Access MBU
As part of our commitment to access and affordability, we’re offering zero-cost tuition to all FAFSA-eligible Virginia students with families who make less than $60,000 annually through our Access MBU program. This means that if you qualify, you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket toward tuition.
At MBU, we believe in the potential of our students and strive to remove barriers to achieving a college education. Our career-focused academics and dynamic extracurricular experiences will help you level up your skills and confidence. Plus, we have dedicated professional advisors and life success coaches to help you move easily from college to career.
Here’s how Access MBU works:
- You must be a legal Virginia resident and a new, full-time undergraduate student (residential or commuter) enrolling for the upcoming fall semester.
- Families with income below $60,000/year qualify. Your eligibility will be confirmed when you complete your MBU application and financial aid process.
- After you’re accepted to MBU and file your FAFSA (MBU’s FAFSA code is 003723), you’ll receive your financial aid package and learn about your eligibility for Access MBU.
- You’ll be eligible for Access MBU every year, as long as you remain enrolled as a full-time, residential, undergraduate student, continue to meet the income requirements as determined by your FAFSA each year, and make satisfactory academic progress.
We combine federal, state, and university grant and scholarship aid so you can access debt-free tuition. And if you have any questions or need help with the application process, remember that MBU is here to help! You can reach out anytime to 540-887-7022 or finaid@marybaldwin.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Access MBU is a grant from Mary Baldwin University. It provides funding to FAFSA-eligible Virginia students with families who make less than $60,000 annually, and covers tuition at MBU. It’s not a loan.
No separate application is required. To be considered, interested students must apply to MBU as full-time undergraduate students. Then you must file your Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). MBU’s FAFSA code is 003723.
Residential transfer students may be eligible. To be considered, interested students must apply to MBU as full-time undergraduate students. Then you must file your Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). MBU’s FAFSA code is 003723.
There is no GPA requirement to qualify for Access MBU. Students must apply to Mary Baldwin and be accepted.
Access MBU covers the cost of tuition only. It does not cover housing, a meal plan, or fees.
Yes, your Access MBU Grant will renew every year provided you continue to meet the income requirements as determined by your FAFSA and as long as you attend MBU full-time. You must continue to enroll full time in MBU’s undergraduate programs as a residential or commuter student, continue to be a Virginia resident, and remain in good academic standing.
Students receiving the grant will see it listed (along with all their aid) on their financial aid letter from MBU.
Access MBU is launching with the new first-year class in fall 2023. However, many of MBU’s currently enrolled Pell-eligible students are receiving maximum institutional, state, and federal funds.
All MBU applicants are reviewed for merit- and need- based scholarships, based on their FAFSA information. The university is known for its generous financial aid, and more than 95% of our students receive aid or scholarships.