Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG)

TAG makes private college tuition more affordable for Virginia families. This is money that you do not have to pay back. An undergraduate student could receive somewhere between $11,000 - $12,000 over four years. Graduate students are also eligible for TAG.

What is TAG?
The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) is a program of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which provides annual grants to Virginia residents who are full-time students at eligible nonprofit, private colleges and universities in Virginia.

You don't have to:

• Pay it back
• Demonstrate financial need
• File a financial statement

Who is eligible?
Bona fide residents of Virginia who are full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at eligible private colleges in Virginia. Currently, there are 31 eligible colleges, including all 25 members of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia.

How much is the TAG award?
The estimated undergraduate TAG award for the 2006-2007 academic year is approximately $2,700. The estimated graduate award for 2006-2007 is $1,900. In 2007-2008, the undergraduate award will increase to nearly $3,100.

PLEASE NOTE: The exact amount of the award is determined by the amount appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly and the total number of eligible applicants. The college financial aid offices are only able to provide an estimated award amount to students.

Do I need to apply for TAG?
Yes. Please submit a completed application to the financial aid office of the private college you plan to attend. In order to be eligible for the maximum award amount, you must submit your application by July 31 of the award year.

Application forms for TAG can be obtained from the financial aid offices of Virginia's eligible private colleges or by clicking here.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) or the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) can provide more information.