Program Costs
- All prices are in U.S. dollars.
- 2024-25 prices are valid from August 2024 until July 2025.
- New students do not need to pay for classes before they arrive at VCU. Please see the list of payment due dates.
- Students in the Spring I or Fall I session may register for the university’s monthly payment plan
- Some additional fees (Ex: placement test, Student Health fee, etc.)
- Refunds can only be issued in certain situations (please see our Refund Policy)
Estimated cost of attendance for full-time students
Expenses |
8-week session |
12-week or 16-week session |
One academic year |
Course fees (for 22 credits - full-time)
|
$2,585 |
$5,170 |
$10,340 |
Living expenses (estimated*)
|
$4,412
|
$8,824 |
$17,647 |
Health Insurance (Required for F1 visa holders)
|
$458 |
$887 |
$2,654 |
University Health Services Fee
|
$110
|
$123 |
$246 |
Books, supplies for classes, and other personal expenses (estimated**) |
$275 |
$550 |
$1,100 |
Total estimated expenses
|
$7,840 |
$15,554 |
$31,987 |
*Living Expenses: Above is the estimated cost of living for an international student during their studies at VCU. Living expenses include housing, food, transportation/ car maintenance, and other personal expenses. Your actual expenses could be different, depending on where you decide to live, etc.
**The cost of books and educational supplies is not included in the tuition cost. Teachers use different materials, both online and printed, depending on the course, and the actual cost varies.
Prices per class*
*The cost per credit hour is $235 USD.
Course # |
Course Title |
Credits |
Price |
100 |
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 1 |
10 |
$2,350 |
101 |
Listening and Speaking 1 |
8 |
$1,880 |
102 |
Integrated English 1 |
4 |
$940 |
200 |
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 2 |
10 |
$2,350 |
201 |
Listening and Speaking 2 |
8 |
$1,880 |
202 |
Pronunciation 2 |
4 |
$940 |
300 |
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 3 |
10 |
$2,350 |
301 |
Listening and Speaking 3 |
8 |
$1,880 |
302 |
Pronunciation 3 |
4 |
$940 |
400 |
Advanced Written Communication |
10 |
$2,350 |
401 |
Advanced Oral Communication |
8 |
$1,880 |
Paying for your ELP Classes
-
All payments are handled by the VCU Student Accounting Office.
-
VCU does not send bills by mail. You will receive an email to your VCU email account, which will tell you how much you need to pay and when the money is due.
Payment Methods
-
Pay in person at the Cashier’s Office by cash, check, or money order.
-
Pay online through your VCU eServices account, using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express card. Please be aware that there is a 2.75% interest fee for credit or debit transactions.
- Make an international wire transfer payment.
Additional Required Fees
Fee |
Description |
Application fee: $70 |
▪ All students are required to pay an application fee. The cost of express mailing (through UPS) is included in this fee. |
Placement test fee: $100 |
▪ All new students are required to take the placement test before registering in classes. This test determines which classes you will take in the program. |
University Student Health Services Fee: $123 |
▪ If you are enrolled in 12 credits or more, you are required to pay the full amount of $120. Students taking less than 12 credit hours are billed $10 for each credit they are taking (ex. 2 credit hours = $20 health fee) ▪ The health fee covers all visits to Student Health Services during the semester. It is NOT health insurance. That must be purchased separately. |
Tuberculosis skin test: $25 |
▪ This test is required by the Virginia Health Department for students who were born in countries where there is a higher risk of tuberculosis. |
Chest X-ray: $57 |
▪ If your tuberculosis skin test is positive, you will be required to have a chest X-ray. You should come prepared to pay this fee, just in case. |
Refund Policy
Fall and Spring sessions:
-
100% back if class is dropped before the first week of classes ends
-
80%- during 2nd week of classes
-
60%- during 3rd week of classes
-
40% during 4th week of classes
-
$0 after 4th week of classes ends
Summer sessions:
-
100% on or before the 1st day of classes
-
$0 after the 1st day of classes
If a course is dropped after the add/drop period then you will get a W grade (withdrawn). The course will still appear on your official transcript.