Virginia State University (VSU) has unveiled an initiative that provides access for an estimated 275 students who live near the VSU campus to attend the University at no cost for tuition. The initiative is part of The Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) which seeks to address the regional needs relating to access and completion.
The initiative could mark the first time in Virginia that a university is offering free tuition and some portion of room and board to eligible graduating high school seniors based on their locality and real access to a four-year university.
VSU is leading the VCAN initiative and will provide access for an estimated 275 Pell eligible students annually who live within the proximity of the campus (Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie County, Henrico County, Hopewell City, Petersburg City, Prince George County and Richmond City) and desire access to a University that can provide a quality education and experience. Priority is placed on students from Matoaca, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights high schools.
“At Virginia State University, we continue to embrace our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University,” says VSU President, Makola M. Abdullah. “This initiative directly aligns with our Strategic Plan as it allows us to directly impact students who dream of access to a quality four-year university, yet lack financial resources to attend.”
To qualify, students must be Pell grant eligible, meet the University admission requirements, and live within a 25-mile radius of the University. This initiative provides qualified students, who have limited financial resources, the option to attend a four-year university directly out of high school.
The VSU VCAN initiative builds upon the mission of the National College Access Network; which is to build, strengthen, and empower communities committed to college access and success, especially for those who are underrepresented in postsecondary education.
To qualify student must:
- Complete theVSU online applicationand meet admission requirements
- Have a completed FAFSA on file with VSU (Virginia State University's school code is 003764) and be Pell-eligible
- Live 25 miles away from VSU's campus
- Be a first-time freshman
VCAN Questions should be directed to theVCAN Director & Strategic Initiatives:
Dr. July P. Coleman
jpcoleman@vsu.edu
804-524-5641