Scholarships

Southern Virginia offers a variety of merit-based scholarships each year. Scholarships do not have to be repaid and students may qualify for more than one.

Please use the following resources to prepare for questions and criteria common to scholarship applications:


Incoming & Transfer Students

Academic Scholarship · Up to $10,000

Based on academic performance and test scores prior to attending Southern Virginia University.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
  • Freshmen (less than 24 college credits): Amount determined by high school GPA and ACT composite score or three-part SAT score, whichever is higher.
  • Transfer Students (24 or more college credits): Amount determined by college GPA and number of credits taken.
Eligibility:
  • Incoming freshman or transfer student
  • Attend Southern Virginia full-time
  • Good academic standing
Application:

Automatically considered as students complete their application to Southern Virginia.
Contact Admissions: 540-261-8421 or admissions@svu.edu

Renewal:

Annual award, does not need to be renewed; scholarship eligibility is evaluated after the summer term to ensure that the student meets certain minimum academic performance criteria. These criteria are subject to change at any time.

Retention of academic scholarships will be based on the following scale:

Yearly Amount of Scholarship Cumulative GPA Needed to Retain Scholarship
$5,500 or less 2.00 Southern Virginia GPA
$5,501-$7,500 2.75 Southern Virginia GPA
$7,501 or more 3.00 Southern Virginia GPA

Marriott Scholarship · $15,000

Recognizes excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership and service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Marriott Scholar program is the most prestigious scholarship offered at Southern Virginia University, recognizing incoming freshmen and transfer students who have excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership and service. This award emphasizes the attributes of the “leader-servant” as exemplified by the award’s primary benefactors, Richard E. Marriott and the Marriott Family.
Amount:
$15,000 annually (supersedes and replaces all other institutional aid)
Eligibility:

Freshmen:

  • 3.80+ (unweighted) GPA on 4.0 scale
  • 1860 combined score on SAT or 28 composite score on ACT
    • or
  • 3.60+ (unweighted) GPA on 4.0 scale
  • 1980 combined score on SAT or 30 composite score on ACT

Transfer students:

  • 3.80+ (unweighted) GPA on 4.0 scale, minimum 24 credit hours
  • Students may also be asked to provide high school information

Students with GED, homeschooled and/or without accredited high school transcript:

Application:
  1. Complete the Marriott Scholarship Application
    • Print and complete the Marriott Scholarship Application
    • Mail the completed application to:
      • Southern Virginia University Admissions
      One University Hill Drive
      Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
  2. Submit a Letter of Recommendation
    • Download and print the Letter of Recommendation Form pdf
    • Complete the “To the Applicant” portion
    • Give the entire Letter of Recommendation Form and an addressed and stamped envelope to the recommender. Address the envelope to:
      • Southern Virginia University Admissions
      One University Hill Drive
      Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
    • Ask the recommender to mail the completed form and letter
Deadline:
  • May 31 for Fall Semester
  • December 1 for Spring Semester
Note: Marriott Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis beginning as early as January for Fall semester and September for Spring semester. Depending on the number of recipients, the scholarships may be exhausted prior to the final application deadline. Qualified candidates should submit their applications as early as possible.
Renewal:
Annual award, does not need to be renewed

Homeschool/Non-Traditional Scholarship · Up to $10,000

Recognizes demonstrated faith in God and service to mankind.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
Up to $10,000
Eligibility:
Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current students who were homeschooled or attended a private high school.
Application:
  • Complete the Homeschool/Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Application pdf
  • Provide a list of all religious awards and positions held, community service rendered and awards received
  • Complete a written essay on who a hero of yours is and why (200 words or less)
  • Mail, email (student.finances@svu.edu), fax (540-261-2757) or manually submit your completed application materials to Student Financial Services
  • Complete a telephone interview (you will be contacted to schedule a time for this interview)
Deadline:
  • May 31 for Fall Semester
  • October 17 for Spring Semester
Renewal:
Must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete the application each year to renew the scholarship
Current & Returning Students

