The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) at James Madison University provides financial support to talented Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia with an emphasis on first-generation students or students with limited prior exposure to or knowledge of the college process. This highly competitive award is open to incoming first-year and transfer students as well as current JMU students.

Students who are accepted into CSP (referred to as "Centennials") are awarded a combination of federal, state, and institutional grants totaling the cost of in-state tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals. Centennials must meet program-specific need-based eligibility requirements in future years to maintain the full value of the award.

To be considered eligible for the Centennial Scholars Program, all applicants must:

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than February 01, 2026,
• Be subsequently deemed eligible for the Federal Pell Grant,
• Qualify for in-state tuition, and
• Demonstrate exemplary academic performance as defined below:

For Current JMU students:

• Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA
• Must have earned fewer than 60 credit hours at JMU at the time of submission

For new transfer students:

• Must be transferring a minimum of 30 credit hours