Financial challenges should never hinder achieving your educational goals, especially here at Virginia Peninsula. Thanks to our federal and state partners, we can offer grant programs which can provide valuable financial assistance to eligible students, helping cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. These need-based grants are designed to support many students, including those pursuing degrees, certificates, or workforce training programs. Explore the various grant programs available and take the first step toward an affordable, high-quality education.
Federal Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant Program, the largest available grant, is awarded by the federal government based on financial need. It is an entitlement program, meaning the money will be provided if the student qualifies. All students who do not have a bachelor’s degree are automatically considered for this grant by the federal processor upon filing a FAFSA each year. Awards are made throughout the school year. For 2024-2025, the maximum award is $7,395 for a student with a Student Aid Index (SAI) range of -$1,500 to zero ($0). The Department of Education may adjust this figure yearly. Starting in the Fall (2024) semester, Pell Grant awards will be prorated based on each credit hour a student is enrolled in. Please click here for more detailed Pell Grant information: SAI & Pell Grant Info.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
A student who is not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and dies as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Eligible students must be under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least half-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The grant is equal to the maximum Pell Grant for the award year – not to exceed the cost of attendance for that award year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides federal funds to Virginia Peninsula Community College for making awards to students with exceptional financial need. Students attending at least half-time are eligible for FSEOG. FSEOG awards are made on a rolling basis. FSEOG awards vary depending on the need, other aid offered, and appropriated funds. FSEOG is awarded until funds are exhausted.
State Grant Programs
Commonwealth Grant (COMA)
COMA is a state-funded grant that provides assistance to undergraduate Virginia residents who meet Virginia Peninsula Community College’s priority date and demonstrate financial need to a maximum of tuition and fees per academic year. A minimum of 6 (six) credit hours in financial aid-eligible courses is required each semester to receive COMA.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
VGAP awards range from $500 up to the cost of tuition, fees, and books available to undergraduate residents who graduated from high school with at least a 2.5 grade point average. VGAP also has specific renewal requirements: completion of a Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA) and continued demonstration of financial need; continued enrollment in a program leading to a degree; continued domiciliary residency in Virginia; academic achievement of at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average; maintain full-time status (12 credit hours) each semester of the academic year; maintain continuous enrollment (excluding summer); remain a dependent student according to current federal regulations.
G3 Funding
Visit our G3 Tuition Assistance section for complete details on this program — which is designed to help students pay for college while preparing them for good careers and open jobs in Virginia.
VCCS Programs
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Grant Program (PTAP)
The Part-Time Tuition Assistance Grant Program is a Virginia Community College System grant offered to Virginia state residents who register in eleven (11) or fewer credits. The grant will pay for (up to) a student’s tuition, fees, and books. PTAP is awarded until funds are exhausted.
VCCS Supplemental Grant
The VCCS Grant is a Virginia Community College System grant offered to Virginia state residents with remaining financial need and are registered for at least one (1) credit. The grant will pay tuition and fees. The VCCS Grant is awarded until funds are exhausted.
Great Expectations Foster Youth Program
The Tuition Grant Program provides tuition and fees and is available to foster youth, former foster youth, and special needs adoptees with a high school diploma or GED. Learn more about the Great Expectations Foster Youth Program.