Financial Aid Award Programs
SCHOLARSHIP AND GRANT PROGRAMS
Scholarship awards are most often determined by academic performance or active involvement in extracurricular activities. Grants are need-based awards, meaning that a FAFSA is required to be considered for a grant award. Grants are awarded to students in lower Expected Family Contribution (EFC) ranges. Scholarships and grants are free and do not require repayment.
THE HIGHLANDER DISTINCTION SCHOLARSHIP is Radford University’s academic merit scholarship program. Highlander Distinction Scholarships are awarded to first-time freshmen who meet the academic criteria based on academic achievement. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters if the student continues to meet the renewal criteria as defined in the scholarship letter.
THE HIGHLANDER HEROES SCHOLARSHIP is Radford University Carilion’s academic merit scholarship program. Highlander Heroes Scholarships are awarded to first-time freshmen who meet the academic criteria based on academic achievement. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters if the student continues to meet the renewal criteria as defined in the scholarship letter.
RADFORD UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS provide approximately $2 million in donor-based funds each year to students. Application is required by the deadline. General information about Foundation Scholarships may be found at https://radford.academicworks.com.
RADFORD UNIVERSITY NEED-BASED GRANTS, such as the Highlander Grant, are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Award amounts vary and may change as available resources increase or decrease. Timely submission of the FAFSA is required.
FEDERAL PELL GRANT is need-based federal funding awarded in accordance with the family’s EFC as determined by the FAFSA. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor’s degree, and award amount will vary based on the student’s EFC and the number of credit hours a student is enrolled each semester.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG) is a federal assistance grant reserved for college students with the greatest need for financial aid. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.
VIRGINIA GUARANTEED ASSISTANCE GRANT (VGAP OR VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH AWARD) is a need-based grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia, available to eligible full-time Virginia residents attending a public institution in Virginia. Timely submission of a FAFSA is required to determine eligibility. These funds do not require repayment.
VIRGINIA TRANSFER GRANT (VTG) is a state-funded grant awarded to Virginia residents who have financial need, have earned an associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have transferred to a four-year nonprofit college or university. Additional criteria apply, including submission of VTG application. This grant review will not take place until after the start of each semester and is not included in the initial financial aid offer.
OUTSIDE/PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS are offered by many organizations and places of employment. Students should inquire directly with organizations or companies for scholarship information. Students should also speak with school counselors about scholarship opportunities.
Loan Programs
Loans can be taken out by students or parents and must be repaid. Repayment terms vary based on the type of loan that is borrowed.
FEDERAL DIRECT SUBSIDIZED DIRECT LOANS are based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Interest will not be charged before repayment begins because the federal government “subsidizes” the interest while students are in school. Participating students are required to complete loan documents and will automatically be processed for the entire amount for which a student is eligible. However, if a student does not want or require the full amount, lesser amounts may be accepted.
FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED DIRECT LOANS are available to any eligible student and are not based on need. The student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed to the time the loan is repaid in full. Participating students are required to complete loan documents and will automatically be processed for the entire amount for which a student is eligible. However, if a student does not want or require the full amount, lesser amounts may be accepted.
FEDERAL PARENT PLUS LOAN is dependent upon a credit check and approval by the Department of Education. Amounts vary. If a parent (biological, adoptive or step) is denied a PLUS loan due to credit, the student may be eligible for $4,000 in additional unsubsidized loans. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more and apply.
Student Employment
There are various ways that students can have a job on campus. Students are required to apply for all positions
FEDERAL WORK STUDY positions are offered to students who establish need through the FAFSA. Students who are awarded Federal Work Study are given first priority for open positions. Students typically work 12-15 hours per week and are paid minimum wage. You are required to find a position on campus through the job portal, Handshake. All positions that are not filled after the first week of fall semester are then open for all students to apply.
PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT is offered through various campus partners, such as Chartwell’s, which manages dining services, and Barnes and Noble, which manages the bookstore. Students can complete the application process as outlined by the respective companies.
Renewal Information: Eligibility is determined each year through submission of the FAFSA. Refile FAFSA by annual priority deadline of February 1st.
Requirements: Requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Other Payment Opportunities
Students and families often seek other options to help pay their education expenses. These are some common payment opportunities.
RADFORD UNIVERSITY MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN is offered through Nelnet, by which a student or parent, guardian or sponsor of a student can make monthly payments for out-of-pocket expenses. Payment plans are available each semester for five, four or three payments. A low-cost enrollment fee will be applied. Enroll at www.radford.edu/payment-plan.
529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS are managed through the Office of the Bursar. Participants with an Invest529 or Prepaid529 plan can learn more by visiting www.radford.edu/savings-plans. *Please note that multiple tuition only awards can impact offered aid.
MILITARY BENEFITS are initiated through the Office of the Registrar, which provides information for all veteran and dependents benefits. All official certification of enrollment and program changes are processed to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Buffalo, New York. All questions can be directed to registrar@radford.edu.
*Please note that receipt of multiple tuition-only awards can impact offered aid, such as tuition restricted grants and scholarships.
As of the Fall 2021 semester, Radford University will not apply VMSDEP waivers retroactively. Eligible waivers are applied to current or future terms as determined by DVS. The student’s name must be on the semester roster in the VMSDEP portal before the last day of the specific term in order for the waiver to be posted.
Award Renewal Information
Satisfactory Academic Progress
***Federal regulations require that financial aid recipients must be making progress toward a degree meeting a minimum cumulative grade point average, and progressing toward degree completion in a timely manner. Financial aid programs that are affected by this policy includes grants, loans, Federal Work Study, Federal Parent Loans (PLUS), and some Alternative Loan programs.***
Radford University Merit Scholarships
Renewal Information: Renewal is automatic with maintenance of necessary grade point average and completed hours.
Requirements: Requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and 24 completed hours.
Radford University Foundation Awards
Renewal Information: To be considered, apply annually. Application is available in December and due early February.
Requirements: Complete foundation scholarship application annually. Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Foundation Scholarship Information
Radford University Need-based Grants
Renewal Information: Eligibility is determined each year through submission of the FAFSA. Refile FAFSA by annual priority deadline of December 1st. Awards are based on availability of resources.
Requirements: Requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance or Virginia Commonwealth Grant
Renewal Information: Eligibility is determined each year through submission of the FAFSA. Refile FAFSA by annual priority deadline of December 1st.
Requirements: Requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Progress to next class standing each academic year. Maintain permanent domicile in Virginia.
Virginia Two-year College Transfer Grant
Renewal Information: Maintain permanent domicile in Virginia. Must be enrolled full time. FAFSA EFC must be $12,000 or less. Awarded for no more than three years.
Requirements: None
All Federal Aid (Grants and Loans)
Renewal Information: Eligibility is determined each year through submission of the FAFSA.
Requirements: Maintain satisfactory academic progress by class level. See the full policy at www.radford.edu/progress.