Virginia Commonwealth University's published cost of attendance is $38,954. Net price by income band varies meaningfully across the income spectrum: low-income families pay approximately $17,512, middle-income families pay around $20,925, and higher-income families pay approximately $32,739.
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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) | $38,954 |
| Tuition and Fees | $40,109 |
| Room and Board | $18,254 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$15,521 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,433 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,512 |
| $30–48k | $17,777 |
| $48–75k | $20,925 |
| $75–110k | $24,691 |
| $110k+ | $32,739 |
Virginia Commonwealth University's published cost of attendance is $38,954. Net price by income band varies meaningfully across the income spectrum: low-income families pay approximately $17,512, middle-income families pay around $20,925, and higher-income families pay approximately $32,739. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Need-based aid covers a meaningful share of cost for most students. Virginia Commonwealth University participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply using the FAFSA, and work-study is available as part of the aid package for qualifying students. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $21,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $23,585; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $64,703, median federal debt of $21,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $243 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn median 4-year earnings of $64,703, placing the institution in the 64.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Virginia Commonwealth University #530 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These outcomes reflect the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education anchored in Visual & Performing Arts and complementary professional fields that connect directly to employer demand. The earnings pattern centers on Visual & Performing Arts and related applied disciplines. Psychology, General is the institution's largest program by aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with solid mid-career pay. Among the most popular majors, Psychology, General enrolls 540 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $51,440, while Biology, General and Subject-Specific Teacher Education together account for significant enrollment and contribute to Virginia Commonwealth University's overall earnings profile. Subject-Specific Teacher Education graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $59,442, reflecting the institution's strength in fields with clear career pathways and stable employer recruitment.
