Virginia Commonwealth University's published cost of attendance reaches $34,346 annually, including $39,042 in out-of-state tuition (or $16,458 for Virginia residents), $16,119 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,452 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,894 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $34,346 |
| Tuition and Fees | $39,042 |
| Room and Board | $16,119 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,894 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,452 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,830 |
| $30–48k | $13,612 |
| $48–75k | $16,455 |
| $75–110k | $20,633 |
| $110k+ | $28,474 |
Virginia Commonwealth University's published cost of attendance reaches $34,346 annually, including $39,042 in out-of-state tuition (or $16,458 for Virginia residents), $16,119 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,452 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,894 from the sticker price. This net price falls $3,862 below the peer median of $15,590, making VCU more affordable than comparable public institutions.
The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price reflects Virginia Commonwealth University's commitment to making education accessible through need-based financial aid. For Virginia residents, in-state tuition significantly reduces the base cost, while out-of-state students face higher initial costs before aid calculations. Net price varies considerably by family income, ranging from $12,830 for families earning under $30,000 to $28,474 for families earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry median debt of $21,500, placing the institution at the 58.0th percentile nationally and slightly above the peer median of $20,000. Debt levels range from $7,750 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow manageable amounts relative to their post-graduation earning potential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests favorable repayment conditions, with annual loan payments representing approximately 37% of first-year earnings or roughly 18% of discretionary income under standard repayment plans. Parent PLUS debt averages $22,177 with monthly payments of $292, providing additional context for total family educational investment.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Virginia Commonwealth University delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of manageable debt levels and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $736 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 59.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift while maintaining debt levels only $1,500 above peer institutions.
The return index percentile of 59.8% reflects above-average institutional performance on value creation when considering both earnings outcomes and educational costs. Median earnings of $58,128 rank at the 66.0th percentile nationally, providing strong earning power relative to the debt investment required.
Virginia Commonwealth University's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 indicates sustainable repayment conditions that support long-term financial health. The institution's affordability index at the 55.1st percentile demonstrates balanced performance on cost management while delivering economic mobility outcomes that rank at the 94.1st percentile.
Virginia Commonwealth University serves 29.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from families earning under $50,000 annually who qualify for federal need-based grants. The institution's financial aid strategy produces net prices ranging from $12,830 for lowest-income families to $28,474 for highest-income families, demonstrating targeted aid distribution that supports economic diversity.
Financial aid savings average $14,894 across all students, with aid concentrated toward students with the greatest financial need. The combination of federal Pell grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships creates the progressive cost structure that enables Virginia Commonwealth University to maintain its Opportunity Builder status.
Low-income net prices of $12,830 represent manageable costs for families with limited resources, while the institution's ability to serve nearly 30% Pell-eligible students reflects both aid availability and commitment to economic mobility through accessible higher education.
Virginia Commonwealth University's debt profile supports sustainable post-graduation finances, particularly when combined with median earnings of $58,128 that provide adequate income for loan repayment. The institution's debt levels align with its economic mobility mission, ensuring that educational investment supports rather than undermines long-term financial stability for graduates across diverse career paths and economic backgrounds.
