible for G3 tuition assistance are stackable, which means you could graduate with two workplace certifications and an associate degree — three for the price of one!
What are some of the benefits G3 tuition assistance?
G3 will provide you with the financial freedom to upgrade your skills and prepare you for the right career, right where you live, right now. This assistance will help remove the financial barrier of higher education and will get you to the job that will best support you and your family.
With G3 assistance, you’ll also be studying in career fields that are actively hiring in Virginia.
After I graduate, am I guaranteed a job?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a job after going through a G3-eligible program.
Because G3 is offered at Virginia Peninsula Community College, there are student support services like the G3 advisors which can help you find a job as you approach graduation. Virginia Peninsula Community College is also actively working with local businesses to learn more about open jobs, career fairs and other opportunities to connect students with positions after they graduate.
Are G3 programs transferable?
Because G3 program offerings will vary from college to college to match the local business needs in the community, not all programs will be transferable to four-year universities. Your advisor can work with you and the college you’re interested in attending to determine if your program is eligible for transfer.
I’m ready! How do I apply for G3?
You can apply for G3 tuition assistance as part of the regular enrollment process at Virginia Peninsula Community College.