Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant

CICV is proud to have played an instrumental role in starting the state's Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program. TAG provides annual grants to Virginia residents who are full-time students at an eligible private college or university. In 2021-22, approximately 22,000 Virginia residents (whether undergraduate or graduate in health professions) will receive a non-need based tuition grant of $4,500.

The award amount is based on the number of eligible students and the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Awards are automatically renewed provided the student continues to meet eligibility requirements and has not exceeded the maximum number of years of eligibility.

Beginning with the fall of 2021, new incoming students enrolled in an online education or distance learning program will receive TAG awards of $2,250 (both undergraduate and graduate in health professions only). However, existing students who were enrolled in online or distance learning programs as of the 2019-20 academic year shall remain eligible to receive awards of up to $3,400 for no more than four years from the Tuition Assistance Grant Program.

Students do NOT have to:

Pay TAG back
Demonstrate financial need
File a financial statement/financial aid application

Here you'll find the 2023-2024 TAG Application. The initial application deadline is July 31, 2023. Once you have decided what institution to attend, complete and submit the TAG Application to your institution’s financial aid office.

History of TAG

Established in 1972, the initiation of the TAG program required General Assembly action and a constitutional amendment which was approved by a state-wide referendum. The program is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, non-profit colleges and universities in Virginia for other than religious training or theological education. The TAG is authorized in Chapter 4.1 Section 23-38.11 through 18 of the Code of Virginia as the Tuition Assistance Grant Act.

CICV coordinates the advocacy of Virginia's independent colleges for increased funding for TAG and other programs assisting students at independent colleges. The administration of the program is handled by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

TAG Program Tax Contribution

Virginia law allows taxpayers to voluntarily donate all or part of their income tax refund to one or more qualified organizations, including the TAG program. To make a contribution to the TAG program on your tax return, see the instructions for Virginia Schedule ADJ (use Code 85). You may also send your contributions directly to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Additional information can be found on the Virginia Department of Taxation website.