Students should file the FAFSA by May 1 to be considered for State Aid.
College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP): This program combines state and federal funds to aid needy undergraduate students at Virginia’s public and private institutions who are enrolled at least half-time (6 semester hours) and who are residents of Virginia. The award cannot exceed half of the student’s remaining need.
Virginia Commonwealth Awards (COMA): The Commonwealth provides grants to qualified students who are domiciled residents of Virginia. Students must enroll at least half-time (6 semester credits) in a qualified degree program. The COMA awards must not exceed the cost of tuition and fees.
Part-time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP): This is a tuition grant for Virginia residents who enroll for 1-6 credits. Fees are not covered under this grant.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP): This is a state grant for dependent students who are Virginia residents, have graduated from a Virginia high school, have at least a 2.5 GPA and are enrolled full-time (12 or more credits). Awards are limited and may include an amount for tuition and books. Awards may be continued for a three-year period provided all eligibility criteria are met. Applicants should send their high school transcripts to the Financial Aid Office.
Foster Children Grant: In 2000, legislation passed that created a new grant program. This program will provide up to tuition and fees at any Virginia community college for high school or GED graduates who were in foster care, in the custody of a social services agency or considered special needs adoption at the time of graduation or completion of the GED.
Each College’s financial aid office is responsible for processing applications and determining individual student awards for the state aid programs.
There is no guarantee that your college will be able to provide enough financial aid to meet all of your remaining need. Each college or university awards state need-based aid beginning with the students meeting the eligibility criteria that have the highest remaining need and continue awarding students based on the institution’s award schedule until the available funds are expended.
LFCC uses the results from your FAFSA and your admissions data to determine your eligibility for the state need-based financial aid programs