Virginia G3 Tuition Assistance Program

Quick Facts

• Administering agency: Virginia Community College System (VCCS) in partnership with the state’s Office of the Secretary of Labor.
• Program purpose: “Get a Skill, Get a Job, Give Back” (G3) provides last-dollar tuition coverage for in-demand programs aligned with Virginia’s workforce needs.
• Eligible credentials: Certificate, associate degree, and fast-track workforce programs in healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, public safety, and early childhood education.
• Funding structure: Covers tuition, fees, and textbooks after Pell Grants and other aid; includes a Performance Grant up to $900 per term for living expenses once academic milestones are met.
• Enrollment requirement: At least six credits per term with a plan to complete 30 credits per academic year (150% pace allowed for part-time learners).
• Service expectation: Graduates are encouraged (not required) to work in-field in Virginia, fulfilling the “Give Back” pillar through employment and community engagement.

Program Overview

The Virginia G3 Tuition Assistance Program is a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s workforce strategy, delivering tuition-free community college pathways for residents pursuing high-demand careers. Launched in 2021 and expanded through 2025, G3 addresses critical labor shortages in nursing, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, and early childhood education. By removing tuition barriers and offering living stipends, G3 enables adult learners, career switchers, and recent high school graduates to reskill rapidly.

G3 integrates academic advising, career coaching, and wraparound supports. Each community college designates G3 navigators who help students select programs, align course schedules with work or family responsibilities, and tap resources like SNAP Employment & Training or childcare grants. Virginia’s FastForward short-term credential programs also qualify, allowing students to earn industry certifications in 6–12 weeks with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

Why G3 Matters in 2025

Virginia’s economy is booming in sectors tied to federal contracting, cybersecurity, offshore wind, and advanced manufacturing. Employers are willing to hire G3 graduates at competitive wages, but tuition and living expenses remain obstacles for many residents. G3’s Performance Grant—awarded when students complete 6 or more credits per term and maintain a 2.0 GPA—provides up to $900 per term to offset transportation, childcare, or rent.

The program also aligns with Virginia’s Talent Accelerator strategy, which coordinates training with major investments like Amazon’s HQ2 and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. Students completing G3 programs often step into apprenticeships or full-time roles with tuition reimbursed by employers. With the state targeting 125,000 additional credentialed workers by 2030, G3 is integral to meeting workforce demand while reducing student debt.

Eligibility Breakdown

1. Residency and domicile: Students must meet Virginia domicile requirements (12 months residency with intent to remain). Domicile officers at community colleges verify documentation such as leases, driver’s licenses, and tax returns.
2. Income threshold: Household income must not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2025 that’s about $124,800 for a family of four. Students receiving means-tested benefits (SNAP, TANF, WIC) automatically qualify under income guidelines.
3. Approved programs: G3 maintains a list of eligible programs at each college. These include nursing, practical nursing, medical assisting, cybersecurity, network security, welding, HVAC, early childhood development, criminal justice, and emergency medical services. Confirm your major is coded as G3 before enrolling.
4. Enrollment intensity: Minimum six credits per term. Students may attend part-time but must complete 30 credits per year or meet 150% time allowances (45 credits in three years for associate degrees).
5. Academic progress: Maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete two-thirds of attempted credits. Falling below triggers probation, but you can regain eligibility by meeting milestones next term.

Application Roadmap

1. File the FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year and list your Virginia community college. Students ineligible for FAFSA (e.g., DACA) can complete the VCCS alternative aid form.
2. Apply to community college: Submit admissions application, placement documents, and transcripts. Many colleges offer direct enrollment for adult learners without standardized test scores.
3. Meet with G3 navigator: Schedule an intake meeting to confirm program eligibility, review income documentation, and build an academic plan. Bring pay stubs, benefit award letters, or tax returns.
4. Submit G3 agreement: Sign the G3 Student Agreement acknowledging requirements. Colleges typically integrate this step into the navigator meeting.
5. Register for courses: Enroll in G3-approved classes. If you add electives or developmental courses, ensure they fit within the academic plan to maintain funding.
6. Track aid award: The financial aid office applies G3 after Pell Grants and state grants (e.g., Commonwealth Grant) are credited. Review your account to confirm tuition and fees are covered.
7. Activate support services: Request tutoring, childcare referrals, transportation assistance, and technology loans through student services.

