Financial Information

Academic Common Market Programs

    Through a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states, students from participating states may be able to arrange a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges in order to pursue a degree program at Virginia Tech that is not offered by a public institution in the student's home state. Students are eligible for in-state tuition provided that they have been officially accepted into the ACM major, certified by their home state higher education commission, and are making progress toward their ACM program. Students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment and progress toward their approved ACM program for continued eligibility.

    The programs covered by the Academic Common Market are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about eligibility. Program availability varies by state. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for a current listing. Currently Virginia Tech offers programs not available in public institutions in SREB participating states of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

    Students are responsible for contacting the Academic Common Market Coordinator in their state's higher education office. The state coordinator can assist students in certifying eligibility and providing information regarding eligibility for in-state tuition at Virginia Tech. For additional information, and a list of qualifying programs, please visit http://www.registrar.vt.edu/records/common_market.php.

Auditing

    Students are assessed the same rate for tuition and fees for auditing courses as for courses taken for credit.

Billing Statements (E-bill)

    E-Bills are processed monthly on the 15th of each month (if the 15th of the month occurs on a weekend, e-bills are processed on the Friday before the 15th). Payment is due by the 10th of the following month. (If the 10th of the month occurs on a weekend, payment will be due the following Monday.)

    E-bills for fall semester 2009 charges will be processed July 15 with an August 10th due date. If a dining plan, a room fee, or additional courses are added after the July 15 e-bill is processed, the additional charges will be billed in August with a September due date.

    E-bills for spring semester 2010 charges will be processed December 15 with a January 11 due date.

    A monthly finance charge of .667 per month (8% per annum) will be assessed on unpaid prior term charges.

Budget Tuition Plan

    Virginia Tech's Budget Tuition Plan (BTP) offers a convenient method for planning and budgeting tuition, fees, room, and board. The BTP can cover all or part of the fall and/or spring semester institutional charges. This plan provides the opportunity for the student or parent(s) to divide the institutional charges into four monthly direct debits per semester or eight monthly direct debits per academic year from a checking account, instead of paying the entire amount of charges by tuition payment deadline each semester. The only cost for this service is a $65 non-refundable application fee that is due with the application. Students can join the BTP online through HOKIE SPA or parents can download the 2009/10 BTP Brochure & application from our website.Contact the Office of the University Bursar for additional information, at (540) 231-9316, e-mail BTHELP@vt.edu, or visit www.bursar.vt.edu.

Bursar, Office of University

The Office of the University Bursar provides monthly billing statements to students by sending electronic bill notifications (e-bills) to the students’ Virginia Tech e-mail addresses. Payments can be made by one of the electronic payment options available to the student on Hokie SPA, by mailing a paper check, or in person at the Bursar Customer Service windows in 150 Student Services Building. Students may designate their parents or others as authorized payers on their account. This will allow the authorized payer to receive the electronic bill notification along with the student. The authorized payer will be able to view the account and/or make payments electronically on the student’s account. If a student wishes financial information released to parents or others the student must grant access to this information on the FERPA release form on the HOKIE SPA.
Detailed information regarding tuition and fees, payment deadlines, Customer Service Window hours, The Budget Tuition Plan, electronic billing and payment processes, and much more can be obtained by viewing the Bursar's website http://www.bursar.vt.edu.

Collection of Past Due Receivables for Students

    Any amount owed to the university including, but not limited to, tuition, fees, room, board, loans, notes receivable, and amounts due for goods and services provided is considered a receivable to the university. A receivable becomes past due if payment is not received by the payment due date. At ninety days past due, the receivable becomes delinquent.

    For currently enrolled students, the primary collection tool is the placement of a "HOLD" by the Office of the University Bursar on a student's record. This "HOLD" restricts certain student activities such as the ability to add or drop classes, receive grade transcripts, register for future academic terms, and may also result in a hold on your diploma if you are a candidate for graduation. Once established, the "HOLD" remains in place until the debt is paid in full. When a student is no longer enrolled, the collection procedures utilized for other "non-student" receivables are implemented.

    Individuals who do not pay all fees and charges owed are responsible, in the event of their default or the return of a check for payment of said fees and charges, to pay a penalty fee, to pay interest at the highest rate allowed by law, and for all reasonable administrative costs, collections costs, and attorney's fees incurred in the collection of funds due the University.

    Addresses must be kept current and can be changed by students as needed on Hokie SPA. Non-receipt of e-bill notification is not a valid defense for non-payment; it is the responsibility of the individual who has incurred the debt to see that the debt is discharged.

    For non-students, a dunning message is included on each month's statement alerting the customer to the next collection steps that will be taken. If payment is not forthcoming within the stated period, the account and all pertinent information are forwarded to an outside collection agency for further collection efforts. In addition, the account is reported to national credit bureaus, thus affecting the debtor's credit rating.

