Overhead shot of the VCU Compass.
The Board of Visitors will vote on VCU’s tuition and fees for the 2019-20 academic year during the May 10 board meeting. Public comments may be provided online until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26. (File photo)

VCU Board of Visitors considers recommendation of no tuition increase in 2019-20

Budget vote set for May 10, student input sought

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At its budget workshop today, the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors reviewed undergraduate tuition projections for the 2019-20 academic year, ranging from no increase to 4.5 percent. The board is considering the administration’s recommendation of no tuition increase.

The recommendation calls for undergraduate tuition to remain at $12,094 for Virginia residents and at $32,742 for nonresidents. Total mandatory fees would increase by $106 for all students, increasing from $2,396 to $2,502 for residents and from $3,056 to $3,162 for nonresidents.  

“Due to the generous support of the General Assembly, we are able to recommend a tuition freeze for the coming year and balance the budget with some strategic reallocations and reductions,” said Karol Kain Gray, senior vice president and chief financial officer at VCU. “The budget plans reflect strategic priorities of student success, including improved compensation to retain and recruit top faculty who ensure a high-quality educational experience.”

As proposed, the FY 20 budget would provide a 4 percent salary merit increase for faculty, in addition to the 3 percent merit increase already received this fiscal year. University and academic professionals would also receive a 4 percent salary merit increase, in addition to the 1.5 percent merit increase already received this year. Classified staff, who received no increase this year, would receive a 5 percent increase (2.75 percent cost of living, 2.25 percent merit). To review the presentation made at today’s budget workshop, visit https://president.vcu.edu/media/president/assets/pdfs/presentations/3-21BOVPresentation-AccessibleVersion-Final.pptx.

Board members held public comment as part of today’s workshop. Those unable to attend today’s workshop or an earlier session for students on Monday, March 18, may provide written comments online at https://president.vcu.edu/board/open-comment-portal/. The deadline for submitting written comments is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

The Board of Visitors will vote on VCU’s tuition and fees for the 2019-20 academic year during the May 10 board meeting, beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 303 of James Branch Cabell Library. Board members will review the proposed tuition range of 0 percent to 4.5 percent, including the recommendation of no tuition increase at that meeting. This notice is provided in accordance with §23.1-307.D. of the Code of Virginia requiring 30 days notification.

When completed, board and committee agendas and presentation materials will be available at https://president.vcu.edu/board/meetings/.