VCU students could see tuition and fee increase during 2026-2027 fiscal year

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) leaders have announced that tuition costs and fees could increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 24, by senior administrators at VCU during a Board of Visitors meeting, which featured a presentation outlining how resources are aligned to drive the university's success and possible changes to undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees.

Topics such as tuition costs were also presented to the Board of Supervisors per a VCU News article, and, according to VCU, tuition increases for the 2026-2027 fiscal year could range from 0% to almost a 5%. Mandatory fees could also see an increase ranging from $0 to $169 for fiscal year 2026-2027.

These options were reportedly presented to board by senior administrators to address the following topics topics:

• Inflationary costs
• State mandates including salary and military student waiver increases
• Investments in students internships
• Graduate student stipends
• Student advising
• Financial counseling
• High demand academic programs

In the article, the university stated that under the scenarios presented the investments are being addressed by, "ongoing budget realignments, anticipated funding from the state and enrollment revenue."

The university spokesperson said in the article that over the past six years the board of visitors has implemented "modest tuition adjustments below inflation," while also partnering with the state to invest in financial aid, and providing support for mandatory and inflationary cost increases.

According to a legislative audit in 2024, it found that VCU ranked number one in efficiency and affordability and spends less per full-time student than its national peers, as compared to other Virginia schools and colleges.

The Board of Visitors has invited community members to provide feedback on the tuition and fees presented in the 2027 fiscal year budget at 8 a.m. during the public comment period of the full board meeting on April 24.

The spokesperson noted in the article that the meeting will be held "prior to action on any tuition increase and the university's budget."

The meeting will be held in the Honorable Benjamin Lambert III Board room at 1213 Clay St.

To offer public comment during the meeting, register by emailing your name, email and phone number to bov@vcu.edu. For those unable to attend or provide a comment during the comment period, you can leave a written comment through a Google Doc form provided by the university.

For the full details and breakdown on the budget and fees, click here.