AccessUVa

The University of Virginia community believes that educational equality is not only about equal access to higher education but access to the best education in all its forms. We believe that students should be able to take advantage of superior academic programs as well as co-curricular opportunities, study abroad programs, leadership roles, and service learning to enrich themselves and the community. Additionally, attending college isn’t just about the classroom and activities. It is about finding a place where you can grow, express your individuality, and be a part of a tradition of success. The University wants each admitted student to be a part of the U.Va. experience, regardless of economic circumstance.

WHAT IS AccessUVa?
AccessUVa is the University of Virginia’s financial aid program designed to keep higher education affordable for all admitted students, regardless of economic circumstance. Because access for every academically eligible student is a priority at the University of Virginia, the University has made an annual commitment of $40.4 million in need-based grants to undergraduates. AccessUVa offers loan-free packages for low-income students, caps on need-based loans for all other students, and a commitment to meet 100 percent of demonstrated need for every student. The program not only keeps a U.Va. education affordable for the lowest income students, but also addresses the concerns of middle-income families who are squeezed by the rising cost of tuition. By limiting debt — or eliminating it altogether, in the case of students with the most need — AccessUVa offers assurances to prospective students that if they make the grade, they can afford to attend the University.

HOW AccessUVa WORKS
The financial aid plan assists students and families through four key components:*

1. Meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for all admitted undergraduate students.
2. Replaces need-based loans with grants in the financial aid packages of low-income students — those students who are Pell eligible and whose family income is equivalent to 200 percent of the federal poverty line or less and whose family assets do not exceed $75,000.
3. Caps the amount of need-based loans offered to any student at approximately 25 percent of U.Va.’s in-state cost of attendance over four years, and will meet all need above that amount with grants. All students, regardless of state residency, will receive the in-state cap level.
4. Student Financial Services offers additional one-on-one counseling to admitted students and their families, assisting them in the financial aid application process and presenting them with financing options, such as the U.Va. payment plan, outside of need-based financial aid.

*Financial aid package includes eight semesters, excluding summer school and January term.

QUESTION & ANSWERS

How do students apply for AccessUVa?
The University considers all admitted students for AccessUVa awards based on their on-time financial aid applications. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (new students) or University Financial Aid Application (returning students), the Parent and Student Signature Page, and certain tax information by the application deadline to be considered for eligibility.  Other forms or documents may also be required.  Please see our information for Undergraduate student applications here (http://www.virginia.edu/financialaid/appdeadline.php).

What is the cost of attendance and what items are included?
For the 2012-13 school year the cost is calculated as $25,564 for entering in-state students and $51,836 for entering out-of-state students. This figure includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, meals, personal expenses, the Orientation fee and travel to and from home.

What other services are available?
Students come to the University with a strong track record of academic excellence, but that doesn't mean there won't be challenges adapting to college life or academics. In addition to the on-going financial counseling services available, the University of Virginia provides a wide variety of support services to ensure that every student has the opportunity for success in and out of the classroom. The University offers tutoring programs in all areas of academics as well as a wide range of student services and support organizations. For more information, be sure to check out resources available through the Office of the Dean of Students.