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 one type of U.S. federal government loan:
- 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.
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.
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.