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Apply for Financial Aid
Financial aid can make an undergraduate education at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) more attainable. When creating a financial aid award including loans for students, the Office of Financial Aid works to provide the best package possible based on the information provided, and VMI admits applicants regardless of financial circumstances or aid eligibility.
Understanding the Financial Aid Process
Undergraduate financial aid typically includes grants, scholarships, and loans.
- Grants are need-based funds that do not require repayment; a major federal grant is the Pell Grant, awarded to eligible students based on financial need.
- Scholarships can be merit- or need-based and also do not require repayment.
- Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest.
At VMI, eligible cadets may receive a combination of these to help pay for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and supplies.
The FAFSA is central to securing aid. Completing it each year determines eligibility for federal grants (including the Pell Grant) and federal student loans, and it is often required for state programs and need-based institutional aid. VMI uses FAFSA information to build aid packages, so an accurate, timely submission before the financial aid FAFSA deadline is essential.
Prospective Students: Please note, you must be appointed to the Institute before a final financial aid offer is made. Award estimates will be available when financial aid requirements are complete, and sent to applicants. These estimates are not guaranteed and subject to change. Apply to join the Corps of Cadets today and contact the admissions team with any questions.
Step 1: Complete The FAFSA
The Priority Deadline for completing the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) is March 1. If you miss the Priority Deadline, you should still complete the FAFSA and VMI Financial Aid Application. However, the availability of funds will be limited.
FAFSA Guidance
- Start by gathering the documents and information needed to complete the FAFSA. You will need your FSA ID (and a parent’s FSA ID for dependent students), Social Security Numbers, driver’s license (if applicable), federal tax returns and W-2s (typically from two years prior), records of untaxed income, and current balances for cash, savings, and investments.
- Create an FSA ID and password on the Federal Student Aid website to serve as your electronic signature. The “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) is open and free to complete on the Federal Student Aid website using prior-year taxes. We encourage families to file the FAFSA to be considered for other institutional, need-based scholarships. The FAFSA will require all contributors to provide consent on the FAFSA to automatically link information from the IRS. Failure for any contributor to provide consent will mean the student is ineligible for any aid from the FAFSA and need-based institutional aid.
- Have VMI’s school code - 003753 - ready so your information is sent to the VMI Office of Financial Aid.
- Complete the FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov or via the FAFSA app.
- Visit VMI’s Tips & Guidance page for answers to frequently asked questions.
Eligibility
Eligibility for undergraduate financial aid depends on several criteria, such as U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, a valid Social Security Number, enrollment in an eligible VMI degree program, satisfactory academic progress, and no defaults on prior federal student loans. Demonstrated financial need and meeting application deadlines influence the type and amount of aid awarded. Students committed to applying for aid on time—especially by the financial aid FAFSA deadline—position themselves for the strongest packages.
REMINDER: Explore Additional Financial Aid Resources & Funding
Options and opportunities exist beyond federal loans and grants. Many states offer need-based grants and scholarships with distinct deadlines and requirements. Virginia residents should review the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) and other Commonwealth programs to determine eligibility and apply on time. Out-of-state students should check their home state’s higher education agency for rules that may apply when attending VMI.
Explore scholarships and grants from community organizations, military-affiliated groups, foundations, and civic associations. Use reputable scholarship search tools, verify eligibility criteria, and tailor each application. For cadets interested in service, ROTC scholarships may provide significant support and can complement federal aid such as the Pell Grant.
TIP: If you’re considering how to apply for financial aid for undergraduate education from multiple sources, coordinate timelines with the FAFSA deadline to stay on track. Keep a calendar of deadlines, avoid application fees, and submit materials early.
Applying for aid broadly—through the FAFSA as well as targeted scholarships—builds a resilient funding strategy.
Learn more about types of aid available to prospective students and cadets.
Step 2: Submit Any Additional Required Documentation
Prospective Students: Follow any additional instructions regarding your application to the Institute and your financial aid package as communicated via official email and through Post View.
Current Cadets: Send any documentation beyond the FAFSA to our office through the secure Box upload system.
Step 3: Review Estimates & Accept Any Awarded Funds
Financial aid estimates will be provided once all documents are received. Be sure to adhere to timelines.
If appointed, you will be notified via email and Post View of your final award amounts.
Follow our guided steps for receiving your aid.
Need help?
For personalized guidance, contact the VMI Office of Financial Aid. Our team can help interpret your FAFSA Submission Summary, formerly known as the Student Aid Report (SAR), explain award letters, and advise on next steps. Reach out by phone or email during business hours, or visit post (campus) for in-person assistance. We share updates on priority dates, verification, and required documents through official VMI communications to keep you informed and prepared.
Our office honors VMI’s tradition of integrity by providing clear, honest counsel on how to apply for financial aid for undergraduate success.
Remember: Planning ahead—completing the FAFSA accurately before the financial aid FAFSA deadline, researching state and external opportunities, and considering ROTC pathways—can help you build a solid plan to fund your undergraduate education at VMI.