Need-Based Aid

At the University of Richmond, we promise something distinctive — an outstanding education at one of the nation's best liberal arts universities coupled with comprehensive financial resources to make it affordable. Also known as 'need-based' aid, our Richmond In Reach program is available to all eligible, full-time undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Through this program, Richmond commits to meeting 100% of our students' demonstrated need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Plus, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, we practice need-blind admission — meaning, we don't consider financial need when making admission decisions for first-year applicants.

Aid packages consist of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid, as well as a self-help portion that may include loans or Work-Study. Our goal is to help students graduate with very little debt, so we endeavor to keep loans to a minimum.

Domestic transfer students, international students, non-U.S. citizens, and non-U.S. Permanent Residents may also apply for need-based aid.

The admission and financial aid processes happen concurrently. We encourage you to follow the need-based aid application instructions; doing so allows us to provide you with your financial aid eligibility in time for you to make an informed enrollment decision.

Other Sources of Aid

While not every student will qualify for need-based aid, all first-year applicants are eligible to be considered for merit scholarships.

Learn more about merit-based aid, including full-tuition, housing, and food scholarships and a variety of other programs.

In addition, a number of other sources of aid are available to all incoming undergraduate students.

Richmond's Promise to Virginia

This program provides grant-based financial aid equal to full time tuition, housing, and the Spider Unlimited meal plan, if:

  • You're an entering first-year student from Virginia who qualifies for admission
  • Your total annual parent income is $75,000 or less
  • You demonstrate eligibility for need-based aid

Learn more about this and other aid programs for Virginians.