The VHCC Financial Aid office can provide information on various types of Federal and State Financial Aid. Federal Regulations prohibit a student from receiving financial aid from more than one institution in the same semester.
Federal
Federal Pell Grant -- Students may apply for this federally-funded program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This non-repayable grant is available to eligible curricular students. Maximum award for the 2023-2024 & 2024-2025 academic year is $7,395 for full-time students. Award amount for 2023-2024 is determined by enrollment status and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Award amount for 2024-2025 is determined by enrollment status and the SAI.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant -(FSEOG) Students with exceptional financial need who otherwise would not be able to attend college may receive this non-repayable grant. FSEOG awards generally range from $100-$500. Pell grant eligibility is required for receipt of FSEOG.
Federal Work Study - (FWS) Numerous jobs are available during the summer and academic year for eligible students.
Alternative Student Loan Program - Alternative loans, also called private loans, are offered by lending institutions as an additional source of funds for higher education. These funds are not part of the federal government loan programs; VHCC does not participate in the Stafford or Plus student loan programs.
State
Commonwealth Award- (COMA) - Students receiving the COMA must be domiciled in Virginia, show financial need by means of needs analysis and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis(at least six credits). Funding is provided solely by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Award amount is determined by enrollment status.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)- Students receiving VGAP must meet requirements similar to COMA recipients. However, students must have achieved a 2.5 G.P.A in high school, have exceptional financial need and maintain full-time enrollment as a dependent student. Awards vary from $400 to $1900 for tuition, fees and books. Renewal students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. and continuous full-time enrollment.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program - (PTAP) This VCCS-funded grant provides tuition assistance only to students in a degree or certificate program who enroll in 1 to 8 credits.
Student financial aid at Virginia Highlands Community College is awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by the formula set forth by Congress. The Department of Education's Central Processing System (CPS) is responsible for analyzing all FAFSA information and calculating an Student Aid Index (SAI).
VHCC Disbursement Process
Disbursement of federal and state grant funds to student accounts will occur approximately two weeks following the last day to add a class for the semester. A notification of the disbursement date will be posted on the VHCC website. In approximately 2 weeks after this date, students may expect to receive any refund check that they are entitled to after tuition, and approved charges are deducted. Checks will be mailed to the address of the student listed in the Student Information System/PeopleSoft.
Contact the Financial Aid Office in the ISC Building for more information.