Longwood University Scholarships 2025–2026 | Merit, Honors & Costs

Longwood University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit scholarships for in-state and out-of-state students
  • Full-tuition and full-ride awards through the Cormier Honors College
  • Leadership, departmental, and special scholarship programs

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~88%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1040–1220
  • Average GPA (HS): 3.35–4.02 (weighted range)

Source: Longwood University Common Data Set (2024–25) and official admissions data.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

Longwood at a Glance

🏆 Automatic and competitive merit: All admitted students are automatically considered for academic scholarships ranging from $2,000–$15,000 per year. Competitive programs through the Cormier Honors College can award full tuition or even full-ride packages that include room, board, and book stipends.
Average Net Price
$20,983
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$15,000 / yr
Awarded automatically upon admission
Competitive Scholarships
Full Tuition to Full Ride
Cormier Honors • McGaughy • Leadership Fellows
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+ • ACT 25+ / SAT 1200+
Holistic review also values service and leadership
Test Policy
Test-Optional
Scores reviewed if submitted
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • Honors: Feb 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Honors & Fellows apps reviewed in spring
Honors College
Yes • Competitive • Separate app
Offers scholarships from $500 up to full ride
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No • Competitive: Yes
Cormier Honors & McGaughy Awards
Residency & Waivers
In-State & Out-of-State
Merit applies equally to both groups
* Based on Longwood University’s 2025–26 merit scholarship grid and Cormier Honors College listings. Automatic awards are based on GPA/test scores; full-tuition and full-ride awards require a separate Honors application and interview.

Intro FAQs

Does Longwood award automatic scholarships?
Yes. All admitted students are automatically considered for academic scholarships worth $2,000–$15,000 per year based on GPA and test scores.

Are there full-tuition or full-ride scholarships?
Yes. The Cormier Honors College and McGaughy Scholarships can cover full tuition or more, including room and board for top scholars.

What are the benefits of the Cormier Honors College?
Honors students enjoy small classes, priority registration, faculty mentoring, and scholarship support for research, study abroad, and service.

Is Longwood test-optional?
Yes. Longwood is test-optional through 2026, and students who apply without scores remain eligible for all merit and competitive awards.

When should students apply?
Apply by December 1 for automatic scholarship priority, and by February 1 for Honors or McGaughy consideration. The FAFSA deadline is March 1.

Sources:
Longwood University — Common Data Set 2024–25 (Admissions & GPA ranges)
Longwood University — Scholarships & Awards (Merit and Honors ranges) 2025–26
Longwood University — Cormier Honors College Scholarships & Awards page (Full ride range) 2025–26
U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard (Average Net Price $20,983, 2022–23)

💰 Cost of Attendance at Longwood University

Category Virginia Resident Non-Resident
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $16,288 $29,146
Housing & Meal Plan (on-campus) $17,970 $17,970
Total (before aid) $38,512 $51,370

Note: This table includes only direct, billed costs (tuition, fees, housing, meals). Estimated indirect costs (books & supplies, transportation, personal/miscellaneous, loan fees) are not paid directly to the university and thus excluded from the table.

Average Net Price: $20,983 (2022-23 federal/BigFuture estimate). This reflects what families actually paid on average *after* scholarships and grants — no loans included.
Academic Common Market (ACM): Students from qualifying SREB states may study certain majors at Longwood and pay the Virginia resident tuition rate.

Example: A non-resident major eligible under ACM who’d normally pay $29,146 in tuition could instead pay the $16,288 resident rate — saving ~$12,858.

FAQ: Academic Common Market

Who qualifies?
Students from SREB member states whose chosen major is not offered in their home state and is approved for ACM at Longwood.

How much can you save?
Roughly the difference between non-resident and resident tuition (~$12,000+ per year).

Is it automatic?
No. You must apply through your home state’s higher-education agency for ACM approval before enrolling.

Sources:
Longwood University — Cost of Attendance 2025-26 (Undergraduate On-Campus) Longwood University — Tuition & Fees 2025-26 (Undergraduate) BigFuture (College Board) — Longwood University Tuition & Costs & Net Price

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Longwood Freshman Merit (Band A) $1,000–$3,000/yr HS GPA 3.0–3.39; EA by Dec 1 preferred; test-optional allowed No Yes — 3.0 GPA + 30 credits/yr Solid coursework; consistent grades Dec 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final)
Longwood Freshman Merit (Band B) $3,000–$7,000/yr GPA 3.4–3.69 or tests ~1080–1190 SAT / 21–25 ACT; rigor helps No Yes — 3.0 GPA + 30 credits/yr College-prep schedule; some leadership/service Dec 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final)
Longwood Freshman Merit (Band C) $6,000–$10,000/yr GPA 3.7–3.89 or tests ~1200–1290 SAT / 25–28 ACT; strong rigor No Yes — 3.0 GPA + 30 credits/yr Honors/AP/DE mix; leadership and service Dec 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final)
Longwood Freshman Merit (Band D) $9,000–$15,000/yr GPA 3.9+ or tests ~1300+ SAT / 28–29+ ACT; top rigor No Yes — 3.0 GPA + 30 credits/yr Highest rigor; standout activities/leadership Dec 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final)

Ranges reflect Longwood’s published cap (“up to $15k”). GPA/test bands are estimates because Longwood does not publish a fixed grid; thresholds can shift with the applicant pool and funding.

