Graduate Financial Aid

About

Financing your graduate education is an important step, and the University of Lynchburg is here to help. We offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships and graduate assistantships, to support your academic journey. Our scholarships are made possible by generous donors and foundations, with awards available for various fields of study. Graduate assistantships provide valuable professional experience while offering financial support. Whether you're exploring funding opportunities or navigating the application process, our team is ready to assist you.

Graduate scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of donors or foundations. Eligibility for endowed scholarships is based on criteria provided by donors. Students must be admitted or enrolled to be considered for scholarships.

The results for fall scholarships will be announced by Aug. 1, and spring scholarships by Dec. 15. Scholarships are not automatically renewable.

For more information, please contact the Solutions Center at [email protected].

The University of Lynchburg Graduate Assistantship Program allows graduate students to gain practical work experience in an academic setting, enhance their research and leadership skills, and receive income to assist with educational expenses.

Graduate Assistants are employed in various academic and student support services offices across campus. These opportunities are very competitive and limited. The selection of graduate assistants begins in late March or early April.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Graduate Assistantship at the University of Lynchburg:

  • Must be admitted to one of the graduate degree programs
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours a semester
  • Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better, demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, and adhere to the University Code of Conduct.

Compensation Package

All graduate assistants will receive an hourly rate of $17/hour for a maximum of 20 hours a week. The total maximum compensation is $12,750 for no more than a total of 750 hours in an academic school year. A student may choose to apply the stipend toward tuition, living expenses, or another expense.

Application Process

  • View job openings to review all graduate assistantship opportunities. To filter through the open positions, click the arrow next to “Position Type,” select “Graduate,” and hit the “Search” button. A link to the application is on each job description.
  • The supervisor will reach out to you to schedule an interview.
  • Once offered the position, you will complete a background check. Once the background check is complete, you will receive an email to schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Employment to complete your onboarding process.

Questions?

 Email [email protected]

Discount: Aspiring Educator

The University of Lynchburg offers a tuition discount of 40% on all Master of Education degree programs and associated certificates. This Aspiring Educator Discount is available to all current, previous, and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing a Master of Education degree or associated certificate.

Grants: Special Education General Curriculum and Early Childhood Special Education

The Office of Graduate Success helps coordinate several projects with the Commonwealth of Virginia. This includes grants for provisionally licensed teachers in special education (Special Education General Curriculum and Early Childhood Special Education). If you want to know more, please contact Andrew Bruce at [email protected].

All Virginia residents should apply for the VTAG grant. It’s a non-need-based grant that does not need to be repaid for students enrolling in undergraduate classes or in a graduate-level, healthcare-related program at a Virginia private university.

It currently provides $5,000 per year (2023-24) in renewable tuition support for Virginia residents (exclusions may apply) enrolled full-time in an on-campus program. Students enrolling in an online program can receive $2,500 in renewable tuition support.

Lynchburg VTAG-eligible graduate programs include:

Download the 2024-25 VTAG application.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Students must reapply each year for the program and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 to remain in the program. Students must complete a service requirement after receiving funding or converting the grant into loans.

Complete the required steps to apply for the grant.

The University strongly encourages any student interested in loan funding to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  • Federal Direct Loans provide money to graduate students to pay for school. The loan can be up to the total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid a student receives.
  • Students who show need through the FAFSA are eligible for subsidized loans.
  • Graduate PLUS loans are also available up to the cost of expenses. Visit the federal student aid website for more information.
  • Based on FAFSA results, students who do not show need are eligible for unsubsidized loans.
  • Students must carry at least a half-time course load (six credit hours per semester) to be considered for these loans.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill and Lynchburg’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program help pay tuition and fees for eligible veterans or their dependents, as well as a housing allowance and money for books and supplies.

Read more about the assistance we offer veterans.