Financial Aid at USV
Funding your education shouldn’t be a maze. USV offers scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study — plus one-on-one guidance to build a plan that fits your budget.
Types of Aid (Overview)
How to Apply for Aid (FAFSA)
General Eligibility (Federal Aid):
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; have a HS diploma/GED; maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress; have a valid SSN; not be in default/owe a refund; be degree/certificate-seeking.
International students: see the International Students page for separate requirements.
Scholarships (Institutional)
Submit completed applications and required docs to scholarships@usv.edu by the end of add/drop each term.
Valor Scholarship — up to $3,000 (need-based)
Requires FAFSA; must accept applicable state/federal aid; demonstrated need.
Dragon Scholarship — up to $500 (merit)
GPA 3.0–3.49; transcripts required.
Dragon Plus Scholarship — up to $1,000 (merit)
GPA 3.5+; not combinable with Dragon Scholarship.
Esports Scholarship — up to $2,000 (athletic/merit)
USV Dragons Esports team members; GPA 3.0+; amount varies by rank/performance.
15-to-Finish Scholarship — $1,000
Enrolled in 15+ credits/term; GPA 2.5+.
HS Seniors of Distinction — $1,000
Early HS graduates; weighted GPA 2.0+; first academic year (2 terms).
Family Member Grant — $1,000
Immediate family concurrently attending USV; proof of relationship required.
Transfer Grant — $500 (one term)
Transfer 12+ credits from another institution; transcript required.
Degree Completion Grant — $1,000
Returning students with 6+ previously completed USV credits; prior balance ≤ $2,000; first returning academic year (2 terms), 6+ credits/term.
Salute to Military Service — $2,500
For U.S. service members/vets and qualifying spouses/children (docs required). Not eligible if using GI Bill®/Tuition Assistance benefits.
Golden Age Scholarship — $500
Students 45+ (government ID).
Women in Business & CS Scholarship — $500
Female students in BBA or BS Computer Science.
CEO Leadership of Tomorrow (Graduate) — up to 25% tuition
Preference to USV alumni; 6+ credits/term; GPA 3.0+.
Business Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Graduate) — 10% tuition
6+ credits/term; GPA 3.0+.
Jump Start Grant
New students enrolling in USV Undergraduate Certificate/Diploma programs.
USV Community Scholarship Campaign
For students advancing community initiatives.
Grants Available to USV Students
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not have to be paid back.
Demonstrating a need for financial aid begins with the FAFSA. Contact the Financial Aid Office in order to begin your application for federal financial aid.
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based for eligible undergraduates; amount set by U.S. Dept. of Ed; usable less than half-time.
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
Limited funds for students with exceptional need; priority to Pell-eligible.
Cal Grant A
Assists with tuition/fees. Entitlement (HS GPA ≥ 3.0, on-time) and Competitive awards (composite scoring: income, GPA, time out of HS, etc.).
Cal Grant B
Living allowance + tuition/fees after first year. Entitlement (HS GPA ≥ 2.0, on-time) and Competitive awards.
Federal Loans
However, unlike grants and scholarships, a loan is money that must be repaid with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your financial aid offer. Apply at studentaid.gov. Private loans are also available via banks/credit unions; compare rates and terms carefully.
Federal Direct Subsidized (Undergrad)
Need-based; interest doesn’t accrue while in school; repayment starts ~6 months after last attendance (subject to federal limits).
Federal Direct Unsubsidized (Undergrad/Grad)
Not need-based; interest accrues immediately; payments typically deferred while enrolled (limits apply).
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (Grad)
Credit check required; interest accrues immediately; in-school deferment options.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS (Parents of Dependents)
Credit check; parent borrower; payments/interest begin shortly after disbursement (deferment available).
Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time, on-campus employment for eligible students (typically up to 20 hours/week based on award and course load). Hourly rates are comparable to local roles. Positions may support offices, faculty, or special projects.
