VCU news

RICHMOND, Va. (April 14, 2006) – The total cost of education for undergraduate in-state students at Virginia Commonwealth University – including tuition, fees, student housing and dining plans – will increase 5.3 percent for the 2006-2007 academic year. 

The VCU Board of Visitors today approved total charges of $13,082 for the upcoming academic year, an increase of $655 over the previous year.  Out-of-state students will pay $24,879, a 1.6 percent increase.

The board set tuition and fees for full-time, in-state undergraduate students at $5,819, an increase of $434 over the previous year.  Out-of-state undergraduate students will pay $17,616, which represents a $176 increase in fees and no increase in tuition.  The tuition rate for out-of-state students reflects 131 percent of the actual cost of education.

University officials said the tuition and fee charges for the upcoming academic year are consistent with VCU’s six-year plans that were approved by the board in October 2005, as well as the university’s strategic plan, which was approved by the board in February of this year. 

Specifically, the tuition and fees rates reflect enrollment growth expected for the 2006-2007 academic year, as well as increases necessary to fund operation and maintenance for new facilities and cost increases in utilities and insurance. The university also will set aside $500,000 of the tuition increase for need-based student financial aid.

“VCU’s tuition and fee rates for in-state students remain very competitive compared to other public universities in Virginia,” said VCU President Eugene P. Trani. “We are sensitive to the cost of higher education and the numbers of our students who receive financial aid and work, and our priority is to keep the costs as low as possible while ensuring that our students receive a quality education at a top research university.”

Tuition and fee charges for full-time, in-state graduate students will increase $590 or about 7.6 percent to $8,341 for the upcoming academic year. Out-of-state graduate students will pay $17,582, an increase of $176 or 1 percent.

Tuition and fees for entering Virginia medical students will increase 6.7 percent, from $24,017 to $25,633. Tuition and fees for entering out-of-state medical students will increase from $38,166 to $39,237 or 2.8 percent.

The VCU Board of Visitors will consider the full budget plan for the 2006-2007 academic year at its regular quarterly meeting on May 19.