Grants

Grants are need based gift aid that does not have to be repaid. 

A student's eligibility for grant funds is determined by demonstrated need which is ed on their EFC which is calculated when a FAFSA is completed.  In order to be considered for all grant programs a student must complete their FAFSA and all requested documents by the priority deadline of March 1st.

Effective for the 2024-2025 academic year, as a part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the EFC will be replaced by the Student Aid Index or SAI.  The SAI will be utilized to help determine student eligibility for all grant programs.  

Federal Grant List

Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a subsidy grant provided by the federal government.  It is need based and awarded based on the family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA.  Pell grants are awarded to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor's degree.  Pell Grant aid will vary based on a student's EFC and enrollment status (derived from number of credit hours a student is enrolled in each semester).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a Federal grant program for students with exceptional demonstrated need.  Students must be Pell Grant eligible and seeking their first Bachelor's degree to be considered for SEOG.

Students seeking consideration for this grant must submit their FAFSA application and any requested financial aid documents, before the priority deadline date.  This must be completed each aid award year.

Federal TEACH Grant
The federal grant program for students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school, that serves students from low-income families in a high need field.  The grant is awarded to students who apply and meet the defined program requirements.  If you are awarded a TEACH Grant and change majors or do not complete the service requirements, the grant will become a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and subject to all standard repayment obligations.

State Grant List

Virginia Commonwealth Award
The Virginia Commonwealth Award is a state funded grant program for undergraduate (at state supported Virginia institutions) Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need. 

  • Student must be a Virginia resident, admitted into a Virginia public two- or four- year college or university.
  • Student must be enrolled at least half-time in an approved degree program, while seeking their first Bachelor's degree.
  • Student must meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Student must meet and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.

Students seeking consideration for this grant must submit their FAFSA application and any requested financial aid documents, before the priority deadline date (Mar 1).  This must be completed each aid award year.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)

The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program is a state funded need based grant program, for dependent students who are Virginia residents and meet the following criteria:

  • Student must be a dependent student & Virginia resident.
  • Student must graduate from a Virginia high school, with a 2.5 GPA.
  • Student's FAFSA must demonstrate exceptional financial need.
  • Student must be enrolled full time

VGAP may be renewed for up three years if the student continues to meet the following renewal criteria:

  • Maintains in-state residency
  • Is a dependent Student
  • FAFSA demonstrate exceptional financial need
  • Maintains a 2.5 minimum GPA
  • Maintains Full time enrollment
  • Maintains satisfactory academic progress
  • Meets FAFSA and FAFSA document priority submission deadline each year
  • Increases to the next grade level upon completion of each full year

Students seeking consideration for this grant must submit their FAFSA application and any requested financial aid documents, before the priority deadline date (Mar 1).  This must be completed each aid award year.

Virginia Transfer Grant (VTG)

The Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant Program is a need-based grant program for transfer students who have earned an Associate degree at a Virginia community college and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Students that are returning for the Spring term will see the Virginia Transfer Grant as a memo toward account charges. New students who are eligible to receive the award, will see it post after SCHEV certification. This occurs after Radford University’s census date. 
  • Students cannot exceed a maximum Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $12,000.
  • Students must have enrolled as a first-time freshman in the two-year program, completed the associate degree program, and enrolled full-time in a Virginia four-year college or university the following Fall or Spring semester. 
  • Students must complete the Virginia Transfer Grant application and submit their final official transcripts with degree conferral date for consideration.
  • Continuing students must maintain full-time enrollment, minimum EFC requirements, and a cumulative 3.00 GPA or higher to renew the grant.

VA Transfer Grant applicant review cannot take place until after Radford University's census date each semester.

Radford University Academic Calendar

Institutional Grants

Highlander Grant

An institution funded grant program that began in Fall 2004 is awarded to students who have exceptional financial need and meet the priority application deadline each year.