Academic Improvement Scholarship · $1,000-$5,000

Based on improved academic performance while at Southern Virginia University.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
$1,000-$5,000; depending on the cumulative high school GPA, ACT/SAT score and the year you first enrolled at Southern Virginia.
Eligibility:
  • Enter Southern Virginia with a cumulative high school GPA of less than 3.0, and
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia, and
  • Earn a cumulative Southern Virginia University GPA of 3.0 or more.
  • If you entered SVU with a high school GPA of less than 2.5, you may also be eligible for this scholarship if your SVU cumulative GPA after 26 credits is 2.5 or higher.
Application:
Contact the Student Financial Services office to determine if you meet the criteria.
Renewal:
Annually renewable

Meridyth Kidd Memorial Scholarship · Up to $2,000

For upperclassmen involved in the fine and performing arts.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
Sponsored by Ron and Linda Jones, the scholarship is awarded to art, music, and/or theatre majors.
Amount:
Up to $2,000 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Rising junior or senior majoring in fine or performing arts.
Application:
  • Complete the Meridyth Kidd Memorial Scholarship Application
  • Art majors: prepare a portfolio of 10-15 sketches or paintings (will be returned)
  • Music and theatre majors: prepare a performance video or CD (max. ten minutes)
  • Include essay stating why you chose to major in art, music or theatre and how you plan to incorporate your talents into your future (max. two pages double-spaced)
  • Provide a statement of endorsement and perspective overview from a faculty member
  • Verify GPA, current class, and whether you are a returning or transfer student
  • Mail, email (student.finances@svu.edu), fax (540-261-2757) or manually submit your completed application to Student Financial Services
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Annual award; does not need to be renewed.

J. Thomas Smith Scholarship · $500-$2,000

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, athletics, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The J. Thomas Smith scholarship is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University students who have excelled both academically and in other aspects of life such as student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service. The award emphasizes the concept of the leader-servant as epitomized by the benefactors of the award, J. Thomas and Anne Smith.
Amount:
$500-$2,000 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Be an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Complete 30 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain cumulative 2.7 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of the leader-servant
  • Complete at least one Institute class during the year
Application:
Mail, email (student.finances@svu.edu), fax (540-261-2757) or manually submit your completed J.Thomas Smith Scholarship Application (PDF) to Student Financial Services
Deadline:
March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years

Teerlink Deserving Student Scholarship · $1,000

Generously awarded by Wilford and Nadine Teerlink to students interested in the arts or science.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
$1,000 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Maintain 2.5 GPA or better
  • 25 ACT score or better
  • Earn at least 12 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Exemplify the Southern Virginia Code of Honor
Application:
Mail, email (student.finances@svu.edu), fax (540-261-2757) or manually submit your completed Teerlink Scholarship Application (PDF) to Student Financial Services
Deadline:
March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years

The Ron and Linda Jones Family Foundation Scholarship · Up to $2,500

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Ron and Linda Jones Family Foundation Scholarship program is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University students who have excelled both academically and in other aspects of life such as student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.
Amount:
Up to $2,500 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of a leader-servant
  • All students who meet qualifications and criteria for the Ron and Linda Jones Family Foundation Scholarship are encouraged to apply
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

The Donna Hadley Scholarship · Up to $1,000

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Donna Hadley Scholarship program is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University students who have excelled both academically and in other aspects of life such as student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.
Amount:
Up to $1,000 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of a leader-servant
  • All students who meet qualifications and criteria for the Donna Hadley Scholarship are encouraged to apply
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

The Pauline Mittle Scholarship · Up to $1,000

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Pauline Mittle Scholarship program is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University students who have excelled both academically and in other aspects of life such as student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.
Amount:
Up to $1,000 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of a leader-servant
  • All students who meet qualifications and criteria for the Pauline Mittle Scholarship are encouraged to apply
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

The JL Racey Scholarship · Up to $750

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The JL Racey Scholarship program is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University students who have excelled both academically and in other aspects of life such as student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.
Amount:
Up to $750 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of a leader-servant
  • All students who meet qualifications and criteria for the JL Racey Scholarship are encouraged to apply
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

