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.

Incoming First-Year Students (entering Fall 2026):
Opens: October 01
Closes: February 01 

Current JMU & Incoming Transfer Students:
Opens: February 15
Closes: March 31 

Criteria for All Students: 

All students interested in applying for the CSP scholarship must:

• Qualify for In-State residency
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (no later than Feb. 1, 2026)
• Be Pell Grant eligible

Incoming First-Year Students:

• Must apply for admission to JMU
• Have exemplary academic history

Current JMU Students:

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

Incoming Transfer Students:

• Must be transferring a minimum of 30 credit hours