Virginia Commonwealth Award (RU Grant / Commonwealth Award)

What is a Virginia Commonwealth Award?

Virginia Commonwealth Award is a need-based state funded grant program. A Radford University Grant recipient must be a legal resident of Virginia and demonstrate financial need. The value of these scholarships may vary according to the student's need, but may not exceed the cost of tuition and required fees. You may not receive both an Virginia Commonwealth Award and a VGAP award at the same time.

Funding for this program is limited and in order to be considered you must file your FAFSA by the March 1, 2008 (for the 2008-09 academic year) priority deadline.  Receiving the award for one year does not ensure you will receive it the following year.

How do I qualify?

Students who wish to be considered for the Commonwealth Award Program should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before March 1, 2008 (for the 2008-09 academic year) and before March 1, 2009 (for the 2009-2010 academic year). An RU Grant award will appear on the Award Notification letter for those students receiving this award. You must reapply for financial aid each year. 

Enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress

All financial aid is awarded subject to acceptance or readmission to the University as a regular degree seeking student. A student is eligible for financial assistance if she/he maintains satisfactory academic progress. This progress is reviewed at the end of each spring and/or summer term for the succeeding academic year. Satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes requires that the student maintain a minimum GPA and make progress toward their degree.
 

How much money can I get?

You can receive between $500 and $5,900 a year, depending on when you apply, your level of need, and Radford University's funding level.

How will I be paid at Radford University?

If you are awarded a Commonwealth Award, it will be listed on your award letter as part of your financial aid package. The total amount of your financial aid as shown on your award notification will be paid in installments. Generally, one-half of each award may be disbursed to you each semester upon completion of the verification/review of your file and acceptance of your award. Acceptance of your financial assistance takes place by signing and returning one copy of your financial aid notification letter. To complete the verification/review process, send all requested information to the Financial Aid Office as quickly as possible. You can check the status of your financial aid application by using the Student Information System. After your Commonwealth award has been verified, it will be credited to your student account. Any credit balance remaining on your student account after all University charges have been paid, will be reimbursed to you after the start of the semester.