The University Bursar's Office provides statements to students and receives and posts payments to the students' accounts. If a student wants financial information released to parents or others, he or she must provide written authorization to the Bursar's Office, which will allow us to release financial information. The Student Information Release Form can be downloaded from our website (http://www.bursar.vt.edu) and sent to us either by fax or mail to authorize the release of information.
Detailed information regarding tuition and fees, payment deadlines, Customer Service Window hours, The Budget Tuition Plan, and much more can be obtained by viewing our website at http://www.bursar.vt.edu.
Information on summer school tuition and fees as well as costs for room and board can be obtained on the Bursar's website (http://www.bursar.vt.edu).
Students are assessed the same rate for tuition and fees for auditing courses as for courses taken for credit.
A $50 LATE PAYMENT FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO STUDENTS WHOSE PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED AFTER THE STATEMENT DUE DATE.
A $75.00 fee is charged to those student whose registration is cancelled due to non-payment of fees, but are given permission by their dean to add classes after the deadline. The $75 reinstatement fee is in addition to the $50 late payment fee.
Charge for each term a student is placed in industry employment while enrolled in the Cooperative Education Program. Fee must be received in the Office of the University Bursar by the established deadline each term or a late fee will be assessed.
| Fall & Spring terms | $50.00 |
| Summer terms | $25.00 |
Billing statements are sent to one of the addresses provided by the student on HOKIE SPA. If you wish to have all statements from the Office of the University Bursar sent to a billing address, please provide this address on the billing address segment of HOKIE SPA. If you choose this option, all statements will be sent to this address and other addresses listed will not be used in mailing statements to you. For example, if you wish each of your monthly statements to be sent to your parents, you should provide their address on HOKIE SPA in the BILLING ADDRESS segment.
If no billing address is provided by the student on the HOKIE SPA, statements are sent to the mailing address (MA) except for the July and December statements. These statements include tuition and fee charges for the fall and spring semesters and since the majority of students are not in Blacksburg at the time July and December statements are mailed, the permanent address (PR) is used for mailing statements for these two months.
In summary, the address hierarchy used for mailing monthly account receivable statements is BI (billing address), MA (mailing or local address), or PR (permanent address) for each month except July and December. For these two months the hierarchy is BI (billing address), PR (permanent address), or MA (mailing address).
Statements are prepared and sent out on the 15th of each month (If the 15th of the month occurs on a weekend, statements are processed on the Friday before the 15th). Payments for monthly statements are due on the 10th of the following month. However, charges for tuition, fees, room and board are due for spring and fall semesters by the end of the 2nd week of classes, to avoid having classes dropped for non-payment.
Billing statements for fall semester charges will be processed in July with an August 10th due date. However, should you add classes, a meal plan, or a room, there will be additional charges that will be due prior to the end of the 2nd week of classes.
Billing statements for spring semester charges will be processed in December with a January 10th due date. However, should you add classes, a meal plan, or a room, there will be additional charges that will be due prior to the end of the 2nd week of classes.
Although the statements will have a different due date, you are responsible to pay all semester-related charges by the end of the 2nd week of classes. If you do not it is possible that your classes will be dropped for non-payment.
Late fees will be charged to your account based upon the due date on the statement and not on the final due date for payment of semesterrelated charges. For example, you have received a statement with an amount due of $3000 with a due date of January 10th. If your payment is received on January 11, a $50 late fee will be charged to your account.
A monthly finance charge of 1-1/2% per month will be assessed on unpaid prior term charges.
Payment should be made in cash or by check/money order in the exact amount due by the date shown on the statement. Checks/money orders should be made payable to "Treasurer of Virginia Tech."
Payments should be mailed to our payment address: Virginia Tech, P.O. Box 25268, Richmond, VA 23260. Payments should be sent with the payment stub from your statement. Payments received without a stub will be delayed. Do not use the payment address for certified or express mail, scholarship checks, or any other correspondence; those items should be sent to our office address: Virginia Tech Office of the University Bursar, 233 Burruss Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061
Virginia Tech's Budget Tuition Plan (BTP) offers a convenient method for planning and budgeting tuition, fees, room, and board. The BTP can cover all or part of the fall and/or spring semester's charges. This plan provides the opportunity for the student or parent(s) to divide the cost of education into four monthly direct debits to the checking account of your choice, instead of paying one lump sum by tuition payment deadline each semester. The only cost for this service is a $45 non-refundable fee that is due with your application. Contact the Office for the University Bursar for additional information, call at (540) 231-9316, e-mail at BTHELP@vt.edu, or visit our website at http://www.bursar.vt.edu.
