Cost of Attendance
| In-State Tuition per Credit* | Out-of-State Tuition per Credit* | Program Fees** | Total Program Credits (Regular Standing) | Total Program Credits (Advanced Standing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $634 | $750 | $100 per credit hour | 60 | 42 |
In-State Tuition per Credit*
$634
Out-of-State Tuition per Credit*
$750
Program Fees**
$100 per credit hour
Total Program Credits (Regular Standing)
60
Total Program Credits (Advanced Standing)
42
*Tuition is based on the 2025–2026 academic year. VCU reserves the right to adjust tuition costs as necessary. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees and regulations pertaining to student fees and fee collection procedures at any time. The VCU Board of Trustees sets official fees in June/July of each year. Students may be responsible for purchasing books and other materials for courses throughout the program. Visit the Student Financial Services website for detailed information on tuition and fees.
**There is a $100 per-credit-hour program fee, in addition to library and technology fees. Learn more about the School of Social Work fees, as well as information regarding the mandatory university fees.
Tuition Is Based on Credit Load
Students enrolled in eight credits or less are charged tuition and fees at the per-credit-hour rate. If you are planning to enroll on a part-time basis, multiply the per-credit-hour rate by the anticipated hours of enrollment.
Post-undergraduate programs are considered full-time at nine credits. Most programs are assessed at a flat tuition rate for enrollment in nine to 15 credits. A graduate student enrolled in more than 15 credits during any semester will be charged an overload tuition fee.
Is an M.S.W. From VCU a Good Investment?
Our program prepares students for success with a strong foundation in real-world theory, a balanced perspective on clinical and macro needs and a commitment to lifelong learning. As a result, most of our graduates find employment as social workers, with a national median pay of $58,380.* Earning potential can vary based on experience, location and credentials. We encourage prospective students to research and explore compensation for various social work career paths.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Mean Annual Salaries of Virginia Social Workers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
“A quote from a student about the online learning experience.”
– Name, Information
How Will You Pay Tuition?
We understand that planning how to finance your graduate education can seem daunting, so we’re here to help guide you. We believe that a high-quality education from a top 30 school of social work should be accessible to all — and financial barriers shouldn’t hinder your social work career.
There are a variety of options available to fund your degree. Below are some commonly used methods, and we recommend consulting with our Student Financial Services or a financial advisor to develop a plan that works best for you.
The federal government provides loan options for graduate students. Eligibility for these loans is not affected by household income. Student Financial Services works with two types of U.S. federal government loans:
- Federal Direct Loans: This is generally the lowest-cost loan available, for up to $20,500 each academic year. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enroll in at least six credits per semester and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) using VCU’s school code: 003735.
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loans: If you need to borrow more, then a Graduate PLUS loan can generally cover the remainder. You will need to submit the application for the Federal Direct loan prior to applying for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loans.
If federal loans are unavailable or insufficient, Student Financial Services can help you explore private or alternative education loans. Unlike federal loans, private loans do not require a FAFSA to apply. Private loan approval is generally based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Some students may need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. Interest rates, grace periods, repayment options and fees are determined by the lender and can vary considerably. Generally, private or alternative education lenders charge higher interest rates than the federal government.
There are many options for reducing your financial responsibility for graduate school at VCU. To learn more, explore the university’s graduate funding opportunities. The School of Social Work also offers M.S.W.-specific scholarships, and the Child Welfare Stipend Program provides funding for students who apply and are accepted, with a post-graduation work requirement. M.S.W.-specific scholarships and funding opportunities include:
School-Based Scholarships
- Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante Scholarship: Sirviendo La Comunidad Hispana
- Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship
- Dr. David P. Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Don L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship
- Joanne Kerbs Caramanica Scholarship
- Thomas Carlton Memorial Fund
- Mary Dotson & Charles Lane Cartledge IV Endowed Scholarship
- Emmett W. Cocke, Jr. Scholarship
- Economic Justice Scholarship
- Drs. Rosemary L. and David J. Farmer Public Mental Health Scholarship
- Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship
- Anne Fischer Scholarship Fund in the School of Social Work
- Fostering Success Scholarship
- Kimberly Giancaspro Scholarship
- Bob Green Research Fund
- William Randolph Hearst Scholarship for Social Workers in Aging
- Hurtado Family Endowed Scholarship
- Peace and Justice Scholarship
- Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship
- Elaine Z. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund
- David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund
- School of Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice (SWAPPP) Scholarship Fund
- Martin Schwartz Scholarship
- Cesare and Ida Sclarandis Fund
- Dr. Marjorie A. Stuckle Endowed Scholarship
- Swank-Divine Scholarships
- Mel C. Whipple Scholarship
- Rachel Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship
External Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
- Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship for Outreach and Health Communications
- Child Welfare Employee Education Assistance Program. Contact
- Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial M.S.W. Scholarship
- Davis-Putter Scholarship
- Hampton Roads Association of Social Workers Scholarship
- Susan E. Kennedy Graduate Scholarship
- Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial M.S.W. Scholarship
- National Association of Black Social Workers Scholarships
- VCU Phi Kappa Phi Scholarships
Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees pursuing graduate study. Some offer full sponsorship, while others provide partial support. Reach out to your HR department to find out if they offer tuition assistance and whether you’re eligible.
The Child Welfare Stipend Program at VCU prepares social work practitioners to engage families, support children and foster connections.
Full-time M.S.W. students and B.S.W. seniors accepted into the Child Welfare Stipend Program receive a $10,000 stipend per academic year. In exchange for the stipend and child welfare training, the stipend recipient has a work payback requirement that requires them to work at a local department of social services within the commonwealth of Virginia, in family preservation (in-home services), foster care or adoption, for one calendar year for each academic year the stipend was received. The Child Welfare Stipend Program is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia Commonwealth University. This training program, funded through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, prepares social work students for a career in public child welfare.
For questions about the program, contact the Child Welfare Stipend Program team via email.
Who Is Eligible?
Current and prospective full-time M.S.W. students and B.S.W. seniors at VCU who plan to complete their field placement in Virginia and work in Virginia following graduation.
What Are the Requirements While Completing An M.S.W?
- Be a full-time M.S.W. student
- Complete during a fall-spring term (funding not available for summer semesters)
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average
- Complete two child welfare courses, Child Welfare Policy and a Child Welfare Practice elective
- One field practicum at a local department of social services and one field practicum in a child-serving setting
- Complete VDSS new worker trainings and attend child welfare-focused workshops held throughout the academic school year, which may require in-person attendance and travel to Richmond, Virginia
What Are the Requirements After Graduation?
- Commit to work at a local department of social services within the commonwealth of Virginia one (1) calendar year for each academic year the stipend was received
- Secure qualifying full-time employment within six (6) months after graduation
How To Apply?
Contact us with questions or apply to the Child Welfare Stipend Program.
Questions?
If you still have questions about tuition or financial aid, please contact VCU Student Financial Management Center (SFMC) at (804) 828-1550 or sfmc@vcu.edu. SFMC virtual Zoom drop-ins are available Monday through Friday, 9–11 a.m. ET and 2–3:30 p.m. ET.