Margaret Durham Robey Scholarship · Up to $500

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Margaret Durham Robey Scholarship is named for a long-time and much-honored president of Southern Seminary and Junior College, who guided the school through the period of its greatest growth and development. Mrs. Robey, who was married to H. Russell Robey, was an instructor at the school from 1919 to 1942, president from 1942 to 1969 and president emeriti from 1969 to 1984. This scholarship recognizes a student who displays academic merit, leadership and service to Southern Virginia University.
Amount:
Up to $500 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of a leader-servant
  • All students who meet qualifications and criteria for the Margaret Durham Robey Scholarship are encouraged to apply
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

Virginia Collegium Scholarship · Up to $1,000

Recognizes excellence in academics, student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Virginia Collegium program is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University students who have excelled both academically and in other aspects of life such as student government and leadership, community service, fine arts, or church service. This award is made possible through the tireless efforts of the Virginia College Fund, an independent organization serving the needs of the private colleges throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Amount:
Up to $1,000 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete 26 credit hours at Southern Virginia
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA
  • Demonstrate active involvement in service and extracurricular activities that emphasize the concept of a leader-servant
  • All students who meet qualifications and criteria for the Virginia Collegium Scholarship are encouraged to apply
  • Must be a Virginia resident to apply
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

Melvin Jones Memorial Scholarship · Up to $2,500

Awarded to a student majoring in Business Management & Leadership.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
Up to $2,500 (annually)
Eligibility:
  • Complete one year at Southern Virginia or honorably complete a full-time mission
  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Uphold and live the Southern Virginia Code of Honor
  • Participate in Institute
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years

Stephen W. Gibson Entrepreneurial Scholarship · Up to $1,000

Awarded to a student exhibiting the best entrepreneurial plan for an existing or new concern.

Learn More down-arrow
About:
The Stephen W. Gibson Entrepreneurial Scholarship is established to recognize continuing Southern Virginia University student who have excelled in their business and educational pursuits.
Amount:
Up to $1,000
Eligibility:
  • Be in good academic standing demonstrated by maintaining a 2.5 GPA or better
  • Have already earned at least 24 SVU credits
  • Be committed to complete and SVU education
  • Be willing to abide by the SVU Honor Code
  • Be someone who has demonstrated some level of interest and/or performance in the area of starting and having their own business. This could be someone who has owned or operated their own business or has expressed a strong desire to do so.
Application:
Deadline:
  • March 9
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years
Additional Scholarships

Below is a list of non-institutional scholarships available to both incoming and current students.

Jacobson Scholarship Fund · Amount Varies

Recognizes worthy Latter-day Saints who demonstrate a commitment to serve others through education.

Learn More down-arrow
About
Founded and funded by Florence S. and Ted C. Jacobsen, the Jacobsen Scholarship Fund is intended to assist worthy Latter-day Saint students who are citizens of the United States and demonstrate a need for assistance and a commitment to serve others through education.
Amount:
Varies
Eligibility:
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in good standing
Application:
Deadline:
  • May 31 for Fall Semester
  • October 15 for Spring Semester
Renewal:
Although the Foundation does offer renewal scholarships, renewal is not guaranteed. Students who receive a Jacobsen Fund Scholarship must reapply for additional scholarships using the Renewal Application.

Note: If you would like Student Financial Services to review your application, please submit your completed application and applicable forms to Student Financial Services two weeks prior to the Jacobson deadline.

ROTC Scholarship · Amount Varies

Available to Southern Virginia students through a partnership with the Virginia Military Institute.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
  • $20,000 per year for tuition & fees
  • $900 annually for books
  • $300 to $400 per school month for living expenses
Eligibility:
  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or above
  • Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test
  • Be medically qualified
Application:
Contact Capt. Brandon Bissell 540-464-7187
Renewal:
Annual award, does not need to be renewed

Note: By serving in the Army ROTC National Guard, you can choose your branch and unit of assignment from any available vacant duty position, in any state or territory (not just Virginia). With the National Guard, you can fund your education right now, and set yourself up for success in your future civilian and military careers.

