Federal Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant Program, the largest grant program available, is awarded by the federal givernment on the basis of financial need. It is an entitlement program, which means that if the student qualifies, the money will be provided. All students who do not have a bachelor's degree are automatically considered for this grant by the federal processor upon filling a FAFSA. Awards are made throughout the year. For 2009-2010, the maximum award is $5,350. The Department of Education may adjust this figure yearly. Awards for less than full-time students are prorated.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides federal funds to Thomas Nelson Community College for making awards to students with exceptional need. Students attending at least half-time are eligible for FSEOG. FSEOG awards are made on a rolling basis. The amounts of FSEOG awards vary depending on the need, other aid offered, and the amount of funds appropriated. FSEOG is awarded until funds are exhausted.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant is a federal funded grant for students who have completed a rigorous curriculum in high school. Students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant in the same award year. Freshman students must have graduated after January 1, 2006 and sophomores after January 1, 2005. Sophomore students must also have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

State Grant Programs

Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP)

The College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP) is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The College is allocated funds to award to needy students who are Virginia residents and enrolled at least half-time. CSAP is designed as a “last resort” program; therefore, the awards are usually given to the students with the greatest need. Awards are made on a rolling basis. The award amounts vary depending on the need, other aid offered, and the amount of funds appropriated. CSAP is awarded until funds are exhausted.

Commonwealth Award (COMA) and Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)

The Commonwealth Award (COMA) and Virginia Guaranteed Assistance (VGAP) awards are administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Thomas Nelson Community College is allocated funds to award in-state students who have remaining need. COMA awards are made to students who are enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours and maintain satisfactory academic progress. VGAP awards are made to dependent full-time students who graduated from a Virginia high school with a minimum 2.5 GPA, who have no prior college, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while attending the College. COMA awards cover up to tuition and fees. VGAP awards cover up to tuition, fees, and assist with the cost of books. Awards are made on a rolling basis. COMA and VGAP are awarded until funds are exhausted.

Part-Time Tuition Assistance Grant Program (PTAP)

The Part-Time Tuition Assistance Grant Program is a Virginia Community College System grant offered to Virginia state residents who register for eight (8) credits or less. The grant will pay up to tuition and fees. PTAP is awarded until funds are exhausted.

Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program (HETAP)

The Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program is a state grant offered to students enrolled in transfer curricula who plan to become teachers. HETAP awards are made annually. To be considered for HETAP, students must be nominated by faculty. Awards are made to qualified students with the highest academic achievements.

VCCS Grant

The VCCS Grant is a Virginia Community College System grant offered to students who are Virginia state residents who have remaining need and are registered for six (6) or more credits credits. The grant will pay tuition and fees. VCCS Grant is awarded until funds are exhausted.

Tuition Grant Program

The Tuition Grant program provides tuition and fees and is available to foster youth, former foster youth and special needs adoptees who have a high school diploma or GED. Students must be enrolled at least six (6) credits to be eligible, meet satisfactory academic progress standards and demonstrate financial need.