Federal Pell Grant (PELL):  A federal grant designed to assist students with the cost of attending college.  Awards are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.  Funds must be used for education-related expenses including tuition, books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.  Awards are pro-rated based on enrollment.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by the U.S. Department of Education upon completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG):  A federal grant program designed to provide assistance to students demonstrating the highest level of financial need.  Awards are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG):  A federal grant program available to first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005.  Students must be a Federal Pell Grant recipient and have completed a rigorous high school curriculum.  In Virginia, this is recognized by receiving the Advanced Studies Diploma.  Students may also qualify by completing a required set of courses while in high school.  Other eligibility criteria exist for this program.

Commonwealth Award (COMA):  A state financial aid program for students who are domiciled Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need.  Awards are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Awards cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees.

College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP):  A state financial aid program for students who are domiciled Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need.  Awards are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Students must be enrolled at least half-time in order to receive this grant.  Students cannot be enrolled in a program leading to a second associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.

VCCS Grant:  A state financial aid program for students who are domiciled Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need.  Awards are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  This grant is available for the first time during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Part Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP):  A state financial aid program for students who are domiciled Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need.  Awards are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Students must be enrolled in six or less credit hours in order to receive this grant.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP):  A state financial aid program for students who are domiciled Virginia residents, first-time freshmen in college, a graduate of any Virginia high school with a minimum 2.5 grade point average, enrolled full-time in an eligible program, and demonstrate financial need as determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Students must submit a final high school transcript for consideration.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Awards may be renewed for a second academic year if the student has maintained continuous, full-time enrollment.

Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program (HTAP):  A state financial aid program for students who are domiciled Virginia residents and who are enrolled in a K-12 teacher preparation program.  Eligibility for this grant is determined by Tidewater Community College and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  Students are nominated by a faculty member and must be enrolled full time.  A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required in order to receive this grant.