    In addition to the above measures, the university also lists the account with the Virginia Department of Taxation for set-off debt collection procedures. This means that any state income tax refund or payment processed through the State Treasurer’s Office to the debtor will be reduced by the amount of the receivable owed by the debtor.

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is in full compliance with the Virginia Debt Collection Act and all regulations promulgated by the State Department of Accounts and the Office of the Attorney General.

Office of the University Bursar
150 Student Services Building
540/231-6277
Fax: 540/231-3238
E-mail: bursar@vt.edu
Web: www.bursar.vt.edu

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Eligibility for In-State Student Tuition Privileges

    General Information: Eligibility for in-state tuition privileges (reduced tuition charges) is governed by §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia. The provisions of §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia are set forth, defined, and discussed in the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's Domicile Guidelines. SCHEV developed these Guidelines to facilitate the consideration of uniform criteria in determining domiciliary status. §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia places the responsibility on the student for establishing by clear and convincing evidence that s/he is eligible for the in-state tuition rate. Further, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that his/her domicile is Virginia and that s/he has abandoned any prior domicile. According to SCHEV's Guidelines, clear and convincing evidence is defined as "that degree of proof that will produce a firm conviction or a firm belief as to the facts sought to be established. The evidence must justify the claim both clearly and convincingly."

    Domicile: Domicile refers to the "present, fixed home of an individual to which he or she returns following temporary absences, and at which the individual intends to remain indefinitely. No individual may have more than one domicile at a time." Domicile cannot be initially established in Virginia unless one actually resides, in the sense of being physically present, in Virginia with domiciliary intent, which means present intent to remain indefinitely, that is, the individual has no plans or expectation to move from Virginia. Residence in Virginia for a temporary purpose or stay, even if that stay is lengthy, with present intent to return to a former state or country upon completion of such purpose does not constitute domicile. "Mere physical presence or residency primarily for educational purposes does not confer domiciliary status." A person shall not ordinarily be able to establish domicile by performing acts which are auxiliary to fulfilling educational objectives or which are required or routinely performed by temporary residents of the Commonwealth. The university will consider many factors when determining domicile. Among them are continuous physical residence, state to which income taxes are paid, driver's license, voter registration, motor vehicle registration, employment, property ownership, sources of financial support, military records, a written offer and acceptance of employment in Virginia following graduation, and any other social or economic relationships with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions. The presence of any or all of these factors does not automatically result in Virginia domicile. The factors used to support a claim of entitlement to in-state privileges must have existed for a minimum of one year (12 continuous months) prior to the first official day of classes.

    Reclassification: Students may seek reclassification of their initial tuition classification, but residence or physical presence in Virginia primarily to attend the university does not entitle students to in-state tuition rates. Domicile should be established BEFORE one enters the university. Please note that if a student enters the university classified as an out-of-state student, s/he must present clear and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption that s/he is residing in the state primarily to attend school. Students seeking reclassification to in-state status must be prepared to pay the out-of-state tuition rate unless they are notified in writing that his/her status has been reclassified to in-state according to the Code of Virginia.

    Application Deadlines: According to §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia, changes in domiciliary status can only be granted prospectively from the date the application is received; therefore, the deadline for submission of the complete application is prior to the first day of the term/semester for which the student seeks reclassification to in-state. Retroactive changes in status are not allowed under the Code. To ensure that students have a decision before the tuition payment deadline, please submit a complete application at least 30 days prior to the tuition payment deadline as published by the Office of the University Bursar. If additional information is requested, the applicant must provide the additional information within 30 days of the date of the letter requesting the information. Tuition refunds may be given to students who paid their tuition at the out-of-state rate but were subsequently reclassified to in-state provided that the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates was submitted before the first day of the term. Qualifying students should contact the Office of Student Accounts regarding eligibility for a refund.

    Contact:

New Undergraduate or Transfer Students please contact:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
201 Burruss Hall, Mail Code 0202
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/231-6267

Continuing Undergraduate Students please contact:
Office of the University Registrar
250 Student Services Building, Mail Code 0134
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540/231-6252

    The regulations governing domicile are determined by state law, and are therefore subject to change. The information stated herein is not intended to be a contract between a student and Virginia Tech but is provided for informational purposes only. For additional information, please visit http://www.registrar.vt.edu/records/residency.php.

Enrollment Status, Full-Time

    Certification of full-time student status, for most purposes, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) educational benefits, Social Security benefits, loans, scholarships, and grants, is based on the following enrollment information: official undergraduate and College of Veterinary Medicine enrollment for each regular semester must be 12 or more credit hours and official graduate enrollment for each regular semester must be 9 or more credit hours. All courses must be in the A/F option, P/F option, or equivalent credit. Please note that courses taken under the audit option do not count toward the enrollment status. Participation in the Virginia Tech Cooperative Education program, National Student Exchange program, and International Student Exchange program reflects full-time enrollment. Certification of enrollment for V.A. educational benefits will reflect only those hours considered to be progress toward the degree or educational objective. Although considered to be enrolled full-time, students who participate in the Cooperative Education program are not eligible for V.A. educational benefits or federal financial aid during the terms in which they participate in the Co-Op program.