Refunds are paid to the student by Direct Deposit. Refunds will be made to students under the following rules:
The refund schedules below list the possible student refund. Depending on your course load, you may or may not be entitled to a refund. If you are planning to withdraw, resign, or reduce your course load, please contact our office at 231- 6277 for refund information. If you are receiving financial aid, please contact your financial aid counselor prior to resigning or reducing your course load below full-time status.
Fall and Spring Semesters
Tuition Refund Table for Reduced Course Loads
| Semester Class Day | Student Refund |
| One through five | 100% of Tuition and Fees |
| Six through eight | 90% of Tuition ONLY |
| Nine through nineteen | 50% of Tuition ONLY |
| Twenty through thirty-seven | 25% of Tuition ONLY |
| After day thirty-seven | 0% |
Tuition Refund Table for Withdrawals & Resignations
| Semester Class Day | Student Refund |
| One | 100% of Tuition and Fees |
| Two through eight | 90% of Tuition ONLY |
| Nine through nineteen | 50% of Tuition ONLY |
| Twenty through thirty-seven | 25% of Tuition ONLY |
| After day thirty-seven | 0% |
Summer Terms
Tuition Refund Table for Reduced Course Loads
| Semester Class Day | Student Refund |
| One through three | 100% of Tuition and Fees |
| Four through eight | 90% of Tuition ONLY |
| Nine through fifteen | 25% of Tuition ONLY |
| After day fifteen | 0% |
Tuition Refund Table for Withdrawals & Resignations
| Semester Class Day | Student Refund |
| One | 100% of Tuition and Fees |
| Two through three | 90% of Tuition ONLY |
| Four through eight | 50% of Tuition ONLY |
| Nine through fifteen | 25% of Tuition ONLY |
| After day fifteen | 0% |
Students holding a residence hall contract or a board plan who leave the university during the first week of class will forfeit $100 of their residence hall fee and $100 of their board fee. Thereafter, the semester room and board charge, less $100, will be apportioned over the first six weeks of the semester. The student will be charged a weekly rate for each week enrolled, plus $100. A student who withdraws after the beginning of the seventh week of the semester will be charged the full room and board rate.
Students who purchase a declining balance meal plan will be charged a forfeiture fee of $100 during the first week. Beginning in week two and throughout the remainder of the semester, students will forfeit the base cost and will be refunded any unused dollars in the declining balance account.
Unused cash Dining Dollar deposits will be refunded in total for meal plan holders. Students who have only Dining Dollar accounts and not a meal plan will receive the balance of all cash deposits minus $15. Questions concerning adjustments to room charges should be directed to Residential and Dinning Programs at 231- 6201. Questions concerning adjustments to meal plan charges should be directed to the Hokie Passport Office at 231-5121.
Any amount owed to the university including, but not limited to, tuition, fees, room, board, loans, notes receivable, and amounts due for goods and services provided is considered a receivable to the university. A receivable becomes past due if payment is not received by the payment due date. At ninety days past due, the receivable becomes delinquent.
For currently enrolled students, the primary collection tool is the placement of a "HOLD" by the Office of the University Bursar on a student's record. This "HOLD" restricts certain student activities such as the ability to add or drop classes, receive grade transcripts, and to register for future academic terms. Once established, the "HOLD" remains in place until the debt is paid in full. Once a student is no longer enrolled, the collection procedures utilized for other "non-student" receivables are implemented.
Individuals who do not pay all fees and charges owed are responsible, in the event of their default or the return of a check for payment of said fees and charges, to pay a penalty fee, to pay interest at the highest rate allowed by law, and for all reasonable administrative costs, collections costs, and attorney's fees incurred in the collection of funds due the University.
Addresses must be kept current on Hokie SPA in order for the university to send statements in a timely manner. Students, faculty and staff can change their address on the HOKIE SPA. Non-receipt of statements is not a valid defense for non-payment; it is the responsibility of the individual who has incurred the debt to see that the debt is discharged.
