How much can ACM save at Longwood?

Students typically save the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition. Example: $29,146 (non-resident tuition/fees) to $16,288 (in-state), about $12,858 per year for full-time study if the major qualifies.

Is ACM automatic at Longwood?

No. Students must apply through their home state’s higher education agency and be certified before enrollment.

Do I need a separate application for automatic merit?

No. Admitted freshmen are automatically considered. Early Action by December 1 receives the strongest consideration.

Does Longwood superscore SAT/ACT?

Yes. If scores are submitted, Longwood considers the highest section scores across test dates.

Can test-optional students receive merit?

Yes. Students applying test-optional are still eligible for merit based on GPA and course rigor.

Does Longwood have separate flagship (competitive) scholarships outside Honors?

No publicly listed campus-wide flagship competitions were found for 2025–2026 outside the Honors College. This section will be updated if the university adds one.

Can Hidden Gem awards stack with merit?

Yes. Most research, internship, study abroad, and ROTC awards can stack with merit up to the Cost of Attendance.

Is admission to the Honors College automatic?

No. Students must be admitted to Longwood and then may be invited to submit an Honors Portfolio for competitive review.

Do Honors scholarships replace standard merit?

Often yes. Honors awards are primary institutional aid and may replace standard merit to avoid exceeding the Cost of Attendance.

Longwood University Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Who qualifies for the Academic Common Market (ACM) at Longwood?

Students from SREB member states whose major is not offered in their home state and is ACM-approved at Longwood. Certification by the home state is required before enrollment.

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

If your student is looking at Virginia colleges, Longwood University can be a great fit—especially for families who want clear scholarship opportunities without the guesswork. This guide breaks down costs, merit aid, and Honors awards in plain English, so you’ll know what’s realistic before the first bill arrives. For even more ways to save, check out our Virginia state aid guide along with our full College Scholarships Hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Longwood University

Category	Virginia Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits)	$16,288	$29,146
Housing & Meals (standard on-campus)	$17,970	$17,970
Books, Travel, Personal, Loan Fees	≈ $4,860	≈ $4,860
Total (before aid)	≈ $39,118	≈ $51,370

Average Net Price: $20,814 (2022–23 federal data). This is what families actually paid on average after grants and scholarships—no loans included.

Academic Common Market (ACM): Students from participating Southern states can study qualifying majors at Longwood and pay Virginia’s in-state tuition.

Example: A non-resident student normally billed $29,146 in tuition/fees would pay the in-state $16,288 if their major qualifies—saving about $12,858 per year.

FAQ: Academic Common Market

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

How much can you save? Roughly the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition—over $12,000 per year for full-time study.

Is it automatic? No. You must apply through your home state’s higher education agency and be certified before enrollment.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
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
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
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
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

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 (EA by Dec 1 gets the strongest look).

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.

🏆 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?

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.

💎 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?
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
Study Abroad Scholarships	$500–$2,000	Students accepted to approved study abroad programs with GPA ≥ 2.5	Yes – Global Engagement office	No – per trip	Students with strong academic plan and financial need for travel
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
Call Me MiSTER	Partial tuition support + program benefits	Underrepresented students preparing to become K–12 teachers	Yes – program application	Yes – must maintain academic standing and program participation	Education majors with service commitment to high-need schools
Army ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition OR room/board + $420/mo stipend + $1,200/yr 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
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
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
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

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

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.

⭐ 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.

🎖️ 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?
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 students with exceptional academics and service
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 and service in education settings
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

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.

📎 Official Links

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.

✅ Last updated: September 28, 2025