Jefferson Scholarship
Offered by Jefferson Scholars Foundation (University of Virginia)
About This Scholarship
The Jefferson Scholarship, awarded by the independent Jefferson Scholars Foundation, covers the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia plus supplemental enrichment experiences. The foundation publishes the numbers plainly: over $42,000 per year (upwards of $230,000 total) for Virginians and over $83,000 per year (upwards of $405,000 total) for non-Virginians — making it one of the largest merit awards in the country by published value.
There is no application. The foundation is explicit that no one may apply for a Jefferson Scholarship; instead, roughly 7,700 invited secondary schools across 85 regions each nominate a student from the senior class. Nominees and their counselors submit materials by the December 1 regional deadline, then advance through regional review and interviews from mid-December through January, with final interviews in late February.
A sibling award, the Walentas Scholarship, runs on the same calendar for nominees who would be first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree. Financial need and demonstrated interest in UVA play no role in nomination selection — this is a pure merit search for excellence in leadership, citizenship, and scholarship.
Eligibility
- High school senior nominated by an invited secondary school (no self-nomination or direct application)
- Selection based on excellence in leadership, citizenship, and scholarship
- Walentas Scholarship track for nominees who are first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree
- Financial need and prior interest in UVA are not factors
How To Apply
- Talk to your school counselor early in senior year and express interest in being your school's Jefferson nominee
- If nominated, submit all nominee materials by the December 1 regional deadline (counselor materials are due at the same time)
- Advance through regional review and interviews (mid-December through January) and, if selected, final interviews in late February
- Apply for admission to the University of Virginia through the normal admission process
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Jefferson Scholarship directly?
No. The foundation states that no one may apply — eligible schools nominate one student from their senior class. Your path in is through your school counselor.
How much is the Jefferson Scholarship worth?
The foundation cites over $42,000 per year (upwards of $230,000 total) for Virginia residents and over $83,000 per year (upwards of $405,000 total) for non-Virginians, covering the entire cost of attendance plus enrichment experiences.
What is the Walentas Scholarship?
A parallel award on the same nomination calendar for students who would be first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree.