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State Policies


The State Board for Community Colleges establishes the cost for tuition each year. Tuition rates and all fees are subject to change as authorized by the State Board for Community Colleges. Such changes will be retroactively effective for early bird registrants.

Payment of tuition also enables the student to use the library, bookstore, student lounge and other facilities at the college. Students are expected to pay charges for any college property that they damage or lose (such as laboratory or shop equipment, supplies, library books and other materials). Formal registration takes place on the dates listed in the calendar. A student is not officially registered and is not allowed to attend class until tuition and fees have been paid.

Refund Policy - Students are eligible for a refund for those credit hours dropped during the same add/drop period within which the credit hours were added. The refund will be at the per-credit rate. A refund is given for the difference between the original charges for tuition and fees and the charges for tuition and fees, using the per-credit rate calculated from the number of credit hours in which the student remains enrolled. Refunds are disbursed directly to students from the Nelnet Campus Commerce via payment method chosen by the student.

Student Fee - A student fee of $3.33 per credit hour is charged to all students. This fee is used to cover the cost of student activities and cultural events; placement, career assessment, learning skills and graduate core competency testing; tutoring and lab maintenance; transcripts and record maintenance; and parking maintenance, construction and site improvements.

Capital Fee - A fee of $26.00 is charged to all out-of-state students for each credit hour of enrollment. This fee is used to help offset debt service on bonds issued for capital construction.

Special Fees - Some classes require special materials such as uniforms, specialized equipment and tools (electronics, welding, art, therapeutic massage, etc.) that will be the property of the student. These materials are purchased by the student and paid for at the time of purchase. Consult with your advisor or course instructor concerning these special costs.

Student Testing Fees - Each student may be required to pay a fee for certain tests, such as examinations administered to award advanced placement credit. Fees vary with the type of test taken.

Delinquent Accounts - Students will not be permitted to register or graduate, nor will grade reports or transcripts be issued, until all accounts have been paid in full.

Bad Check Fee - The college must assess a $35 service charge for handling returned checks or dishonored credit card or debit card payments for accounts not in past due collection status. The college must assess a $50 service charge for handling returned checks or dishonored credit card or debit card payments when the account is in past- due collection status. NSF checks not redeemed by the student will not be allowed to register for classes, receive a transcript or grades from the college.

Other Expenses Books and Materials - Students are expected to obtain their own books, supplies and consumable materials needed in their studies. Items purchased at the bookstore must be paid for at the time of purchase. The estimated cost for those items will average $300 to $400 per semester for a full-time student. Students may be able to reduce this cost by purchasing used books or book rental.

Field Trips - Students are expected to pay any expenses, including transportation costs, for participation in field trips; they must also sign a form releasing the college for any liability. If a field trip is a required activity of a course, students will be notified, made aware of additional costs involved, and provided with appropriate substitute assignments if they cannot participate.

Malpractice Insurance - Students enrolled in nursing or other health-related courses that require off-campus hospital or other clinical affiliations are required to obtain individual malpractice coverage.

Written Comments

Written comments may be sent to Rose Marie Owen, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, at rmowen@vccs.edu, or they may be mailed to the attention of Rose Marie Owen at:

Office of the Chancellor
Virginia Community College System
300 Arboretum Parkway
Richmond, Virginia 23236

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