College & Education in Virginia

15 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

15 Resources

1. Virginia State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) — Free

State agency coordinating Virginia's public higher education system and administering state financial aid programs including the Virginia Student Financial Assistance Program and Tuition Assistance Grant for private colleges. SCHEV publishes college cost comparisons and performance data to help families make informed enrollment decisions. Visit the website to research college options, estimate financial aid eligibility, and learn about state grant deadlines for Virginia residents.

804-225-2600 · 101 N 14th St, James Monroe Bldg, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Virginia Student Financial Assistance Program — Free

State need-based grant programs for Virginia residents attending eligible in-state colleges and universities. Includes the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program for low-income students and the Commonwealth Award for broader need-based eligibility. Awards do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and is renewable each year with satisfactory academic progress. Visit SCHEV or your college financial aid office to learn about award amounts and deadlines.

804-225-2600 · Apply through FAFSA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Free

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov unlocks eligibility for Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study, and Virginia state grants for eligible students. Always free to file — never pay a third party to submit the FAFSA. Deadlines vary by school. Virginia residents should file as early as possible after October 1. Phone support is available Monday through Friday. Students can create an FSA ID and start the application at studentaid.gov.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET; online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Federal Pell Grant Program — Free

Largest federal grant program for undergraduate students with financial need. Maximum award can reach over $7,000 per year depending on enrollment status and financial need, with no repayment required. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. Most students from low- and moderate-income families qualify for at least partial awards. Grants can be used at any eligible Virginia college or university. File the FAFSA as early as possible each year to maximize your Pell Grant eligibility.

1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA online · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Virginia Community College System (VCCS) — Paid

23 community colleges across Virginia offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and FastForward short-term workforce training grants that cover up to two-thirds of tuition for qualifying students. Programs include transfer pathways to four-year universities, career and technical education, and adult education. Financial aid and SNAP-funded workforce training may be available. Visit vccs.edu to find a campus near you and explore program options across the commonwealth.

804-819-4901 · 300 Arboretum Pl, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23236 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) — Paid

Virginia's largest community college with six campuses in the DC metro area serving over 75,000 students. Strong programs for adult learners, veterans, and working parents including evening, weekend, and online classes. Offers transfer pathways to four-year universities, workforce certificates, and FastForward training grants. Financial aid and veteran education benefits accepted. Call or visit any campus to speak with an admissions counselor about your program options.

703-323-3000 · 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, VA 22003 (and 5 other campuses) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Richmond) — Paid

Richmond-area community college offering 70+ programs with flexible daytime, evening, weekend, and online scheduling designed for working adults. Programs include associate degrees, career certificates, and FastForward workforce credentials. Financial aid and veteran education benefits are accepted. Located in Henrico County and serving the greater Richmond area. Contact the admissions office to schedule a meeting with an advisor and explore program options and financial aid eligibility.

804-371-3000 · 1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Virginia Adult Education / GED Programs — Free

Free adult education programs across Virginia helping adults earn their GED or HiSET diploma, improve literacy and numeracy, and prepare for college or careers. Classes are offered at community colleges, schools, and community centers statewide with daytime and evening options. No cost for GED preparation classes. English as a Second Language instruction is also available. Contact your local community college or school division to find adult education programs near you.

Programs statewide at schools and community colleges · Varies by location; many offer evening classes · Visit Website

9. Tidewater Community College (Norfolk) — Paid

Community college serving the Hampton Roads region with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. TCC offers programs in healthcare, information technology, business, engineering, and liberal arts at campuses in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. Evening, weekend, and online options available for working adults. Financial aid and veteran education benefits accepted. Contact admissions to meet with an advisor and explore your program options.

757-822-1122 · 300 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Thomas Nelson Community College (Hampton) — Paid

Community college serving the Hampton Roads peninsula with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training for Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, and surrounding communities. Programs include healthcare, business, information technology, and trades. Evening and online options available for working adults. Financial aid and veteran education benefits accepted. Contact the admissions office at 757-825-2700 to schedule an advising appointment and explore program options and costs.

757-825-2700 · 99 Thomas Nelson Dr, Hampton, VA 23666 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. GI Bill – VA Education Benefits in Virginia — Free

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at Virginia public colleges and universities plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend for eligible veterans and dependents. Benefits can also be used at private schools up to the national cap. Transfer options allow veterans to transfer unused benefits to dependents. Apply for education benefits at va.gov or call 888-442-4551. Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to your Virginia college financial aid office to activate benefits.

888-442-4551 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Khan Academy – Free Online Learning — Free

100% free online learning platform offering courses in math, science, computing, humanities, SAT and ACT test prep, and more. Khan Academy is available to anyone with an internet connection at no cost and with no registration required to browse content. Used by students, adult learners, and parents helping children with schoolwork. Available in multiple languages. A useful supplement to GED preparation, college coursework, or skill development at any stage of education.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Virginia Apprenticeship Programs — Free

Earn while you learn through registered apprenticeship programs in construction, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades across Virginia. Apprentices receive paid on-the-job training combined with related technical instruction. Programs are registered with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry and lead to nationally recognized credentials. Contact DOLI at 804-786-2381 to find apprenticeship sponsors and learn how to apply for programs in your trade or industry area.

804-786-2381 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Virginia Western Community College (Roanoke) — Paid

Community college serving the Roanoke Valley with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. Virginia Western offers programs in healthcare, business, engineering technology, and liberal arts with evening, online, and hybrid options for working adults. Financial aid and veteran education benefits accepted. Located on Colonial Avenue in Roanoke. Contact the admissions office at 540-857-7231 to speak with an advisor about program options and enrollment steps.

540-857-7231 · 3095 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Germanna Community College (Fredericksburg) — Paid

Community college serving Fredericksburg and surrounding counties including Spotsylvania, Orange, and Culpeper with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce credentials. Programs include healthcare, business, information technology, and skilled trades with flexible scheduling for working adults. Financial aid and veteran education benefits accepted. Two main campuses in Locust Grove and Fredericksburg. Call admissions at 540-727-3000 to explore program options and get started.

540-727-3000 · 2130 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.