Understanding Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Tuition Costs

Choosing a graduate program is a significant investment. For prospective students considering Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), understanding the tuition structure is crucial for financial planning. This article breaks down the various costs associated with VCU graduate programs, including tuition, fees, and other expenses, to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial commitment involved.

General Overview of Graduate Tuition

For the academic year 2024-2025, the average graduate school tuition and fees at Virginia Commonwealth University were $17,252 for Virginia residents and $32,470 for out-of-state students. These figures represent an average across all graduate programs offered by the university. VCU offers 186 graduate programs, including 75 Master's, 50 Doctorate, 57 Post-bachelor's, and 4 Post-master's degrees.

Tuition Changes Over Time

It's important to note that tuition rates are subject to change. Data indicates that graduate tuition has risen in recent years. For example, the graduate tuition increased by 2.98% for Virginia residents and 2.79% for out-of-state residents compared to the previous year. Based on the last year increase rate, The 2026 estimated tuition & fees at VCU is $17,688 for Virginia residents and $41,444 for out-of-state students, a 3.3% increase compared to 2025's rate.

Tuition per Credit Hour

For students enrolled part-time or those taking additional credits, VCU charges tuition per credit hour. The tuition per credit hour for graduate students is $767 for Virginia residents and $1,574 for out-of-state students.

Specific Program Costs

While the average tuition provides a general idea, the actual cost can vary depending on the specific graduate program.

Read also: Virginia Peninsula Budget Guide

Medical School Tuition

VCU has a medical school, and its tuition differs from other graduate programs, typically being higher. The medical school tuition is $40,913 for in-state students and $61,224 for out-of-state students. Detailed medical school tuition information can be found at the VCU School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Health Sciences Division page.

Education School Tuition

The School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University has a rolling application deadline. The application fee for the education program at Virginia Commonwealth University is $70. Its tuition is full-time: $11,348 per year (in-state); full-time: $24,220 per year (out-of-state); part-time: $631 per credit (in-state); and part-time: $1,345 per credit (out-of-state).

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, graduate students at VCU are typically required to pay various fees that contribute to different aspects of university life and services.

Mandatory Fees

The Student Services and Student Activity Fees are mandatory fees charged to all students.

Breakdown of Fees

Information Technology Fee: Helps students access the latest emerging technology in the classroom (10%) and helps support Commonwealth University’s campus network infrastructure (5%) to enhance learning while ensuring students have cutting edge preparation for technological skills needed in their future careers.
Student Services Fee: Supports many of the other unique aspects of campus life to help students make the most of their college experience.
Health, Counseling, and Well-being Fee: Includes access to Student Health Services and the Counseling Centers (85%), psychological and medical goods (4%) and wellness educational and preventive services (11%) offered by the Office of Student Well-being and Health Promotion.
Campus Recreation Fee: Supports the infrastructure, equipment, and facility operations of Commonwealth University Campus Recreation buildings, outdoor fields, and numerous recreational programs.
Student Union Fee: Supports the infrastructure, equipment, and facility operations of Commonwealth University Student Union Buildings.
Student Success Fee: Supports, maintains, or enhances student academic support services, including areas such as Student Success Centers (35%), Academic Advising (27%), Tutorial Services (25%) and Learning Communities (13%).
Student Transportation Fee: Helps maintain a fleet of safe and reliable campus vehicles to provide convenient transportation for all students throughout the academic year and includes the shuttle buses to transport you in and around your campus and surrounding community.

Clinical Fees

There is a $1,000 clinical fee per semester for students in graduate nursing programs that have a clinical component, physician assistant studies, speech language pathology, and the doctorate of audiology program. The clinical fee provides students in the Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D) with access to an on-campus Hearing Clinic where they learn clinical management and acquire skills and professional competency under the direct supervision of Clinical Supervisors who are American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified and licensed by the State of Pennsylvania Board of Examiners in Audiology. 100% of the fee will cover the operational expenses associated with the on-campus Hearing Clinic. The on-campus Clinic is immensely critical to ensure the Au.D. The clinical fee provides students in the M.S. Speech Language Pathology program with access to an on-campus Speech Clinic where they learn clinical management and acquire skills and professional competency under the direct supervision of Clinical Supervisors who are American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified and licensed by the State of Pennsylvania Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology. 100% of the fee will go toward covering operational expenses associated with the on-campus speech clinic. The on-campus clinic is immensely critical to ensure the M.S.

Fee Waivers

Students who believe they meet this criteria may submit an appeal for a waiver of a portion of the campus-based fees for the current semester by completing the appeal form located on the Student Billing page under Forms and Tuition Related Applications.

Total Cost of Attendance

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also consider the total cost of attendance, which includes living expenses, books, and other personal costs.

On-Campus Living Costs

The living costs at VCU are $24,598 when living on campus. The on-campus living costs increased by 10.46% compared to the previous year. The VCU's 2025 COA is $42,793 for in-state and $65,957 for out-of-state students for whom living on campus.

Off-Campus Living Costs

The off-campus COA is $44,935 for in-state and $68,099 for out-of-state students.

Estimated Four-Year Cost

Based on recent tuition increase rate, for the students who were admitted in Fall 2025, the estimated 4-years COA is $178,958 for Virginia residents and $273,071 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

VCU offers various forms of financial aid to help students afford their education.

Grants and Scholarships

98% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $9,592. After receiving the financial aid, the net price for 4 years of attending the school is $140,590 for Virginia residents and $234,703 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid Virtual Info Sessions

VCU provides Virtual Information Sessions to get answers to your questions and take the stress out of the financial aid process. Whether you're a student, parent, or supporter, our experts will walk you through scholarships, grants, filing the FAFSA, and more - all from the comfort of your home.

Completing the FAFSA

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward financing your education at Commonwealth University.

Rankings and Value

Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked No. 24 (tie) out of 255 in Best Education Schools. Schools were assessed on their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. At Commonwealth University, student success is our top priority.

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