For non-students, a dunning message is included on each month's statement alerting the customer to the next collection steps that will be taken. If payment is not forthcoming within the stated period, the account and all pertinent information are forwarded to an outside collection agency or the State Attorney General's Office, as appropriate, for collection. In the event the collection agency is unable to collect, the account is reported to a national credit bureau, thus affecting the debtor's crediting rating.
In addition to the above measures, the university also lists the account with the Virginia Department of Taxation for set-off debt collection procedures. This means that any state income tax refund due the debtor will be reduced by the amount of the receivable owed by the debtor.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is in full compliance with the Virginia Debt Collection Act and all regulations promulgated by the State Department of Accounts and the Office of the Attorney General.
Office of the University Bursar
233 Burruss Hall
540/231-6277
Fax: 540/231-3238
E-mail: http://bursar@vt.edu
Web: http://www.bursar.vt.edu
Certification of full-time student status, for most purposes, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) educational benefits, Social Security benefits, loans, scholarships, and grants, is based on the following enrollment information: official undergraduate and College of Veterinary Medicine enrollment for each regular semester must be 12 or more credit hours and official graduate enrollment for each regular semester must be 9 or more credit hours. All courses must be in the A/F option, P/F option, or equivalent credit. Please note that courses taken under the audit option do not count toward the enrollment status. Participation in the Virginia Tech Cooperative Education program, National Student Exchange program, and International Student Exchange program reflects full-time enrollment. Certification of enrollment for V.A. educational benefits will reflect only those hours considered to be progress toward the degree or educational objective. Although considered to be enrolled full-time, students who participate in the Cooperative Education program are not eligible for V.A. educational benefits or federal financial aid during the terms in which they participate in the Co-Op program.
General Information: Eligibility for in-state tuition privileges (reduced tuition charges) is governed by §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia. The provisions of §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia are set forth, defined, and discussed in the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's Domicile Guidelines. SCHEV developed these Guidelines to facilitate the consideration of uniform criteria in determining domiciliary status. §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia places the responsibility on the student for establishing by clear and convincing evidence that s/he is eligible for the in-state tuition rate. Further, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that his/her domicile is Virginia and that s/he has abandoned any prior domicile. According to SCHEV's Guidelines, clear and convincing evidence is defined as "that degree of proof that will produce a firm conviction or a firm belief as to the facts sought to be established. The evidence must justify the claim both clearly and convincingly." (SCHEV Guidelines, p. 4)
Domicile: Domicile refers to the "present, fixed home of an individual to which he or she returns following temporary absences, and at which the individual intends to remain indefinitely. No individual may have more than one domicile at a time." (SCHEV Guidelines, p. 1) Domicile cannot be initially established in Virginia unless one actually resides, in the sense of being physically present, in Virginia with domiciliary intent, which means present intent to remain indefinitely, that is, the individual has no plans or expectation to move from Virginia. Residence in Virginia for a temporary purpose or stay, even if that stay is lengthy, with present intent to return to a former state or country upon completion of such purpose does not constitute domicile. "Mere physical presence or residency primarily for educational purposes does not confer domiciliary status." (SCHEV Guidelines, p. 7) A person shall not ordinarily be able to establish domicile by performing acts which are auxiliary to fulfilling educational objectives or which are required or routinely performed by temporary residents of the Commonwealth. The university will consider many factors when determining domicile. Among them are continuous physical residence, state to which income taxes are paid, driver's license, voter registration, motor vehicle registration, employment, property ownership, sources of financial support, military records, a written offer and acceptance of employment in Virginia following graduation, and any other social or economic relationships with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions. The presence of any or all of these factors does not automatically result in Virginia domicile. The factors used to support a claim of entitlement to in-state privileges must have existed for a minimum of one year (12 continuous months) prior to the first official day of classes.
Reclassification: Students may seek reclassification of their initial tuition classification, but residence or physical presence in Virginia primarily to attend the university does not entitle students to in-state tuition rates. Domicile should be established BEFORE one enters the university. Please note that if a student enters the university classified as an out-of-state student, s/he must present clear and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption that s/he is residing in the state primarily to attend school. Students seeking reclassification to in-state status must be prepared to pay the out-of-state tuition rate unless they are notified in writing that his/her status has been reclassified to in-state according to the Code of Virginia.
