There are a number of funding opportunities, including grants, scholarships, and loans available to applicants and cadets enrolled at VMI.

Grants

Virginia State Grant Programs - These grants/waivers may be awarded to bona fide residents of Virginia who meet the awarding criteria published by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV).  These awards include the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, Commonwealth Award, State Cadetship, and Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. Awards are renewable based on the applicant meeting SCHEV requirements.

Federal Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - These awards are federal grants that do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on demonstrated need. These awards are renewable based on demonstrated need and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.  Applicants must submit, annually, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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Scholarships

Whatever their purpose, all scholarships at VMI share one attribute, which is perhaps the most important of all: They provide young people with the opportunity to receive a truly remarkable education that is meant to transform them into honorable, purposeful and capable citizen-soldiers.

VMI and Foundation - Named Scholarships - These 500+ scholarships for students are used to replace VMI Local Scholarships funds based on donor restrictions/preferences and can be need-based or non-need-based aid.  Awards may be renewable based on the applicant continuing to meet donor preferences and as funds are available.  The VMI Financial Aid Office will match scholarships to applicants using individual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  There is no separate application process.

Merit Scholarships - VMI merit scholarships are awarded, and renewed, on the basis of academic performance, as prescribed by the Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of the Faculty, the awarding academic department, or the scholarship’s MOU. For incoming students, a separate application must be completed to apply for the Institute Scholars program.

ROTC Scholarships - These service-specific scholarships from the Federal Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) are awarded by their respective service component based on academic achievement, physical fitness, and proven leadership standards.  Disenrollment may mean recipients have to repay their scholarships if they fail to commission. Awards are renewable based on the applicants meeting their service’s requirements.

Call to Duty Scholarships - These VMI scholarships provide additional funding to qualified, appointed students who are recipients of the three and four-year ROTC national scholarships. Funds cover housing and food (room and board) costs, and are awarded through a separate application (coming soon) after all types of other financial aid, excluding loans, have been applied.

Athletic Scholarships - VMI athletic scholarships are initially awarded based on the evaluation of athletic talent as determined by each head coach.  Awards are renewable based on performance and at the discretion of each respective head coach.

Virginia Resident Scholarships - As a state school, there are a number of scholarships offered by the Commonwealth through VMI and through state-level awards.

DoD SMART Scholarship Program - The Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. Benefits for recipients include full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation.

VFRW Political Studies Scholarships - The Virginia Federation of Republican Women awards two $1000 scholarships each year to Republican women working to promote Republican principles on campus and in their daily lives.

Substance Abuse Awareness College Scholarship Application - By providing financial assistance to help pay for books, tuition, or daily expenses, Addictions.com hopes to encourage more students to get involved and become advocates who will raise awareness about the risks and dangers of addiction.

Student Veteran Scholarships - The Berkman Foundation supports student veterans majoring in any discipline with $1,000 scholarships to thank them for their service and to support the transition to their next career. 

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Loans for Students

The Office of Financial Aid will indicate each student's eligibility for the federal direct loans on their Financial Aid Award. Students who choose to borrow a Federal Direct Student Loan must complete a Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note), Entrance Counseling, and Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement which can be done online at the Federal Student Aid website. The Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) and Entrance Counseling only need to be completed the first year that students borrow the Federal Direct Student Loan. Please refer to the Federal Aid page for more information.

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Additional Benefits and Awards

Veteran Affairs (VA) Benefits - Chapter 33: Post 911, Chapter 35, and Chapter 1606.  Awards are renewable based on the Department of Veteran Affairs’ requirements and VMI’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. For more information: please contact Mr. Pervis Binns by email binnspd@vmi.edu or call 540-464-7164.

Outside Awards - VMI commends students that take the initiative to earn outside awards. Outside awards must be reported to the Financial Aid Office. All sources of financial aid must stay within a student's cost of attendance and a student's need eligibility as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When a student receives an outside award, there are times that the award or other financial aid will be reduced/changed to accommodate. Please contact the Financial Aid Office with specific questions or concerns about how an outside award will be applied to a student’s aid package.

SNAP Benefits - Cadets may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which allows individuals use a SNAP account to buy eligible food items from authorized retailers. To find out more about SNAP and eligibility requirements you can visit the federal SNAP website.  If you live in the state of Virginia you can visit the state website for more information about benefits and eligibility.