Scholarships

About Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards that do not need to be repaid, making them an excellent resource for learners of all backgrounds, including graduating high school students, current college students, adult learners, and veterans. With thousands of scholarship opportunities available, these awards are typically based on student performance and talent, and some may also consider financial need. Scholarship amounts generally range from $500 to $2,000, with larger awards offered at times.

Apply for Scholarships

NOVA will accept scholarship applications for Fall 2026/Spring 2027 from January 30, 2026 through March 23, 2026.

Have questions? Reach out to NOVA’s Scholarship Coordinator, Darryl Shell, at dshell@nvcc.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You must be admitted to NOVA before trying to apply for NOVA scholarships. Once you're admitted:

  1. At https://nvcc.awardspring.com, click "Sign In with Your School Account" and enter your myNOVA credentials.
  2. Begin completing the general scholarship application by clicking “Complete”.
  3. Follow the prompts and answer the questions.
  4. Enter today’s date in the disclaimer section and click “Submit Application” to be considered for “auto match” scholarships.
  5. You may then be presented with specific scholarship opportunities that require some additional work. Click “Complete” next to each one and follow the prompts to apply for those scholarships.  Click “Submit Application” at the end of each individual scholarship application to finish applying for that scholarship.
  6. If you have any questions, please email the Scholarship Coordinator, Darryl Shell at dshell@nvcc.edu.
  7. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be notified via your VCCS student email within about two months after the scholarship deadline and the award will be posted on your myNOVA account under Financial Aid > Awards > Summary.

  • Scholarship applications are typically accepted early in the spring semester and early in the summer semester for the upcoming academic year.
  • Applications are usually accepted early in the fall semester for the current academic year.
  • One general scholarship application can be submitted online to apply for multiple NOVA scholarships.

Scholarships are just one type of financial aid. To be considered for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, follow the steps outlined on the How to Apply for Financial Aid webpage to apply for federal student aid.

More often than not, receiving a scholarship does not affect other offered awards. However, a student’s financial aid package cannot exceed the estimated cost of attendance, and the amount of need-based aid cannot exceed the amount of demonstrated need when a scholarship is received. Awards will be adjusted in accordance with applicable policies only as necessary and always in the best interest of the student.

If you were offered a scholarship from an outside source and wish to have the award applied toward your NOVA account, please do the following:

  1. Carefully read the scholarship letter from the sponsoring organization or donor to learn the requirements for your scholarship and make a copy of the scholarship letter for your records.
  2. Mail the scholarship letter to the Scholarship Coordinator at the address provided below or email it to finaidsupport@nvcc.edu at least six weeks before the semester begins to ensure receipt of the letter prior to the payment deadline.
  3. Apply for admission, select a major through Virtual Advising (if you did not do so when applying for admission), and register for courses.
    • Scholarships cannot be processed until you are admitted to NOVA, and some scholarship donors require NOVA to bill them after students register for courses.
  4. Make sure the scholarship sponsor sends all scholarship checks to: 

    Northern Virginia Community College
    Business Office CA 104
    8333 Little River Turnpike
    Annandale, VA 22003-3743

    Scholarship checks must be received at least one week before classes begin or you must pay any remaining tuition balance out-of-pocket. As long as you remain eligible, you will be reimbursed for any scholarship amounts that are received after your bill is paid.

Checks and/or award letters must include: 

  • Student’s name,
  • 7-digit student ID number, and
  • A description of the expenses (tuition, fees, personal expenses, etc.) for which the funds may be used.

Make sure the scholarship sponsor sends all scholarship checks to: 

Northern Virginia Community College
Business Office CA 104
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003-3743

Scholarship checks must be received at least one week before classes begin  or you must pay any remaining tuition balance out-of-pocket. As long as you remain eligible, you will be reimbursed for any scholarship amounts that are received after your bill is paid.

When a scholarship check is received and processed, you will be able to view it on your myNOVA account under Financial Aid > Awards > Summary.

  • High School – Check with the Counseling Office or College Center at your high school.
  • Employer – Employers may offer tuition assistance for their employees and their children.
  • Religious organizations – Religious groups often provide scholarships for their members.
  • Other local clubs and organizations – Rotary Clubs, fraternal orders, women’s clubs, and other non-profit organizations may offer scholarships to members of the community.
  • Free scholarship websites such as fastweb.com, scholarships.com and finaid.org.

Remember:

  1. Report all external scholarships to NOVA’s Financial Aid Office.
  2. NEVER pay for financial aid or a scholarship search. Help is available for FREE!

Provide or donate to a scholarship at the NOVA Foundation.