Merit-Based Aid & Scholarships

All first-year, degree-seeking applicants, including Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision applicants are eligible to be considered for merit scholarships through the University of Richmond's robust merit-based aid programs.

Richmond Scholars, Presidential Scholars and various other merit scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students and are awarded for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate study during the regular academic year. These scholarships are renewable annually as long as the recipient meets the requirements stated in the initial award notification.

Richmond Scholars Program

The University's most prestigious and competitive academic award, the Richmond Scholars Program, is equal to full tuition, housing and food, (in addition to other program benefits) and is given to 25 incoming students. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment including study abroad. All applicants for first-year admission are automatically considered for this scholarship, provided that they submit a complete admission application by December 1st. No separate application is required.

Presidential Scholarships

The University of Richmond awards merit-based Presidential Scholarships, equivalent to one-third tuition, to students who have achieved outstanding high school records in a highly rigorous curriculum. Presidential Scholarships are awarded to only 10% of incoming students. All applicants who apply for first-year admission are automatically considered. No separate application is required.

Merit Scholarships

Various other merit scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students. Requirements vary, so be sure to review the selection criteria for any additional materials or deadlines if you wish to be considered.

A limited number of endowed merit scholarships are available for currently enrolled students.

All scholarship recipients are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress; requirements vary by scholarship.

Scholarships for First-Year Students
Scholarships for Current Students

External Scholarships

At Richmond, external scholarships, such as those from your high school, civic organization, or other organizations, are applied for by the student and, if received, must be reported and sent to the Office of Financial Aid.

For students receiving need-based aid, these scholarships will be applied first to the self-help (need-based loans and work study) portion of the financial aid award package ($5,000 for Freshmen, $6,000 for Sophomores, and $7,000 for Juniors/Seniors). Because we meet 100% of need, any scholarships over the self-help amount will reduce need-based grants in order to keep the total financial aid amount from exceeding demonstrated need.

If the student does not have a need-based aid award, you can typically bring in scholarships that total up to the Cost of Attendance (minus any awards or loans that you have received).