Undergraduate study
Eligibility, availability and special circumstances
Eligibility for financial aid
Availability of financial aid for special programs
Special circumstances
Eligibility for financial aid
Most students are eligible for some type of financial aid regardless of family financial circumstances. Basically, to receive aid from any of the federal or state student aid programs, students must:
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA designating VCU (school code 003735) to receive FAFSA results.
- Demonstrate financial need, except for some loan programs.
- Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate.
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to an eligible degree or certificate program.
- Be enrolled at least half time, six or more undergraduate credit hours (exceptions possible for Pell Grants) or five or more graduate credit hours.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Have a valid Social Security number (unless from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of Palau).
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards as defined by the VCU Office of Financial Aid (the full VCU SAP policy is available on the Web at www.enrollment.vcu.edu/finaid/progress.html).
- Certify that federal and state financial aid will be used for educational purposes only.
- Not be in default on a federal student loan and not owe money on a federal student grant.
- Comply with Selective Service registration, if required.
- Not be convicted under federal or state law of sale or possession of illegal drugs.
- Detailed information can be found in the federal Student Guide, available in print form from the VCU Office of Financial Aid or electronically on the Federal Student Aid website at http://studentaid.ed.gov/.
Availability of financial aid for special programs
Summer studies
Limited financial aid may be available during the summer semester. Students interested in financial aid for the summer semester should view the VCU Summer Schedule of Classes at www.pubapps.vcu.edu/scheduleofclasses (posted in March) for more details.
Students interested in financial aid for summer terms must have a FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office and complete a summer aid application, available on the Financial Aid website.
Study abroad
Financial assistance is available to eligible students enrolled in approved study-abroad programs. All study-abroad programs must be coordinated through the Office of International Education at (804) 828-8471. Students should work with a financial aid counselor to coordinate aid for their study-abroad program. Information about financial aid and study abroad is available online at www.global.vcu.edu/abroad/students/funding/index.html.
Special circumstances
Financial aid eligibility decisions are made using federal, state and institutional regulations and policies. Students may appeal their award offers if special circumstances warrant a review. Reasons for an appeal might include one of the following documented circumstances:
- Loss or reduction of employment earnings.
- Disability or death of parent or spouse.
- Separation or divorce.
- Loss or reduction of untaxed income.
- Unusual medical expenses.
- Dependent and child-care expenses.
Any financial aid staff member can advise a student about the procedures on how to file an appeal.