Application Deadlines: According to §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia, changes in domiciliary status can only be granted prospectively from the date the application is received; therefore, the deadline for submission of the complete application is prior to the first day of the term/semester for which the student seeks reclassification to in-state. Retroactive changes in status are not allowed under the Code. To ensure that students have a decision before the tuition payment deadline, please submit a complete application at least 30 days prior to the tuition payment deadline as published by the Office of the University Bursar. If additional information is requested, the applicant must provide the additional information within 30 days of the date of the letter requesting the information. Tuition refunds may be given to students who paid their tuition at the out-of-state rate but were subsequently reclassified to in-state provided that the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates was submitted before the first day of the term. Qualifying students should contact the Office of Student Accounts regarding eligibility for a refund.
For further information, please contact the following:
New Undergraduate or Transfer Students:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
201 Burruss Hall, Mail Code 0202
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/231-6267
Continuing Undergraduate Students:
Office of the University Registrar
248 Burruss Hall, Mail Code 0134
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/231-6252
The regulations governing domicile are determined by state law, and are therefore subject to change. The information stated herein is not intended to be a contract between a student and Virginia Tech but is provided for informational purposes only. For additional information, please visit our web site at http://www.registrar.vt.edu.
Through a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among Southern Regional Education Board states, students from participating states may be able to arrange a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges in order to pursue a degree program at Virginia Tech that is not offered by a public institution in the student's home state. Students are eligible for in-state tuition provided that they have been officially accepted into the ACM major, certified by their home state higher education commission, and are making progress toward their ACM program. Students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment and progress toward their approved ACM program for continued eligibility.
The programs covered by the Academic Common Market are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about eligibility. Program availability varies by state. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for a current listing. States currently participating include Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Students are responsible for contacting the Academic Common Market Coordinator in their state's higher education office. The state coordinator can assist students in certifying eligibility and providing information regarding eligibility for in-state tuition at Virginia Tech. For additional information, please visit our web site at http://www.registrar.vt.edu.
Virginia Tech awards financial aid to qualified students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. To apply, entering freshmen, transfer students and returning Virginia Tech students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a federal processing agency by February 7, in time for the analysis to be returned to the university's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid by March 1, preceding the fall term of enrollment. These deadlines, for priority consideration, apply to all aid programs except the Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Student Loan, and PLUS Loan programs.
Applicants for financial aid or scholarships must list Virginia Tech's institutional code number, 003754, and/or the official name of the university (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or VPI&SU) on the FAFSA in order to have the analysis of their FAFSA sent to the university's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Non-citizens must submit a copy of the alien registration card or arrival departure record each year. Students or parents must complete and submit a new FAFSA to a federal processing agency each year to be considered for aid at Virginia Tech.
FAFSA forms and information are available after January 1 from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at Virginia Tech. These forms are also available in other college financial aid offices and in most high school guidance offices, or from the Virginia Tech web site (http://www.finaid.vt.edu). All offers of financial aid are contingent upon receipt of anticipated federal and state funds by the university. Awards may be reduced or canceled if anticipated funds are not received. Offers of financial aid are subject to full-time enrollment and maintenance of satisfactory academic progress.
Virginia Tech administers a comprehensive financial aid program that totals $176 million for all students. More than 70 percent of Virginia Tech students receive some form of aid.
To be eligible to receive aid from state and federal need-based programs, an applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements: meet university application requirements; be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student; be a citizen or an eligible non-citizen; submit a completed FAFSA; and be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the university policy for Title IV recipients. Full-time enrollment is required for Federal Work-Study, Perkins Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, the College Scholarship Assistance Program, State Undergraduate Grants, Virginia Transfer Grants, and some other awards.
Virginia Tech participates in the following aid programs:
This federal program provides employment opportunities to students with demonstrated financial need. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students are limited to 20 hours of work per week while Virginia Tech is in session. All federal Work-Study Program jobs pay at least minimum wage.