Fees, Cooperative Education Program

    Charge for each term a student is placed in industry employment while enrolled in the Cooperative Education Program.

Fall & Spring terms $50.00 per term
Summer terms $25.00 per term

Fees, Late Payment

    The late fee charge is 10% of unpaid balance up to a maximum of $100 per term if payment is not received by the due date on the billing statement.

Fees, Reinstatement

    Classes are dropped for non-payment of past due billed charges after the tenth day of classes for fall and spring semesters. A $75.00 reinstatement fee is assessed to students whose class registrations are cancelled due to non-payment of fees. The $75 reinstatement fee is in addition to the late payment fee which is 10% of unpaid balance up to a maximum of $100 per term. Students must report to the Office of the University Bursar, 150 Student Services Building, to pay charges in full and have hold removed from record before the academic dean can reinstate courses. Students will be provided a memo showing payment has been made to present to the academic dean when requesting reinstatement of classes.

Fees, Summer School

    Information on summer school tuition and fees as well as costs for room and board can be obtained on the Bursar's website.

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Medical Resignations

    A student resigning for medical reasons will be charged a daily tuition rate for each day enrolled.

    Resignations for medical reasons must be approved by Schiffert Health Center or Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech indicating the student is unable to continue in school due to medical reasons. Schiffert Health Center or Cook Counseling Center will determine the effective date for a medical resignation. The Academic Fee, Technology Fee, Capital Fee and Comprehensive Fees are non refundable and no reduction will be made after the first day of classes for resignations.

Military Withdrawals

    Students called into active military duty are encouraged to communicate with their advisors, instructors, and undergraduate or graduate deans to arrange "incompletes" or rescheduling of remaining work if their orders are received near the end of a term. However, if students request a withdrawal from the university, permission is granted without punitive action as well as granting a full refund of tuition and fees. This full refund is requested regardless of the date of the action of withdrawal. Procedurally, students (or their parents or guardians) are requested to provide copies of activation orders. If orders are unobtainable (in some emergency call-ups, this is possible), the University Registrar will telephone the company commander for verbal confirmation. Further, the University Registrar will serve as facilitator of this process for any advisor, instructor, or dean seeking verification of the students' military status. Students with Federal Financial Aid should be advised that full refund of tuition will result in an immediate requirement to commence repayment of aid. Students with federal financial aid are to be given the option of full or partial refund. Students are to work with their advisors and deans in requesting reinstatement to the university.

Payment Directions

    Payment should be made by cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, Budget Tuition Plan, or by one of the on-line electronic payment processes for the amount due by the date shown on the e-bill. Payments sent by mail should be payable to “Treasurer of Virginia Tech” and should be mailed to: Virginia Tech, P.O. Box 7620, Merrifield, VA 22116-7620. The bottom portion of the bill should be sent along with the check to prevent delays in processing. Do not use the payment address listed on the statement for certified or express mail, scholarship checks, or any other correspondence. Those items should be sent to: Virginia Tech, Office of the University Bursar, 150 Student Services Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061. If you are using a bill paying service through your bank, please request your payment be mailed directly to Office of the University Bursar, 150 Student Services Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061. A payment made through a bill paying service does not include a payment stub so payments mailed to our processing center will result in a delay in posting the payment to the student’s account. Paying by e-check through our on-line electronic payment process is recommended as your payment will post to your student account immediately.

Payment Information

    The Office of the University Bursar provides monthly e-bills to students for all new account activity and any previous balance (if applicable). The statements are available on-line for viewing and payment through an electronic payment system called QuikPAYTM. Paper bills are no longer mailed. All students and authorized payers will be notified by an e-mail when the bill is available for viewing. The student or authorized payer can elect to pay by one of the electronic payment options or by printing the bill and mailing it along with their paper check to the remit to address listed on the e-bill.

    The QuikPAYTM system allows for account management 24 hours a day 7 days a week and was developed under the highest Internet security standards. It features a web-based presentation of the student’s most recent monthly account statement and up to 12 months of statement history. Students and authorized payers can pay their statement balance or the current account balance shown on the Hokie SPA by e-check or by credit card.

    The QuikPayTM system will send email notifications to all official Virginia Tech (vt.edu) email addresses and to email addresses of authorized payers when an e-bill is available for viewing. The email will have instructions on how to view and pay the e-bill. If payment is made by one of the electronic payment options, an e-mail confirmation is sent to the payer and the student acknowledging payment. Payment can be viewed on the student’s Hokie SPA account immediately. .

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