E&G stands for Education and General Programs Budget. The E&G budget funds the majority of school costs, including instructional and student support, as well as funding much of the required central functions such as the library, student accounting, IT, safety and security, etc. Some funds within E&G are also set aside for financial aid.

Virginia has classified all of its colleges and universities into three tiers. The highest level, Tier III, has been granted to only five schools: College of William & Mary, James Madison University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and VCU. This select status allows these schools more flexibility in managing their operations to implement best practices and streamline processes. 

Tuition dollars support the university’s instructional programs and their related support services, such as salaries and wages of faculty and staff and support costs for educational facilities. Tuition is determined by the student’s residency status, the number of credit hours for which the student is registered, the student’s program of study and the student’s classification level. In addition to tuition, the university assesses various fees to students to help support university-related costs, such as campus and cultural events and activities, health care for students, recreational facilities, library and technology initiatives. Students may see additional program/major fees on their bills. These fees help support special courses and programs associated with their major or school.

The Student Billing and Payment website links to the credit card processor, PayPath, to process Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover card payments. If you choose to use a credit card to pay your bill, you will be assessed a convenience fee by PayPath of 2.95% of the payment amount (a minimum of $3) for domestic credit/debit card payments or effective February 23, 2024 a fee of 4.25% (minimum $3) for all international credit/debit card payments each time you make a payment. This convenience fee is nonrefundable. The convenience fee will be assessed to the student’s bill in the event of a dishonored or charged-back credit card payment.

The eStatement you receive from Student Accounting will include charges for your tuition, mandatory fees, program fees, special fees, housing and dining. The eStatement does not include parking fees, charges for books and supplies or current library fines. Deposits for your VCUCard cannot be paid with your Student Accounting bill. The eStatement also should include credits for deposits, scholarships, grants and loans offered on your financial aid package. Questions concerning your financial aid award amounts should be referred to the Student Financial Management Center.

Yes. These fees are mandatory. The activity fee supports activities scheduled throughout the academic year such as concerts, plays, student organizations and publications. The university fee is used by the university to support Recreational Sports facilities, the University Student Commons, campus development, intercollegiate athletics and other programs.

President Rao is working with state officials to gain recognition for VCU educating the most Virginia students and among the neediest of Virginia students, and advocating for increased funds for student financial aid. In addition, he is advocating for support for VCU’s underfunded faculty.

The VCU Board of Visitors typically reviews and approves the budget during April and May of each year. The BOV and the university's administration will always inform VCU students and families of any pending increases in tuition and fees as soon as that information is available. The best way to stay informed is to regularly check your VCU email account for important messages from leadership, read the VCU TelegRAM and check this website.