Grant Programs

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

Get Skilled, Get a Job, Get Ahead (G3) funding covers tuition, fees, and a book allowance minus any grant aid. This includes 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; this includes multiple/stacked academic program plans. All of your academic program plans MUST meet G3 requirements. Once a student qualifies, G3 funding has academic performance requirements to stay eligible. So long as you stay on track to finish in three (3) years, you can take a break between classes and remain on the grant funding. The student must complete their academic program within three (3) years or nine (9) consecutive semesters.

Additional Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) Benefits: The SSIG for full Pell recipients will equal $900 per term for full-time attendance in the fall and spring terms 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 Requirements:

1. Virginia residents (in-state students only)
2. At least ½ time (6 or more credits) enrolled ONLY in G3 academic program(s)
3. Be Title IV aid eligible, as determined by a FAFSA with completed checklist items
4. Be meeting SAP (satisfactory academic progress)
5. Less than or equal to 400% of the Poverty Guidelines (see chart below)
6. Has the remaining need for tuition, fees, and books after all other grant aid and waivers are calculated

Additional Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) Requirements:

1. Full-time (12 or more credit hours in the fall, spring, and summer semesters) and must receive a full Federal Pell Grant with an SAI between -1,500 and 0 (zero)
2. Students must pass/earn 30 or more credit hours to continue qualifying for the SSIG
3. Cannot have a BA 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.

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.

Foster Grant 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. Students must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits to be eligible, meet satisfactory academic progress standards, and demonstrate financial need. Students receiving other assistance paying tuition and fees are ineligible for this additional grant.