Historically Black Virginia State University has announced a new program that will provide access for an estimated 300 students who live near the 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 four-year university is granting real access by offering free tuition and some portion of room and board to eligible graduating high school seniors based on need and locality.
To qualify, students must be Pell Grant eligible, meet the university admission requirements, and live within a 25-mile radius of campus. This initiative provides qualified students, who have limited financial resources, the option to attend a four-year university directly out of high school.
Makola M. Abdullah, president of Virginia State, stated that “we continue to embrace our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University. 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.”