Longwood does not list automatic awards tied to National Merit, Stamps Scholarships, or QuestBridge.

FAQ: Automatic Merit at Longwood

Separate application? No. You’re automatically considered with admission (Early Action by Dec 1 gets the strongest look; final deadline is Feb 1).

Superscoring? Yes. If you submit scores, Longwood considers your highest section scores across test dates.

Test-optional? Yes. Merit is still possible based on GPA and rigor.

Stacking? Merit often stacks with need-based aid but total aid can’t exceed the Cost of Attendance. Honors/full-ride awards may replace standard merit.

Sources:
longwood.edu/scholarships/
catalog.longwood.edu/undergraduate-admissions/
longwood.edu/financialaid/

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (university-level, highly competitive)

These are Longwood’s top, university-level competitive scholarships (sometimes called “flagship” awards). They are separate from Honors and department awards. After a deep search of official sources, we did not find any publicly listed flagship/competition scholarships outside the Cormier Honors College for 2025–2026.

Scholarship Award Amount What Makes It Competitive Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Deadline

No university-level flagship (competitive) scholarships are publicly listed for 2025–2026 outside the Cormier Honors College and departmental funds. If Longwood adds a campus-wide competition later (e.g., interview day, presidential scholars), we’ll add it here during the Phase 2 recheck.

FAQ: Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at Longwood

Does Longwood run a separate campus-wide competition day? No public announcement for 2025–2026 outside Honors. We’ll recheck during Phase 2.

Where should high-achieving students focus? The Cormier Honors College (competitive portfolio review; scholarships from $500/year up to full ride) and departmental/identity programs listed in Hidden Gems.

Deadlines that matter? Apply by Dec 1 (Early Action) for strongest merit consideration; Honors portfolio invitations follow general admission. Always watch your Longwood portal for any added competitions.

Do flagship awards stack with automatic merit? When a university-level flagship award exists, it often replaces standard merit to avoid exceeding the cost of attendance. Confirm stacking in your financial aid offer.

Sources:
longwood.edu/scholarships/
catalog.longwood.edu/undergraduate-admissions/
longwood.edu/financialaid/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These are niche opportunities—often need-based, identity-based, or tied to experiences like research, study abroad, or ROTC—that don’t fall under automatic or flagship awards. They can be great ways to stack extra support if your student qualifies.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Undergraduate Research & Inquiry Grants (OSR) $500–$3,000 Students who propose faculty-mentored research or creative projects Yes – OSR application No – apply each cycle Students with clear project goals and a faculty mentor Oct 2 (Fall); Mar 15 (Spring)
(typical; confirm each year)
Study Abroad Scholarships (Lancers Abroad) Up to $1,200/trip Students accepted to approved study abroad programs; GPA ≥ 2.0 Yes – Global Engagement office No – per trip Students with strong academic plan and financial need for travel Sept 15 (Spring); Feb 15 (Fall)
Unpaid Internship Scholarship $500–$2,000 Undergraduates completing verified unpaid internships Yes – Career Services No – per internship Students with documented need and quality internship placement Rolling
Call Me MiSTER Program At least $3,000/year + program benefits Underrepresented students preparing to become K–12 teachers Yes – program application Yes – must maintain academic and program standing Education majors with service to high-need schools Mar 21
Army ROTC Scholarships Full tuition or room/board + $420/mo stipend + $1,200/year books Students meeting academic, fitness, and military service standards Yes – national ROTC application Yes – must maintain contract and progress Strong students with leadership and service commitment Oct 6 (priority); Rolling
Hull Scholars Program (Education) $1,000–$3,000/year Students pursuing teaching careers with strong leadership record Yes – separate program application Yes – renewable with participation and GPA Education majors with proven leadership and program involvement Feb 15
Alumni Legacy Scholarship $1,000–$2,000 Incoming freshmen with a parent or close relative who is a Longwood alum Yes – alumni relations application No – one-time award Freshmen with strong academics and leadership activities May 1
Longwood Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship One-time award (approx. $2,000–$3,000) Virginia undergraduates with personal/historical connection to slavery in Virginia Yes – scholarship application No – one-time Students with documented family history and strong academic record Apr 15

Amounts for some scholarships are based on publicly available ranges from similar Longwood programs. Exact figures and deadlines may vary each year; check the current scholarship portal for confirmed amounts and dates.

