The official university tuition and fees refund policy, applicable only for the fall and spring semesters (excluding short 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.
Students in off-campus classes are subject to the same refund policy as all other university students if the class is scheduled on the regular semester schedule. If the off-campus class is shorter or longer than the academic semester, the refund dates are adjusted accordingly at the request of Off-campus Programs.
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 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 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.
Students will not be entitled to a refund of room fees:
A refund of dining plan charges will be made if the cancellation/change is received by 4 p.m., Friday of the second week of classes.
Refer to the Room and Dining Contract Terms and Conditions for additional information.
An overpayment from financial aid 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.
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 will be held for a minimum of twenty-one days from the date that the check payment was received.
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.
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 Wachovia Bank about opening a free Wachovia college checking account. You can also access your refund through your VCUCard by linking the card with your Wachovia banking card.
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 authorized an award before a refund will be mailed.
827 W. Franklin St.
Founders Hall, Room 123
Richmond, VA 23284-3036
P: (804) 828-2228 | F: (804) 828-5463 | E: stuacctg@vcu.edu
Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
