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First Year Students

First Year Student Scholarship Programs

Last updated: June 16, 2023

The following list shows all awards managed by the College of Engineering. As of the Spring 2023 semester all scholarship applications for continuing VCU students run through the Academicworks RAMS Scholarship Hub. The Scholarship Hub will have the latest available options open for applications. If an award is not showing in the Scholarship Hub, then that award is not available at this time.

Each listing includes information on restrictions based on major, academic year, or other criteria. Estimated award values are approximate, actual award values will be given to scholarship recipients after the selection process. Any details listed in the Scholarship Hub take precedence over information listed here.

Application details

All admitted students are automatically reviewed for most of our scholarships. You DO NOT need to submit a separate application to be considered for most awards.
There is a very small number of awards that have applications. For these we send a message to eligible students when the application opens, which is usually in mid to late March.

Albemarle Corporation Scholarship - MNE

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants, and transfer applicants

The scholarship is available to students majoring in mechanical and nuclear engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Recipients may be in any year of study, and are encouraged to compete for internships at Albemarle Corp.

Approximate yearly value of the award $4,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $16,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in mechanical engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award varies per year for up to 4 years. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

ASHRAE Scholarship - MNE

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $1,250 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $5,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in mechanical engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Biomedical Engineering Scholarship - BME

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in biomedical engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Boehringer Ingelheim Chemical Scholarship - CLSE

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $6,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $24,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or greater as a full-time student in chemical engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Boxer Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Students must be nominated for the Boxer Scholarship. You cannot apply directly to this award. Approximate yearly value of the award $1,250 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $5,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal, you must maintain status as a full-time student in in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Bruce and Becky Mallett Scholarship - MNE

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $1,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $4,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a part-time or greater student in mechanical engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $2,500 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $10,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Central VA Society of Fire Prevention Engineers Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $500 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $2,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Construction Financial Managers Association (CFMA)

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $2,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $8,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a part-time or greater student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Dean Mattauch School of Engineering Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Dennis & Hahn Hellenguard Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Must maintain a 2.8 GPA or coming from high school, provide sufficient funds to cover 1 year of in-state tuition, books and fees, qualified students may apply again.

Approximate yearly value of the award $14,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $56,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Engineering Student Assistance Fund

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Used at the discretion of Dean/Associate Dean for student with unexpected financial circumstances. Recipient may be part time.

Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Eugene P Trani Leadership Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Award can follow a student into and through graduate school. From the gift agreement: "The major objective is to identify and assist in the development of entrepreneurs as future business community leaders."

Approximate yearly value of the award varies in alignment with in-state tuition. As of Fall 2019 this is $16,000 per year for up to 4 years. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

FIRST Robotics Scholarship

For first year applicants only

This award is for students with significant involvement in FIRST throughout high school. This award requires a separate application. See the link below for application instructions and the most up to date information.

FIRST VCU Scholarship Application Instructions

Approximate yearly value of the award $16,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $64,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Gray Younce, Jr. Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award $1,500 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $6,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Henrico Scholarship

For first year applicants only

Students are nominated by their high school for the Henrico Schoalrhsip, with one nominee per year for each high school in Henrico County. Office of Admissions makes initial decisions on awards, then asks for our approval.

Approximate yearly value of the award $10,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $40,000. This award is distributed in cooperation with VCU Undergraduate Admissions, and recipients will receive half of the award from Admissions, and half from the College of Engineering. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

Initiatives of the Bersoff Scholarship in Engineering

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Awarded to any undergraduate or graduate student majoring in any department of humanities and science, must have a 3.0, and submit 2 letters of recommendation as well as a 500 word essay

Approximate yearly value of the award $3,500 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $14,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Jamie Knight Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Jeremiah & Mary Rita Sheehan School of Engineering Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Awarded to incoming full-time first year student in the College of Engineering, based on merit

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

John Sherman, Jr. Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Awarded to an incoming full-time first year student in the College of Engineering, based on merit, and can be renewed as long as student remains in good academic standing

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Joseph C. Farrell Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Awarded to incoming full-time first year student in the College of Engineering, based on merit, award is renewable.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Julia M. and Nicholas E. Cain Scholarship - CLSE

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

The Cain scholarship is the first endowed award in the history of VCU Engineering to be established by graduates from the College of Engineering.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in chemical engineering in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Miles Circo School of Engineering Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Nathan School of Engineering Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

New Market/Gottwald Annual Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Prestwould Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Demonstrated excellent academic credentials and a commitment to community service.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Qimonda Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Approximate yearly value of the award varies per year for up to 4 years. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Richard & Ann Posey School of Engineering Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Student must maintain academic eligibility to receive renewal, award based on merit to an incoming full-time first year student.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Richmond Joint Engineers' Council Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Robert C. Williams Leadership Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Student must display strong leadership abilities during his/her high school career

Approximate yearly value of the award $10,000 per year for up to 4 years and a maximum value of $40,000. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year, however the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Robert E. Rigsby School of Engineering Merit Scholarship

For first year applicants only

Award based on merit, student must remain in good academic standing to receive a renewal, must be a full-time first year student planning to major in engineering

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Rocheleau Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Award given to a full-time student majoring in engineering or computer science, based on merit and financial need, can be renewed if student remains full-time and in good academic standing

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Wilkinson Merit Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

Awarded to an incoming full-time First Year student in the College of Engineering, based on merit, and can be renewed as long as student remains in good academic standing

For renewal you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater as a full-time student in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.

Wright Engineering Access Scholarship

For current VCU Engineering students, first year applicants and transfer applicants

The mission of the Wright Engineering Access Scholarship is simple: Give students a way to earn a high-value engineering degree at a very modest cost.

VCU Engineering’s gives need- and merit-based awards to a wide range of students, including non-traditional students and community college transfers. For many Wright Scholars, this award means being able to focus exclusively on academics without having to take on part-time jobs. When combined with internships and co-ops, this program can reduce — and even eliminate — the need for student loans.

The scholarship is available to students in any major in the VCU College of Engineering. Recipients may be in any year of study. The scholarship committee may offer awards of different values, including awards that increase over time. Typical values range from $2,000-$16,000 per year. Students typically receive the award through their fourth year; however, the scholarship committee will notify recipients how many years they may receive the award when initial decisions are announced.

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater will be renewed while studying full time with a major in the VCU College of Engineering. Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.7 - 3.0 and those who are part-time will be renewed at the discretion of the Scholarship committee. Renewal eligibility is reviewed at the end of each semester.