Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant

CICV is proud to have played an instrumental role in starting the state's Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program. VTAG provides annual grants to Virginia residents who are full-time students at an eligible private college or university. In 2020-21, approximately 23,000 Virginia residents will receive a non-need based tuition grant of $3,520 (undergraduate) and $1,760 (graduate students in health professions).

The award amount is based on the number of eligible students and the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Awards are automatically renewed provided the student continues to meet eligibility requirements and has not exceeded the maximum number of years of eligibility.

Beginning with the fall of 2020, new incoming students enrolled in an online education or distance learning program are not eligible to receive awards from the Tuition Assistance Grant Program. However, existing students enrolled in online or distance learning programs as of the 2019-20 academic year shall remain eligible to receive awards of up to $3,400 for no more than four years from the Tuition Assistance Grant Program.

Students do NOT have to:

Pay VTAG back
Demonstrate financial need
File a financial statement/financial aid application

The 2021-2022 VTAG Application is not yet available. The initial application deadline is July 31, 2021. Once you have decided what institution to attend, complete and submit the VTAG Application to your institution’s financial aid office.

History of TAG

Established in 1972, the initiation of the VTAG program required General Assembly action and a constitutional amendment which was approved by a state-wide referendum. The program is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, non-profit colleges and universities in Virginia for other than religious training or theological education. The VTAG is authorized in Chapter 4.1 Section 23-38.11 through 18 of the Code of Virginia as the Tuition Assistance Grant Act.

CICV coordinates the advocacy of Virginia's independent colleges for increased funding for VTAG and other programs assisting students at independent colleges. The administration of the program is handled by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

TAG Program Tax Contribution

Virginia law allows taxpayers to voluntarily donate all or part of their income tax refund to one or more qualified organizations, including the VTAG program. To make a contribution to the VTAG program on your tax return, see the instructions for Virginia Schedule ADJ (use Code 85). You may also send your contributions directly to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Additional information can be found on the Virginia Department of Taxation website.