Federal and State Financial Aid Programs

All Federal and State Financial Aid programs require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federal grant program. These grants provide a foundation to which aid from other sources may be added. The amount of aid you can receive depends on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and more. To qualify you must be an eligible undergraduate student who has not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Pell Grants are available to eligible full-time students and part-time students who are taking as little as a one credit course.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

This is a federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional need. This program is administered directly by ESCC. Since these funds are limited, only Pell Grant recipients with the most need will receive these grants which typically range from $400 to $1,000 at ESCC. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time.

Commonwealth Awards

The Virginia Commonwealth Award program provides grants to qualified students who are domiciled residents of Virginia. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 semester credits) in a qualified degree or certificate program. These awards must not exceed the cost of tuition and fee charges.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)

Full-time Virginia-domiciled dependent students who graduated from a Virginia high school with at least a 2.5 grade point average may receive this state grant. If a home school completer: achieve a SAT verbal and math combined score of at least 980 or ACT Composite score of at least 19. Students must be first-time freshmen and may qualify for renewal awards up to three additional years.

This state-funded, need-based grant program is available for Virginia students who are enrolled in one to eight credits in a qualified degree or certificate program. The grant will cover up to the cost of tuition.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

This program provides part-time jobs for students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). Student class schedules, curriculum, and job skills are considered in assigning jobs. Most employment is on-campus; however, additional employment opportunities have been established for off-campus community service employment. Students are paid every two weeks.

CommonHelp is a web-based system that allows Virginia citizens 24/7 easy access to screen and apply for various types of public benefit programs.  These programs are not financial aid for college, but they may provide assistance with other living expenses to make attending college more of a reality:

• Cash Assistance (TANF)
• Child Care Services
• Energy Assistance (Fuel, Crisis and Cooling)
• Food Assistance (SNAP)
• Medical Assistance

The CommonHealth application requires much of the same information as the FAFSA, so it’s a good idea to complete them at the same time.