Bluefield Promise
Bluefield Promise brings a college education within reach.
Bluefield Promise is for Virginia students graduating from high school in 2027 and entering Bluefield University in Fall 2027.
Two Ways to Qualify
Resident Promise
Live on campus. Come from anywhere in Virginia.
Qualifying students from any Virginia county or independent city may participate when they live in University housing and meet Virginia residency, VTAG and all other program requirements.
Commuter Promise
Live at home in one of four eligible counties.
Qualifying students may commute if their established permanent legal residence is in:
- Bland County
- Giles County
- Tazewell County
- Wythe County
The qualifying permanent residence must have been maintained within this four-county area for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the first day of Fall 2027 classes.
How to Get Started
-
Apply to Bluefield University
Complete your Fall 2027 application and submit the required admission documents.
-
Complete the FAFSA
Include Bluefield University using school code 003703.
-
Submit Your VTAG Application
Complete the application and provide any residency documents requested by Financial Aid.
-
Review Your Financial Aid Offer
Financial Aid will confirm your eligibility, explain how tuition is covered and identify your remaining expenses.
Important Program Conditions
Bluefield Promise is proposed for eligible Fall 2027 first-time freshmen from the high school graduating class of 2027 and is subject to final approval and available funding.
Zero-tuition coverage depends on receiving the required grants and meeting all eligibility requirements. BU does not increase Promise funding to replace VTAG that is not received. Students are responsible for that shortfall.
BU reserves the right to reduce additional Promise funding if Pell, VTAG or other applicable grants or scholarships increase. Additional Promise funding cannot exceed the remaining eligible tuition balance, pay non-tuition charges or itself generate a refund. Other aid and any credit balance are administered under their applicable requirements.
Students must report changes in residency, housing, enrollment and financial aid. Such changes may affect participation or award amounts. Financial Aid determines final eligibility and awards after reviewing all required documentation.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for Bluefield Promise, you must:
- Graduate from high school in 2027 or later, and enroll as a full-time student in the fall term following your high school graduation date.
- Meet Bluefield University’s admission requirements.
- Enroll full-time in an eligible on-campus undergraduate degree program.
- Complete the Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA), the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) application, and all required financial aid documents by the applicable deadlines.
- Meet the Resident Promise or Commuter Promise residency and housing requirements.
Transfer students are not eligible. College credits earned through dual enrollment while in high school do not, by themselves, exclude an otherwise eligible first-time freshman.
How residency is determined
Financial Aid reviews your dependency status, permanent legal residence and supporting documentation before confirming eligibility.
Dependent students: Commuter eligibility is based on the qualifying permanent legal residence of the parent or legal guardian through whom you establish residency. That residence must meet the four-county and 12-month requirements.
Independent students: If Financial Aid confirms that you are independent under FAFSA rules, commuter eligibility is based on your own established permanent legal residence. You must meet the same four-county and 12-month requirements.
A temporary address, a relative’s mailing address or housing obtained primarily to attend college does not establish commuter eligibility. Living in University housing does not establish Virginia residency. All students must separately meet VTAG eligibility requirements.
What does the Promise cover?
Bluefield Promise covers tuition.
Your applicable federal and state grants and existing scholarships are considered first. If tuition remains, a separate Commuter Promise or Resident Promise scholarship covers the eligible difference.
Existing BU scholarships remain subject to their award terms. Some qualifying students will already have enough aid to cover tuition and will not need an additional Promise scholarship.
The program does not cover housing, meals, comprehensive fees, books, course materials or other non-tuition expenses. Your financial aid offer will explain those costs and any other aid available to help pay them.
How long does it last?
You may participate for up to four consecutive academic years or until you earn your first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
Eligibility is reviewed annually. You must remain enrolled full-time, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements, qualify for full Pell and VTAG, complete required financial aid documents and maintain an eligible residential or commuter arrangement.
If you move off campus, you must meet the Commuter Promise county residency requirements to continue participating.