SunTrust Scholarship · $1,500/Year

Available to Virginia residents attending selected schools in Virginia through SunTrust Bank on behalf of the Blount, Meiler & Rush Scholarship Funds.

Learn More down-arrow
Amount:
Award amounts for the 2011-2012 academic year were $1,500 per year and are anticipated to be similar for 2012-2013.
Eligibility:
  • Be a Virginia resident
  • Be an accepted or enrolled full-time student at Southern Virgina University
  • Demonstrate financial need by filing a FAFSA
  • Have at least a 2.0 GPA for freshmen, at least a 2.5 for sophomores and 2.75 for juniors and seniors
Application*

Mail, email (student.finances@svu.edu), fax (540-261-2757) or manually submit your completed SunTrust Scholarship nomination form (PDF) to Student Financial Services. School nominations are limited to five new applicants each year.

Deadline:
June 7
Renewal:
Awardees must re-apply to be considered for subsequent years.

The Daniels Fund

Available to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming residents.

Learn More down-arrow
About
Bill Daniels had a passion for investing in deserving students to help them obtain a college education. The Daniels Scholarship carries on this legacy by offering scholarship funding to deserving students who are at risk of not being able to afford a college education.
Amount:
Varies
Eligibility:
  • Current high school student with an expected graduation during the 2011-2012 academic school year from any high school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
  • Current resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
  • At the time of application, be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident of the U.S., or have refugee or asylum status in the U.S.
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Take the ACT by October 25, 2011 and achieve an exam composite score of 17 or higher, or take the SAT by October 4, 2011 and achieve a combined math and verbal score of 810 or higher
Application:
  • Be nominated by a designated Referral Agency—an organization serving high schools and youth responsible for finding and nominating eligible candidates who fit the Daniels Scholarship criteria*
  • All candidates must go through an application process in which they are evaluated on strength of character, academic promise, leadership potential, potential to contribute to one’s community and well-rounded personality
*A listing of Referral Agencies is available at Daniels Scholarship Referral Agencies.
Renewal:
Awardees must reapply to be considered for subsequent years.

For more information, please visit the Daniels Fund website.

The Milton G. Wright Scholarship

Both currently enrolled and college-bound students can visit the Milton G. Wright Scholarship website in order to enter a monthly drawing to win $500.

The BYU Management Society Scholarship - Richmond Chapter

The Richmond Chapter will be awarding three scholarships in 2012 to high school seniors who demonstrate academic scholarship, leadership, positive community or religious service and financial need. Visit the website for more information and application procedures.

TruFit Good Citizen Scholarship

Citizens Bank wants to reward student leaders who have invested time and energy into making their community a better place. There are currently (1) $5,000 grand prize, (4) $2,500 second prizes and (35) $1,000 third prizes. Enter for a chance to win by submitting a short essay or video explaining what you do to help others in your community and in the world.

Scholarship entries will be accepted April 1-30. Go to http://www.citizensbank.com/scholarship for the application and further information.

MassMutual Scholars

A national program for high-achieving African American, Asian / Pacific Islander and Hispanic scholars interested in careers in the insurance and financial services industry.

Learn Moredown-arrow
Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to students of African American, Asian / Pacific Islander or Hispanic descent.
  • Must show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency with a permanent resident card of passport stamped I-551 (not expired)
  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Plan to attend a degree-seeking program, full-time at a U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam during the 2012-2013 academic year
  • Will be entering sophomore, junior, senior or 5th-year senior year at an accredited college or university
  • Students of all majors will be considered
  • Preference will be given to students who demonstrate:
    - An interest in pursuing a career in the insurance and financial services industry

    - Leadership and participation in extracurricular activities
  • Must apply for federal financial aid

The application deadline is May 4, 2012. Apply online at: www.act.org/massmutual.

Please review Southern Virginia University's Scholarship Policies to become familiar with regulations regarding institutional scholarships.


View More Non-Institutional Scholarships

Questions?

Contact Student Financial Services at 540-261-8405 or student.finances@svu.edu.