  • Citizen Leader Awards – leadership recognition awards for current students in clubs and organizations (Joan of Arc Visionary Leadership Award, etc.).
  • Bill Stuart Memorial Scholarship – departmental award for Communication Studies majors with leadership/service emphasis.
  • Departmental/Music/English/Business Scholarships – numerous named awards with varying amounts; examples include Waverly M. Cole Music Scholarships (can reach full tuition), Rosemary Sprague Memorial Scholarship, and Wells Fargo Plurality Scholarship for minority students.

FAQ: Hidden Gems at Longwood

Can these awards stack with merit? Yes. Most hidden gems (research, internships, study abroad, ROTC stipends) can stack with automatic merit up to the cost of attendance.

Do I need a separate application? Yes, usually. These are managed by specific offices like the OSR, Study Abroad, or Career Services.

Are amounts fixed? No. They vary depending on funding each cycle and program length, but typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Who should look closely at these? Students seeking extra experiences—research, teaching, service, military training, or global study—who also want financial support to make those possible.

Sources:
longwood.edu/scholarships/
longwood.edu/global-engagement/
longwood.edu/career/
longwood.edu/mister/
longwood.edu/rotc/

🎖️ Honors College

The Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars at Longwood University is the most selective pathway on campus, blending academic rigor with a strong emphasis on leadership and service. Students admitted to Honors are automatically considered for some of the university’s most competitive scholarships, including top-tier awards that can cover full tuition, room, and board.

What a Typical Longwood Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA around 3.75 or higher in high school, advanced coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment, or honors classes), strong writing in the portfolio, and leadership or service experience that shows a commitment to Longwood’s citizen-leader mission.
Perks That Matter:
  • Renewable Honors scholarships ranging from $500 per year to full ride (tuition, room/board, and books)
  • Priority registration and Honors housing
  • Small seminar-style courses and faculty mentorship
  • Special funding for study abroad, research, and projects
  • Dedicated Honors community and leadership development
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Cormier Citizen Scholars Scholarship $500/year minimum up to substantial awards Incoming and current Honors College students demonstrating commitment to citizenship and scholarship No – awarded through Honors review Yes – maintain Honors standing All accepted Honors students; strongest awards go to exceptional academics and service December 1 (priority)
Hull Scholars Program (Education) $1,000–$3,000/year Honors College students pursuing teaching careers, with leadership in education Yes – program application Yes – with participation and GPA Future teachers with strong leadership/service in education February 15
Longwood Scholars Full ride (tuition, on-campus room & board, and books) Top-tier Honors College applicants with exceptional academics and leadership No – awarded as part of Honors selection Yes – maintain Honors standing Most accomplished Honors students, typically 3.9+ GPA with strong rigor and leadership/service record December 1 (priority)

Note: All Honors College scholarships are competitive and replace standard merit awards. Awards are tied to the December 1 Early Action deadline for priority consideration.

FAQ: Honors College at Longwood

Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply to Longwood, then be invited to submit an Honors Portfolio.

Does Honors add time to a degree? No. Honors courses fit into the Civitae Core, so students graduate in four years if they stay on track.

What is the minimum scholarship? All Honors admits receive at least $500/year; top students may earn a full ride.

How do Honors awards stack? Honors scholarships usually replace standard merit awards to avoid exceeding cost of attendance.

Sources:
longwood.edu/honors/
longwood.edu/scholarships/
longwood.edu/global-engagement/
longwood.edu/education/

⭐ College Specialty

Parents often ask, “What is Longwood really known for?” While it offers a full range of majors, Longwood stands out for its strong roots in teacher preparation and a mission built around citizen leadership. The school continues to deliver standout programs in education, nursing, business, and the liberal arts that open clear career pathways for graduates.

Teacher Preparation: Longwood has been recognized as one of Virginia’s historic leaders in training educators, with programs like Elementary Education and Special Education ranked among the state’s best for licensure pass rates and classroom readiness.
  • Nursing (BSN) — Longwood’s Nursing program has reported 100% NCLEX pass rates in recent years, ranking among the top in Virginia for licensure success.
  • Business (AACSB-accredited) — The College of Business & Economics holds AACSB accreditation, earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
  • Civitae Core Curriculum — A distinctive statewide model emphasizing citizen leadership, critical thinking, and service-learning as part of every student’s degree.
  • Communication Studies — Known regionally for strong undergraduate research and leadership-focused scholarships, with alumni in journalism, PR, and digital media fields.

Final Thoughts

For families considering Longwood University, the takeaway is clear: while it doesn’t have the same volume of flagship awards as larger universities, it offers meaningful automatic merit, distinctive Honors scholarships, and a range of “hidden gem” programs that can ease the cost. Combined with Virginia state aid and federal grants, many students—especially those in teaching, nursing, or leadership-focused fields—can find strong value here. Most importantly, everything is laid out in plain English so you can make informed decisions without surprises.

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