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Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN)

Over 500 qualified students have already taken advantage of the VCAN opportunity. You can too!

Virginia State University leads the Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) initiative and provides access to 275 Pell-eligible students with free-tuition. This opportunity is for students who graduate from a high school within 45 miles of the campus (Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie County, Henrico County, Hopewell City, Petersburg City, Prince George County, and Richmond City) and desire access to a University that can provide a quality education and experience.

"At Virginia State University, we continue to embrace our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University," says VSU President, Makola M. Abdullah. "This initiative directly aligns with our Strategic Plan as it allows us to directly impact students who dream of access to a quality four-year university, yet lack financial resources to attend."  

VCAN provides free-tuition to qualified students with limited financial resources the option to attend a four-year university directly out of high school.

To qualify for free tuition, a student must:

  • Complete the VSU online application and meet admission requirements
  • Have a completed FAFSA on file with VSU (Virginia State University's school code is 003764) and be Pell-eligible
  • Graduate from a high school within 45 miles of VSU's campus
  • First-time, first-year freshman (dual enrollment credits are welcomed)
  • Non-refundable Admissions Enrollment deposit paid
  • 2.5 high school GPA

Scholarship Application

Qualified students will be placed in the VCAN Scholars Program, a signature experience for first-year students to transition from high school to Virginia State University. The VCAN Scholars Program includes opportunities for students to discover resources, define their student success, develop their academic progress and deliver their sense of leadership.  Being a VCAN Scholar includes: 

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  • Exposure to on-campus resources and organizations
  • Personalized check-in meetings with the VCAN Staff
  • Connections to various mentorships and internships
  • Engagement in a virtual community with other scholars
  • Participation in VCAN sponsored activities, co-curricular programs, and VCAN recruitment initiatives

Stay connected with VCAN for news and updates! 

VCAN FAQs

FAQs Flyer

VCAN Questions should be directed to the VCAN Director & Strategic Initiatives:

Dr. July P. Coleman
jpcoleman@vsu.edu

804-524-5641

*For questions regarding VSU Undergraduate Admissions, please click here*

Message from VCAN Student

Iyanna Thweatt

Iyanna Thweatt
VCAN Student, Fall 2021

Iyanna Thweatt

Iyanna Thweatt
VCAN Student, Fall 2021

Message from VCAN Student

VCAN has provided an opportunity for me to get my education and have fun by getting involved in the school. This leaves me with no financial burden and more time to get involved in the school with different programs!

What type of VSU student are you?

Freshman Student

Enrolled in high school or attending college while in high school.

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Transfer Student

Attended a two-year or four-year college or university after completing high school.

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Graduate Student

Completed a bachelor's degree and seeking a graduate and/or second bachelor's degree.

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Re-Admitted Student

Previously attended VSU and has not enrolled for at least two academic terms (fall or spring)

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International Student

Seeking a VSU degree who is not a citizen of the United States of America.

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Continuing Ed./Non-Degree Student

Attended a two-year or four-year college or university after completing high school.

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