Costs + Financial Aid

What you need to know about college costs and financial aid.

Figuring out program costs and how to cover them is an important concern for many students. Whether you're an incoming undergraduate or graduate student, we encourage you to seek out information on costs and financial aid early and often, as the availability of funding can have a big impact on your college choice.

Virginia Tech's Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid is a good place to start. Their website has information for all students on scholarships as well other other funding opportunities, and can help you stay up to date on forms, deadlines, and the financial aid application processes. 

Cost of Attendance

One of the first things you'll need to do is calculate your cost of attendance. Choosing to live on or off campus, meal plans, and lab or program fees can all affect the bottom line. One easy way to start this process is to use the university's cost of attendance resources for both undergraduate and graduate students. A net price calculator is also available for incoming first-year students. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

We recommend you start exploring scholarship options prior to your senior year of high school. Types of scholarships available to students include university, AAD, and private scholarships. These also include both need-based and merit-based awards – and all have different requirements and deadlines. Begin your scholarship search using Virginia Tech's Scholarship Central portal. Scholarship applications for undergraduates are typically available from September through January, but you must apply for admission to the university before you can apply for scholarships. 

Make sure you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA is now available beginning October 1, and the university's priority deadline is January 15, meaning you'll need to apply for financial aid at the same time you're applying to college. Learn more about the steps to apply for financial aid here.

Graduate students interested in fellowships, assistantships, and other types of aid should check with their program coordinators for more information about the opportunities available. The Graduate School also offers resources to help you explore these options.