Maximizing the G3 Benefit

• Plan for the Performance Grant: Complete at least 6 credits with a 2.0 GPA each term to unlock up to $900 for living expenses. Submit documentation of expenses if required. Use funds for gas, tools, or certification exams.
• Leverage FastForward: Short-term programs in welding, CDL, or CompTIA can be completed quickly. Combine FastForward tuition discounts with G3 to minimize costs and requalify for Performance Grants once you transition to longer programs.
• Stack with SNAP E&T: Students receiving SNAP can access transportation vouchers, uniforms, or tools. Work with your navigator to coordinate benefits.
• Use Work-Based Learning: Many G3 programs include clinicals, apprenticeships, or internships. These experiences often pay wages while satisfying program requirements.
• Apply for wraparound grants: Colleges manage emergency funds (e.g., Stay the Course, Finish Line) that pay for car repairs or rent. G3 students receive priority due to workforce alignment.

Support for Special Populations

• Military-affiliated students: G3 combines with GI Bill benefits. Active-duty spouses stationed in Virginia qualify if they demonstrate domicile intent (e.g., state taxes, voter registration).
• Rural learners: Colleges like Mountain Gateway and Southwest Virginia offer hybrid programs with weekend labs. Utilize broadband hotspots and mobile labs provided through G3 to bridge connectivity gaps.
• Parents: On-campus childcare or partnerships with Virginia Quality providers help parents maintain schedules. Some colleges offer evening care aligned with lab times.
• Justice-involved individuals: Re-entry programs at Reynolds and Tidewater Community Colleges provide specialized advising. G3 funds re-entry cohorts focused on welding, HVAC, and culinary arts, offering employer introductions pre-release.
• English language learners: Integrated education and training (IET) models combine ESL with workforce courses. G3 covers tuition while Title II Adult Education funds provide language instruction.

Staying Eligible

• Monitor credit completion: Use DegreeWorks or Navigate Student to track credits toward the 30-credit annual goal. Consider summer courses to stay on pace.
• Meet with advisors regularly: Schedule check-ins each term to adjust course loads, update employment status, and ensure all classes remain G3-approved.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress: If you fall below GPA standards, enroll in tutoring and success courses. Submit an appeal if extenuating circumstances (illness, caregiving) caused the dip.
• Report income changes: If household income rises above 400% FPL, notify financial aid. You may complete the current term but lose future eligibility. Navigators can identify alternative aid.
• Renew FAFSA early: Filing in December positions you for priority packaging and avoids disbursement delays at the start of fall.

Troubleshooting Issues

• Award missing: Verify FAFSA is processed and your major is coded as G3. Sometimes Banner systems misclassify programs; advisors can submit corrections.
• Performance Grant not disbursed: Ensure you met credit and GPA requirements and submitted the end-of-term checklist. Payment typically occurs after grades post.
• Course substitutions needed: If a required course isn’t offered, request a substitution through the dean’s office. Provide documentation to financial aid so G3 covers the alternative course.
• Balancing work and school: Use flexible scheduling tools like 8-week sessions or HyFlex classes. Navigators can help rearrange shifts or coordinate employer tuition benefits.
• Transportation challenges: Many colleges provide bus passes, gas cards, or vanpools. Ask student services early; funds are limited and distributed first-come, first-served.

Career Outcomes and Employer Partnerships

• Healthcare: Hospitals like Sentara, Carilion, and Inova hire G3 nursing and allied health graduates with signing bonuses. Some repay remaining student debt or pay for bachelor’s completion.
• IT & Cybersecurity: Employers in the Northern Virginia Technology Council recruit from NOVA’s cybersecurity program, offering apprenticeships and security clearance sponsorship.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Companies such as Volvo Trucks and Newport News Shipbuilding sponsor cohorts, providing paid internships that transition into full-time roles with $50,000+ starting salaries.
• Public Safety: Sheriffs’ offices and fire departments partner with community colleges for cadet academies. G3 covers academy tuition, while agencies cover uniforms and equipment.
• Early Childhood Education: G3 graduates qualify for Virginia’s Early Childhood Teacher Incentive grants, which offer $1,500 bonuses for full-time employment in child care centers.

Timeline Checklist

Final Thoughts

Virginia’s G3 Tuition Assistance Program offers a clear path from enrollment to employment in high-demand fields. By collaborating with G3 navigators, staying on top of FAFSA and enrollment requirements, and engaging with employer partners, you can earn a credential with minimal debt and step into a career that supports your family. Treat G3 as a comprehensive package: tuition coverage, performance grants, advising, and industry connections. When you maximize each element, you transform a financial aid program into a career launchpad aligned with Virginia’s economic future.