Richmond University: Financial Aid For Top Students?

The University of Richmond is a private institution that offers a variety of financial aid options to entice students. The university is one of the few institutions in the U.S. with a need-blind admission policy and a guarantee to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for traditional undergraduate applicants. This means that the university does not consider financial need when making admission decisions and aims to provide financial resources to make its education affordable for all admitted students. The university offers need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and other sources of financial aid to its students. Additionally, they provide comprehensive support and assistance to ensure that students can take full advantage of the educational experience Richmond has to offer.

Merit-based scholarships for first-year applicants

The University of Richmond is one of the few institutions in the U.S. with a "need-blind" admission policy and a guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated need for traditional undergraduate applicants. The university provides need-based aid to 36% of undergraduates, with an average need-based aid package of $64,880.

All first-year applicants who apply by December 1st are considered for merit-based aid, including full tuition, housing, and food scholarships and a variety of interest-based programs. Merit scholarships are awarded to the most outstanding applicants.

Richmond Scholars Program

The Richmond Scholars Program is the University of Richmond's most prestigious and competitive scholarship. It is awarded to 25 incoming students and covers full tuition, housing, and food. The scholarship is renewable for up-to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment, including study abroad. All applicants for first-year admission are automatically considered for this scholarship, provided they submit a complete admission application by December 1st. No separate application is required.

Presidential Scholarships

The University of Richmond awards merit-based Presidential Scholarships, equivalent to one-third of tuition, to students who have achieved outstanding high school records in a highly rigorous curriculum. Presidential Scholarships are awarded to only 10% of incoming students. All applicants who apply for first-year admission are automatically considered. No separate application is required. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment.

Oliver Hill Scholars

Oliver Hill Scholars receive a combined merit scholarship valued at 50% of tuition (inclusive of the 1/3 tuition Presidential Scholarship and the additional Oliver Hill Scholar award) for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment. In addition, scholars receive up to $3,000 in a one-time enrichment grant to support an approved student-selected activity that enhances their academic experience.

Bonner Scholars Program

Up to 25 first-year students with a history of community service are named Bonner Scholars. Bonners exchange 10 hours of weekly community engagement for a $3,600 stipend per academic year, paid out on a bi-weekly paycheck. The award is renewable for eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study. Bonners also receive up to $4,500 in support of summer internships.

Davis United World College Scholars

All graduates of the United World Colleges (UWC) system are eligible to receive a Davis incentive grant. Need-based awards range up to $30,000 (renewable for eight semesters of full-time enrollment and based on need) to further students’ education at the University of Richmond.

Army ROTC Scholarships

Scholarships for full tuition and a $1,200 annual book stipend are available to candidates who have demonstrated their attributes as scholars, athletes, and leaders. ROTC Cadets pursue the academic major of their choice and take one military science and leadership course for academic credit each semester while training to become commissioned officers.

Music and Theatre/Dance Scholarships

Scholarships of varying amounts are available to students who demonstrate outstanding promise in the study of music, theatre, or dance. Some awards require majoring in a particular discipline and auditions are required.

Need-blind admission for US citizens/permanent residents

The University of Richmond is one of the few institutions in the U.S. that has a "need-blind" admission policy for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This means that the university does not consider financial need when making admission decisions for first-year applicants. Instead, Richmond focuses on the vibrancy and energy that each student brings, rather than their family's income.

The University of Richmond combines its need-blind admission policy with a guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated need for traditional undergraduate applicants. This means that the university will provide financial aid to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The University of Richmond's need-based aid, known as the Richmond In Reach program, is available to all eligible, full-time undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The Office of Financial Aid determines the student's demonstrated need, and the university commits to meeting 100% of that need. The aid packages consist of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid, as well as a self-help portion that may include loans or work-study programs. The university aims to help students graduate with minimal debt, so they try to keep loans to a minimum.

Domestic transfer students, international students, non-U.S. citizens, and non-U.S. permanent residents may also apply for need-based aid. However, the Office of Admission is need-aware when reviewing applications from these applicants, meaning their ability to pay for their education will be considered during the admission review process.

Support for internships, graduate school, and careers

The University of Richmond offers a range of support services for internships, graduate school, and careers. Firstly, the Richmond Guarantee provides undergraduate students with access to up to $5,000 in funding for summer research experiences or unpaid/under-paid internships. Students are encouraged to find opportunities that align with their academic and postgraduate goals, and the university may help fund these experiences.

The Office of Alumni and Career Services provides students with guidance and support in planning for their future careers. The Office of Scholars and Fellowships assists students in applying for postgraduate fellowships and can provide funding for travel to interviews for University-nominated national fellowship programs.

The university also offers free MCAT and LSAT test prep in partnership with the Khan Academy. Additionally, the Career Opportunity Fund supports students with expenses related to purchasing interview clothing, paying for graduate school applications, or travelling to required interviews.

The University of Richmond is committed to helping students grow at any stage of their professional journey. The university blends the intimacy of a small college with the academic, research, and cultural opportunities typically found at large institutions. It fosters a diverse and inclusive campus community and offers a wide range of career paths for its employees.

Aid for international students and non-US citizens

The University of Richmond is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted domestic and international applicants to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have access to its exceptional education. However, the Office of Admission is need-aware when reviewing applications from non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents. This means that a student's ability to pay for four years of a Richmond education will be considered during the admission review process. Thus, the University of Richmond Certification of Financial Responsibility is required for all non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents. The average financial aid award (need-based, merit, etc.) to international students in 2024-25 was $68,060. All need-based grants and merit scholarships will be made available for a total of eight semesters of full-time enrollment during the regular academic year. It is not available for summer study.

International students, non-US citizens, and non-US permanent residents may receive full consideration for all merit-based scholarships, with the exception of the Army ROTC scholarship program. For full scholarship eligibility, they must submit their application for admission by the December 1st Richmond Scholars deadline.

To apply for need-based aid, non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents must submit the following by the financial aid deadline of their admission plan:

• University of Richmond Certification of Financial Responsibility
• 2025-26 CSS Profile application to the College Board

If the parents of the applicant are divorced or separated, both parents must complete separate CSS Profile forms. The CSS Profile code for the University of Richmond is 5569.

Undocumented/DACA students only need to submit the CSS Profile.

International students who do not receive financial aid in their first year will generally not be assisted in following years, unless funds permit.

Additional support and assistance

The University of Richmond provides many types of support and assistance to its students, in addition to financial aid. The School of Arts & Sciences and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies offer programs to support students with travel to conferences to present their research. Students can also access tutoring services, writing support, and public speaking assistance. The Technology Learning Center offers software, equipment, and support for multimedia projects, while the Boatwright Memorial Library provides research assistance and access to books and course materials.

The University prioritises the health and wellness of its community, offering a range of services to support students' well-being. The Student Health Center provides primary healthcare, including evaluation, treatment, and chronic disease management. Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers short-term mental health services, and the University has partnered with TimelyCare to provide virtual mental health and well-being services 24/7 for free. The Weinstein Center for Recreation promotes healthy living through fitness and wellness programs.

For students who wish to study abroad or participate in internships, the University offers financial support through The Richmond Guarantee. Students can receive up to $5,000 for summer research experiences or unpaid internships. The Office of Alumni and Career Services, as well as the Office of Scholars and Fellowships, provide additional support for students' career and academic goals.

Recognising that students may encounter unexpected financial challenges, the University has established the Student Emergency Fund to assist with unanticipated expenses. Furthermore, the University ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have access to its exceptional education through its commitment to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted applicants.

Frequently asked questions