The Best College for You Might Not Even Be on Your List

You’ve earned good grades, prepped hard for high SAT and ACT scores, and participated in all those extracurricular activities that your guidance counselor insisted would impress college admissions offices. The next step is coming up with a list of your top college choices and start filling out those applications.

So, how do you come up with that list? You’ve probably got a couple of schools in mind already. There are many reasons you could prefer one school over another—your parent’s suggestion, your favorite college basketball team, a specific program of study, and so on. But you need to make sure that the schools you’re seriously considering are a “good fit” for you.

Before you get ahead of yourself and start applying only to Ivy League schools, be sure to chat with your parents about your family’s college budget. If you and your parents simply cannot afford the tuition, it’s better to cross that school off your list. Otherwise, your parents will never be able to retire and you’ll never hear the end of it, or you’ll be stuck with massive student loans that take years, even decades, to pay off.

With each of the remaining schools on your list, be sure to research the academic rigor, the school culture, the social scene, available financial aid, how the professors teach (big lecture halls vs. small classes), and the characteristics the school desires in its students. Now how do these schools match up with you?

Consider this–schools that maybe you hadn’t initially considered could actually be a better fit for you. Check out schools that don’t have the big-name athletic programs or the prestige of a Harvard. Many times colleges whose name you do not recognize may be willing to offer significant financial incentives to entice you to attend if your profile matches the freshman profile of that school. The most important thing is to keep all your options open. Explore all types of colleges – in-state, out-of-state, public, private, large and small. By getting to know the pros and cons of each, you’ll be able to figure out what characteristics are most important to you.

Using the CFG ScholarBank

One thing we discovered when looking at scholarships available to Richmond-area students was that there was no “one” source of regional scholarships. So we decided to take a crack at it. And thus, the CFG ScholarBank was born. We are continually tracking down scholarships available to Central Virginia college-bound students and gathering them all into our searchable collection.
Ready to start searching for the perfect scholarship? Go to the CFG ScholarBank and type in a search term that applies to you. You can search by region, grade level , or any keyword that might narrow down your search.  Say, for example, that you are a female high school senior in Richmond that wants to major in accounting. You could type in any, or all, of the following keywords in the search box: female, accounting, Richmond, senior. The more keywords you use, the more you narrow down your search results. Don’t want to limit yourself that much? Type in one keyword and the list of scholarships will be that much longer.

At over 300 scholarships for $900,000+ and counting, the CFG ScholarBank is a great resource for students looking for a little help in defraying college costs. Why pass up free money if you can get it? Plus, just think of the serious brownie points you’ll score with your parents. You can thank us later.

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Having “The Talk” — Get the Right College Fit for Your Student & Your Budget

So your kid has finished with college visits and read through all the admissions brochures and has decided on their top-choice colleges. Now is the time to make sure that potential schools are a good fit–for both of you.
Many parents overlook just how much emotion comes into play when making college decisions. Hopefully, your student has more stringent criteria than which school has the best football team or simply wanting to go to the same school as their friends. Your emotions can also get in the way when faced with the reality of your child heading off to college and the desire to make their dream school a reality. These emotions can lead to some very expensive tuition bills.
No worries, we’re here to remind you about your financial priorities. Before the college applications are submitted and the “dream” school chosen, you need to decide what the maximum out-of-pocket costs you are willing to pay each year for your child’s college education. Setting these funds aside will affect your retirement plans, so you need to feel very comfortable with the amount.
The next step is to sit down your student and share this budget with them. Any school that doesn’t fit in this budget, after merit aid and any additional financial assistance, needs to be taken off the list of potential colleges. By proactively discussing your budget and working with your student on their college list, making a final college choice when the acceptance letters pour in will go that much smoother.
College Funding Group can help your family identify dozens of colleges around the country that are the right fit for your student and your budget. Find out more about College Funding Group’s services.

Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) – YHB Scholarship

• Must be enrolled in the fall 2025 semester as a junior, senior, fifth year or graduate accounting major.
• Applicant must demonstrate a minimum overall and accounting GPA of 3.0.

Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) – Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer Scholarship

• Must be enrolled in the fall 2025 semester as a junior, senior, fifth-year or graduate accounting major or a dual major with accounting.
• Must demonstrate a minimum overall and accounting GPA of 3.0.

Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) – Undergraduate Accounting Scholarship

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have earned at least three credit hours in accounting as of December 31, 2024.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.
• Be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university AND enrolled or intend to be enrolled in the Fall 2025 semester to an accredited Virginia college or university with the intent to pursue a CPA license.
• Be a member of the Virginia Society of CPAs, free to students.

Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) – Thomas M. Berry, Jr. Scholarship

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have earned at least three credit hours in accounting
• Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.7 or higher
• Be currently enrolled AND enrolled in the fall 2024 semester at an accredited Virginia college or university and intend to obtain a CPA license.
• Be a student member of the Virginia Society of CPAs. Student membership is free.

• Must be a member of one of the following race/ethnic groups: African American or Black, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, Multiracial or Biracial, Native American or Native Alaskan

Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) – FORVIS Scholarship

• Must be enrolled in the Fall 2024 semester as a junior, senior or “fifth-year” undergraduate, or graduate accounting major with the intent to take the CPA Exam.
• Must demonstrate a minimum overall and accounting GPA of 3.0.

Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association – Albert James Shoosmith Scholarship & C. W. Bryant Memorial Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors or equivalent, or college students taking at least nine credit hours per semester at an accredited college/university for the next academic year (undergraduate or associate’s degree program at community college are eligible, but graduate students are not). Applicants must be majoring in horticulture.

Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Scholarships

Since 1952, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) has been raising money to strengthen the 16 leading independent colleges in the Commonwealth and to ensure that access to independent higher education in Virginia is an affordable option for students from all backgrounds and levels of financial need.

One of the VFIC Member Institutions highest priority objectives is securing scholarships for deserving students.

See link for contact information.

Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs Scholarships

Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs continues to provide scholarships to deserving college students who are majoring in any garden-related subject in an accredited college or university.  Applicants must be residents of Virginia and full-time students majoring in Agriculture Education, Horticulture, Floriculture, Landscape Design, Botany, Plant Pathology/Science, Forestry, Agronomy, Environmental Concerns, Environmental Conservation, Habitat or Forest/Systems Ecology, Land Management and/or other garden related or allied subjects.  Career goals must demonstrate objectives that are garden-related.

Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics Scholarship (Edward A. Anderson Scholarship Program)

For Virginia residents who are full-time students at a Virginia college or university and enrolled in a degree-seeking program with a concentration or a major in mathematics and plan to teach mathematics in a Virginia school.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars

An interactive online science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experience highlighted by a 7-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center. Students selected to participate in the program are immersed in NASA-related research through interaction with scientists, engineers and technologists. Students must have interest in or an aptitude for math, science, engineering, or technology and a minimum GPA of 2.7.  Applications: Open August 15-October 26

Rho Eta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria for the $500.00 scholarships 

The applicant MUST

Be an African-American male or female high school student who graduated in the Winter of 2024 or will graduate in the Spring of 2025.

Have a minimum 2.5-2.99 cumulative grade point average.

Be a resident of and attend a high school in the Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent or Richmond School Systems.

Plan to enroll full time in a vocational/technical school, a two-year college or four-year college/university for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria for the $1,000.00 scholarships

The applicant MUST

Be an African-American male or female high school student who graduated in the Winter of 2024 or will graduate in the Spring of 2025.

Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

Be a resident of and attend a high school in the Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent or Richmond School Systems.

Plan to enroll full time in a vocational/technical school, a two-year college or four-year college/university for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Pinchbeck Elementary – Marybeth Graff Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from a Henrico County Public High School pursuing a career as a teacher in special education or a career supporting children with special needs.  3.0 GPA required.  Contact high school guidance counselor for further information.

Virginia PTA Scholarship Program

Eligibility is limited to students graduating from high schools with local PTA units in good standing with Virginia PTA, according to the Standards of Affiliation

MULTIPLE AWARDS OF $500 IN EACH CATEGORY!

• COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
  Students enrolled in a four-year academic degree program
• TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP
  Students enrolled in a two or three year approved technical, vocational, and associate degree program
• FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
  Students enrolled in school of arts, college of design or institute of the arts degree program
• SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
  Special education students (Identified with a current Individual Education Plan-IEP) entering approved technical, vocational, associate degree or a four-year academic program

Times-Dispatch / Sports Backers Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Award

Open to high school student athletes, one male and one female per month, who are: nominated by their school’s trainer or coach; exhibit good character; demonstrate academic achievement; and maintain a 3.0 GPA.  See high school coach or trainer for more information.

Harry F. Byrd Leadership Award

Open to high school seniors who are nominated by each secondary/high school in Virginia. Recognizing Virginia’s high school students exhibiting excellence of character, leadership, devotion to duty, and academic accomplishment. One winner will be selected from each congressional district.

Chesterfield Ruritan Club Scholarships

Open to Chesterfield High School students who demonstrate good character, scholarship and academic promise.  Additional information and counselor deadline information can be obtained from your Chesterfield County High School college counselor.

Virginia Society of Landscape Designers

Open to Virginia residents who are college students interested in pursuing a career in landscape design.  Must have cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be currently enrolled in a curriculum which includes landscape design courses.  Financial need may be a determining factor in the final decision.

VSGA-VIP Scholarship Program of the Virginia Golf Foundation

Open to Virginia high school students who have an interest in golf and wish to attend a college or university within the Commonwealth. Criteria for the awards are an active interest in golf (ability not important), academic achievement, citizenship, character, and financial need. A recommendation from a representative of a VSGA member club is part of the application.

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance Scholarships

Virginia Space Grant Consortium – Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program

The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides awards of up to $8,500 to rising juniors and seniors who are enrolled full-time in a program of study in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) and have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance. Allied Health Sciences majors are not eligible for this program.

Please note that the applicant:

Must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 credit hours) at one of the five Virginia Space Grant Consortium member institutions: Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, The College of William and Mary, or Hampton University.

Virginia Space Grant Consortium – Community College STEM Scholarship

Open to students enrolled full time (min. 12 credit hours) at one of Virginia’s community colleges majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field and interested in pursuing a career that supports NASA’s mission. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Virginia Smiles – Katie Higgins Memorial Scholarship

Open to a student who meets the following criteria:

1.  must be a resident of Virginia and born with a cleft;

2.  must be registered to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution;

3. must submit a completed application form; and must submit a 500 word essay explaining why he/she deserves to be awarded the scholarship.

Virginia Motorcoach Association Scholarship

Open to full-time employees or their dependent children of operator member companies, or Associate VMA contact or the dependent children of the contact for associate member companies. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university studying in a field related to travel and tourism.

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program

Open to a spouse or child, between the ages of 16 and 29, of a military service member killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or at least 90 percent disabled  for education benefits. These benefits may include full payment of tuition, fees, room and board, and books at any state-supported college or university in Virginia.

Virginia Library Association Scholarship

The Virginia Library Association will award scholarships for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science at ALA- accredited schools.  The Clara Stanley Scholarship is awarded by the VLA Professional Associates Forum (VLAPAF); the CDR Alexander C. Varga Memorial Scholarship and the VLA Scholarship are provided by the Virginia Library Association.

The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:

• Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
• Undergraduate degree.
• Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school.  MUST be earning a Master of Library Science Degree. Membership in the Virginia Library Association. Click here to become a student member. Annual fee is $15.00
• For the Clara Stanley VLAPAF Scholarship: current employment at a Virginia library is required.

Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (VIAAA) John C. Youngblood Scholarship

Awarded to a student who has made a substantial contribution to athletics and has a demonstrated financial need.  Must have participated in varsity athletics for at least 2 years and have received at least 1 “varsity monogram.”

Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (VIAAA) Claudia Dodson Scholarship

Open to students who have received at least 4 athletic varsity letters, has a 3.0 cumulative GPA, achieved a leadership position at school, have extensive service record to school and community, and has a demonstrated financial need.  Must provide 3 letters of recommendation.