Refunds
Refund Policy (Drop v. Withdrawal)
The official university tuition and fees refund policy, applicable only for the fall and spring semesters (excluding short and non-standard courses), is outlined in the table that follows. Refunds are calculated on a course-by-course, per hour basis, disregarding the full-time cap amounts. Students who are enrolled full time and withdraw from courses may not receive a refund.
| Withdrawal/drop period | Student refund | Retained by university |
| Drop/withdraw prior to and during the first week of classes | 100% tuition and fees | 0% |
| Withdraw during the second week of classes | 80% tuition and university fee | 20% tuition and university fee 100% of all other fees |
| Withdraw during the third week of classes | 60% tuition and university fee | 40% tuition and university fee 100% of all other fees |
| Withdraw during the fourth week of classes | 40% tuition and university fee | 60% tuition and university fee 100% of all other fees |
| Withdraw after the fourth week of classes | 0% | 100% all fees |
This pertains to both complete withdrawals and reduced course loads for fall and spring semesters only.
The refund policy and deadlines of the English Language Program are different from the university's refund policy for academic classes. Details of the policy may be obtained from the English Language Program Office.
A full refund for Holiday Intersession will be granted if the course is dropped before midnight on the day of the first class meeting. Partial refunds are not granted.
A full refund of tuition and applicable fees for summer sessions and short or non-standard courses will be granted if the course is dropped no later than the day following the first day of a given class. (This deadline also is applicable if the class does not meet on two consecutive days.) Partial refunds are not granted for summer semester or short/non-standard courses.
Students who are financial aid recipients and withdraw from all courses are subject to the Federal Financial Aid Refund Policy. For more details see "Federal Financial Aid Refund Policy" under "Financial Aid" in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Refunds will be computed based on the actual withdrawal date certified by the Office of Records and Registration. Refunds will not be made to students who do not attend classes and have not completed the required withdrawal procedure. Refund processing may take approximately two to three weeks. Exceptions to this refund policy are made only in rare instances. Written application for an exception must be filed with the Student Accounting Department addressed to the Refund/Waiver Appeals Committee within three years.
For information regarding cancellations and adjustments to dining and housing charges, refer to the Room and Dining Contract Terms and Conditions or the Housing and Dining Services Websites.
Requests for Refunds of Overpayments
An overpayment from 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 issued starting on the first day of classes. Students are responsible for paying any increase in charges that may occur after the generation of a refund. Students are also responsible for paying an outstanding balance as a result of canceled or reduced financial aid.
Requests for refunds that are not generated from the overpayment of financial aid should be made in writing to VCU Student Accounting Department, P.O. Box 843036, Richmond, VA 23284-3036. Refund Request Forms are available at the Student Services Centers. In accordance with credit card regulations, the university will refund the credit card account with any credit balance that may result on a student's account as the outcome of a credit card payment. The remaining credit balance, if any, will be refunded to the student.
A student must have a current active address on file through eServices in order for a refund to be processed. Refund checks are mailed to the permanent address on file. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Direct Deposit Program.
Refunds generated from a personal check payment (including web check payments) will be held for a minimum of twenty-one days from the date that the check payment was received.
Credit Card Policy
In accordance with credit card regulations, the university will refund the credit card account with any credit balance that may result on a student's account as the outcome of a credit card payment. The remaining credit balance, if any, will be refunded to the student.
Direct Deposit
Student refunds can be directly deposited into a student's bank account by completing a Direct Deposit Authorization Form. Application forms are available in the Student Services Centers on both campuses. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Direct Deposit Program. Please note that direct deposit authorizations will remain in effect until a written cancellation is submitted to Disbursement Operations.
If you do not have an established bank account, you may contact Wells Fargo Bank about opening a Wells Fargo college checking account.
Students not participating in the Direct Deposit Program will be mailed refund checks. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to maintain a current active permanent mailing address with the Office of Records and Registration. Typically, there is a five to seven working day delay after the Office of Financial Aid has disbursed an award before a refund will be mailed.
Student Accounting
1015 Floyd Ave., 1st Floor
P.O. Box 843036
Richmond, VA 23284-3036
Phone: (804) 828-2228
Fax: (804) 828-5463
E-mail: stuacctg@vcu.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.