Students from across Southwest Virginia are eligible for a scholarship from Roanoke College.
The scholarship automatically awards $5,000 per year to first-year students from 24 counties, including Russell County, and eight cities.
Combined with other financial aid, including the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, merit awards and need-based grants, the new scholarship can result in free tuition for the region’s highest-need students — closing a critical gap and removing barriers to opportunity.
The Southwest Virginia Scholars Award is available for incoming first-year students beginning in fall 2027.
“Education continues to be one of the most powerful engines for prosperity and opportunity that a community can provide,” Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. said. “Through the Southwest Virginia Scholars Award, we’re making an enduring investment in the students of Southwest Virginia and in the future of this vibrant region we’re proud to call home. This is part of our core commitment to ensuring that talent and ambition are able to flourish here.”
The scholarship is distinctive because it has no income requirements. It will be automatically given to all admitted students from eligible localities.
“We recognize how financially challenging a college education can be for families. This initiative reinforces our longstanding commitment to ensuring that cost should not be a barrier for students who wish to attend Roanoke College,” said Mark Campbell, vice president for enrollment strategy and student success. “We are particularly proud to signal this idea in the strongest possible way to our own region.”
Roanoke College has introduced an array of new pathways for students at all stages of life to learn, grow and build career-ready skills.
Other recent initiatives include creating a free associate’s degree program for local high school students and launching online courses for working professionals. These 360-degree efforts reflect the college’s commitment to supporting a bright future for its students, neighbors, and communities.
To learn more about the Southwest Virginia Scholars Award, visit roanoke.edu/SWVAScholars.
