Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Advocating for Continued Support
Virginia Beach, VA — The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program, a pivotal source of financial support for students attending non-profit private colleges and universities in Virginia, is currently receiving renewed calls for advocacy from parents and educational stakeholders. With the grant amount set at ,125 per academic year, VTAG has been a significant financial aid resource since its inception in 1972, when the Virginia General Assembly approved a statewide referendum to create the program.
Almost half a century later, VTAG is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and continues to play a crucial role in making higher education accessible for in-state students. At Virginia Wesleyan University, located in Virginia Beach, approximately 70% of the student body benefits from this grant, enabling many students to pursue their educational goals without the burden of additional financial debt. Looking to the future, there is optimism for an increase in the grant, anticipated to rise to ,250 for the 2025-26 academic year.
One of the key features of the VTAG is that students are not required to repay the grant nor demonstrate financial need, making it an appealing option for many families. This non-repayment condition has made VTAG an attractive benefit for families seeking to alleviate the financial pressures typically associated with college education.
Jason Seward, Associate Vice President of Campus Life and Operational Management at Virginia Wesleyan, highlighted the university’s commitment to mobilizing its community in support of VTAG. He stated, “We make a concerted effort to have a grassroots campaign where our students, our families, our faculty, our staff are writing our representatives, writing the governor’s office to tell them how important that program is and to keep its funding at its current level but also looking for those increases.”
In a concerted effort to bolster the grant’s funding, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia has requested an increase of the VTAG to ,000. In response to the campaign for greater financial support, a petition has been launched online, urging families to reach out to lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of VTAG funding, and expressing gratitude for the existing program.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the call for increased state support highlights the vital role that initiatives like VTAG play in fostering equitable access to higher education. Advocates stress that consistent funding and potential increases in this grant are essential for sustaining educational opportunities for Virginia’s students, ensuring a more accessible and inclusive academic environment.