This federal program encompasses Federal Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans. Federal Stafford Loans are long-term, low-interest loans authorized by the federal government for the educational expenses of eligible students enrolled at least half-time. Students apply for subsidized Federal Stafford Loans (which are need-based) and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans (which are not need-based) through the financial aid office instead of applying through a bank or other lending agency. Repayment normally begins six months after the student leaves Virginia Tech. A PLUS Loan is a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, for which a parent or legal guardian may borrow on behalf of each undergraduate dependent student who is enrolled at least half-time at an institution of higher education. Parents may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any financial aid for which the student qualifies. At Virginia Tech, students (and/or parents) must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for these loan programs.
This program provides long-term, low-interest loans from Virginia Tech to students with financial need. The interest rate to first-time borrowers is 5 percent. Repayment of both principal and interest begins after the student leaves Virginia Tech. Repayment is made to Virginia Tech, and once funds are repaid, they are used to make loans to other Virginia Tech students.
Pell Grants are awarded from federal funds to undergraduate students with financial need. Awards range from $400 to $3,300 for the full academic year.
Virginia Tech awards grants, ranging in value from $200 to $4,000 per academic year, from federal funds to undergraduate students with financial need. Full-time enrollment is required.
This need-based grant program is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is funded jointly by both the federal government and state resources. Recipients are selected by Virginia Tech from among eligible undergraduate Virginia residents with high levels of demonstrated financial need.
Grants of up to the cost of tuition and fees are awarded by Virginia Tech from funds administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Awards are made to selected undergraduate residents of Virginia with demonstrated financial need and who meet GPA criteria (2.5 as an entering freshman and 2.0 for renewal).
Awards are made by Virginia Tech from funds administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia for this need-based award for in-state, first-degree undergraduate students. After 60 hours, students must have a 2.0 GPA to receive funding.
Virginia Transfer Grants vary in amount up to $1,000 and are administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia for undergraduate minority state residents who transfer from a community college with a 2.0 or better grade point average after completing a minimum of 45 term hours of transferable college-level work.
The university awards a number of merit scholarships to selected undergraduate students who have established outstanding academic records, including incoming freshmen. All of the colleges and many departments within the university also award scholarships. No application is necessary for universitywide awards or for college or departmental awards, unless specifically requested. A separate application is required for the General Scholarship Program available through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, which can be printed from our web site (http://www.finaid.vt.edu/).
Admission and enrollment of students who are candidates for financial aid for which athletic ability is a consideration shall be conditional upon compliance with applicable regulations of the Big East Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Every consideration is given qualified applicants entitled to benefits authorized under the Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1966 and the War Orphans' Education Assistance Act. Applications and information on veterans' benefit programs may be obtained from the nearest regional office of the Veterans' Administration. Students must enroll for a minimum of 12 hours each term to receive benefits as full-time students.
Under the Virginia War Orphans' Education Act, a child, not under 16 and not over 25 years of age, of a deceased veteran or of a veteran with a total disability resulting from wartime service (subsequent to December 6, 1941) may receive free tuition while in attendance at a state-supported institution of higher education.
The parent(s) must have been a citizen of Virginia at the time of entering such armed service, or be or have been a citizen of Virginia for at least ten years immediately prior to the date on which the child's application for admission was submitted to a state-supported institution of higher education; or, if deceased, the parent(s) was a citizen of Virginia on the date of his or her death and had been a citizen of Virginia for at least ten years immediately prior to his or her death. The Director of the Division of War Veterans' Claims shall determine the eligibility of the child who makes application for such benefits, and will notify the state-supported institution of higher education of approved benefits under this Act.
On a space-available basis, in accordance with Virginia law, Virginia residents 60 years or older may register for and attend courses without payment of university fees. Senior citizens also may audit courses. Details may be obtained from the Admissions Office.
Applicants who wish to receive VA Educational Benefits should apply through the Office of the University Registrar, or visit our website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu.
Additional information on financial aid and scholarships may be obtained by writing, calling, or visiting:
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
222 Burruss Hall (0222)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/ 231-5179 or (800) 278-7392
Fax: 540/ 231-9139
E-mail: finaid@vt.edu Web: http://www.finaid.vt.edu
All information is correct at the time of publication. Current information is available from our web site.
Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002
URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucaFinanceInfo.html