The University of Richmond is committed to being more accessible and affordable for more Spiders.

UR announced last week the expansion of Richmond’s Promise to Virginia by increasing the qualifying income level. Beginning in fall 2025, qualified Virginians whose total parental income is $75,000 or less will receive grant aid equal to 100% tuition, housing, and food. 

“We want to reduce financial barriers so that exceptional students at all points of the income distribution can envision themselves as Spiders,” said University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock. “We enthusiastically welcome talented students without consideration of their financial circumstances, and we are committed to ensuring all families can see a Richmond education as not only excellent but affordable.”

Since the program launched in the 2006­–07 academic year, 1,400 Virginians have benefited from Richmond’s Promise to Virginia. At that time, the qualifying income was $40,000. The amount increased to $60,000 for the 2014-15 academic year. This year, 82 students are participating in the program. 

Derek Lang, a Midlothian, Virginia, student who graduated this past May, said the financial aid he received made it possible for him to attend UR and become a Spider. “I would have chosen a different school had UR and their donors not been so generous,” he said.

Shaylin Bonefont, also a 2024 graduate from Virginia, said that without the financial aid provided she “would’ve missed out on all of the amazing things and resources that UR had to offer students,” including small classes, personal relationships with faculty, and the Spider alumni network.

She added, “Nothing should stop students who are interested and passionate about attending UR.”

In addition to Richmond’s Promise to Virginia, UR’s commitment to access and affordability includes:

• Need-blind admission decisions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and a commitment to meet the full demonstrated financial need of every student who enters directly from high school.
• Around 64% of University of Richmond undergraduate students receive UR-funded grants or aid.
• The University of Richmond spends over $90M per year on University-funded aid.
• Over 60% of University of Richmond undergraduates graduate without student loan debt.
• Through the Richmond Guarantee, every undergraduate student is eligible to receive a fellowship of up to $5,000 for an unpaid or underpaid summer internship or faculty-mentored research project. Each year, more than 500 UR students are granted summer fellowships.