Refunds

If payments exceed the balance owed to Virginia Commonwealth University, the student may receive a refund. Refunds, with the exception of credit card payments and excess federal Parent PLUS loan proceeds (when applicable), are issued to the student in the student’s name regardless of the original payment source(s).

All refunds are subject to review.

Credit card policy

In accordance with credit card regulations, overpayments made by credit card will be returned to the credit card account. All other overpayments will be refunded to the student.

Direct deposit

Financial aid and scholarship recipients are encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit Bank Authorization. This authorization remains in effect until a written cancellation is submitted to Disbursement Operations.

Students not enrolled in direct deposit will receive a refund check via mail. A current permanent mailing address must be on file with the Office of Records and Registration for the refund to be processed.

Overpayments

Overpayments from current semester financial aid and scholarships will be refunded automatically through the financial aid refund process if the overpayment occurs while the student is currently enrolled. During the fall and spring semesters, refunds will begin to be available starting on the first day of classes. Some financial aid funds and other award types may require further review and additional approval before the refund is processed.

Typically, students participating in the direct deposit program will receive their refunds in seven to ten business days after the financial aid or scholarship funds have disbursed (overpaid the account). Students who do not participate in the direct deposit program should allow additional time for their refunds to be received since refund checks are mailed. Checks are mailed to the student's permanent address in eServices.

To request a refund not generated from the overpayment of financial aid or a scholarship, submit the Refund Request Form. These refunds are not automatically issued.

Refunds generated from a personal check payment (including web check payments) will be held for a minimum of 21 days from the date that the check payment was received.

Total personal payments for the semester that exceed the enrolled student's charges by more than $5,000 may not be refunded to the student. The payment may be applied to a future semester, reversed, or returned to the originator of the payment.

Students are responsible for paying any increase in charges that may occur after the generation of a refund.