Virginia’s private colleges seek increased state tuition aid

Private colleges in Virginia are seeking more state funding for tuition aid. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant provides a $5,250 reduction in tuition for residents attending private colleges. Many private colleges in the state have a high percentage of students eligible for Pell grants, with 53% of private nonprofit college undergraduates receiving them statewide. Roanoke College has 30% of its students eligible for Pell grants. The federal Pell grant program is facing a $5.4 billion shortfall in 2026. Private colleges are focusing on donor-funded scholarships and building up the state-funded tuition grant fund. They are also watching federal funding changes closely, including borrowing caps on student loans.