Admissions

Your eID is your key to everything VCU! Visit the identity claim page to activate your eID and set up your account, which authorizes the use of VCU’s electronic services. You will also need to set up Duo Mobile, VCU’s Two-Factor Authentication system. Your eID lets you do things like:

• Accept your offer of admission
• Log in to your VCU email account
• Register for classes
• Use the myVCU portal
• Use VCU’s Wi-Fi

Note: You must obtain your eID before you can apply for housing or access your VCU email account.

Say yes to VCU and become a Ram! Complete your Offer of Admission Response form in the VCU Admitted Student Portal and submit your tuition deposit to confirm enrollment.

Response deadlines:

• Students starting in the fall: Respond by May 1 (if accepted by April 1), or within two weeks if accepted after April 1
• Students starting in the spring: Respond within two weeks of your acceptance

To pay your tuition deposit online, you will need your eID, password and V-number. Follow these steps: 

1. Log in to eServices using your eID.
2. Click the "Applicants" tab at the top.
3. Select “Pay tuition deposit” tile.
4. Click "Deposits" at the top of the screen on the purple banner. Follow prompts and enter the desired deposit amount.
   • All students accepted into VCU undergraduate programs, except those accepted into programs in the School of the Arts, must pay a $100 tuition deposit.
   • The tuition deposit for the School of the Arts is $300.
5. Submit your deposit to reserve your spot at VCU.

Note: Both your response form and tuition deposit must be received in order for your account to reflect that you have accepted the offer of admission.

If you’re receiving a scholarship or financial aid, you may request a tuition deposit waiver on the response form. Visit your VCU Admitted Student Portal for more information and a link to the form.

Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designating VCU (school code 003735) to determine your eligibility for federal and institutional financial aid. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is open and VCU's priority filing date was Feb. 1, 2026. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the sooner VCU can consider you for financial aid to help support your education. If you miss the priority deadline, you should still apply because you may still be eligible for some types of assistance.  

Virginians who are not eligible to file the FAFSA or who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may file the Virginia Alternative State Aid Application (VASA) by Feb. 1, 2026, designating VCU (school code 003735) to determine your eligibility for state or institutional need-based aid (not federal financial aid). The VASA only allows one school code. If you completed the VASA with another code, email sfmc@vcu.edu.

Note for spring admits: If you are admitted for the Spring 2026 semester, you must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA in order to be eligible for a financial aid package.

Continue to check your new VCU email account for award information, required documents to complete your file and additional information.

You’re officially a Ram now — time to live in that VCU inbox! 🐏💛

Your VCU email will now be where we send important updates. Check it daily to stay on top of your next steps.

As a new Ram, you're invited to our upcoming admitted student events. Join us for a full day or for just a few hours to get a preview of Ram life!

Ready to get social? Follow us today: Instagram/Facebook/YouTube

Orientation is required for first-year, transfer, adult learner and international students, and encouraged for those returning to VCU after two years away. Think of it as your formal introduction to VCU!

Registration opens:

• April 1 for fall admits
• In early November for spring admits

You must accept your Offer of Admission and pay your tuition deposit before registering. Family members and supporters may also attend Orientation in person for a fee.

Visit the Orientation website or email newrams@vcu.edu for details.

Apply for on-campus housing through Residential Life and Housing once the app opens! First, remember to submit your Offer of Admission Response form form and tuition deposit (give it 2–3 business days to process).

🎉 Don’t forget: You must register for Orientation in order to get your housing assignment.

📅 Housing assignments go out:

• Summer (for fall admits)
• Rolling basis (for spring admits)

Take Housing's virtual tour and start picturing your new home!

Housing application open dates:

• Students accepted for fall: April 7, 2026, at 4 p.m.
• Students accepted for spring: Mid October

For students who choose to live off campus, visit the Off-Campus Housing website to explore your options. If you have questions, please reach out to the Office of Student Advocacy.

VCU Dine has many on-campus dining options to fuel your 8 a.m. classes, your late nights and everything in between, all with a swipe of your VCUCard, aka your student ID. VCU Dine offers a variety of dining plans and meal options for students.

Apply for financial aid, scholarships and learn how to pay your bill:

• The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now open, with Feb. 1, 2026 as VCU's priority date to file. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the sooner VCU can consider you for financial aid to help support your education. Virginians who are not eligible to file the FAFSA, or who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, may file the Virginia Alternative State Aid Application (VASA) by Feb. 1, 2026. If you miss the priority date, you should still apply because you may still be eligible for other types of assistance.
  
• Check your new VCU email account for award information, required documents to complete your file and additional information.
  
• Any scholarships or tuition assistance from outside of VCU should be sent to the Student Accounting Department or delivered in person to the Student Financial Management Center. Detailed instructions are provided on the Student Financial Services website. You can also explore additional VCU scholarship opportunities here. 
  
• If you plan to use military benefits to pay your bill, please connect with Military Student Services (MSS).
  
• Review VCU tuition and fees and all of your payment options, including our Installment Payment Plan. A helpful tool is our Financial Planning Worksheet which can assist you in determining if you will owe a “gap balance.” Please note that your final bill will not be available until after you register for classes.

Have questions about financial aid?

All admitted VCU students have an assigned financial counselor as part of their student success care team. To make an appointment with your counselor, visit the Student Financial Management Center.

🎓 Make it official and send transcripts and scores!

Want higher-level classes or college credit? Send your test scores and transcripts to VCU, and don’t forget your final high school transcript to lock in your admission.

Final high school transcripts

⏰ Deadlines to submit final high school transcripts:

• Aug. 1 (fall admits)
• Jan. 15 (spring admits)

⚠️ Heads up: Financial aid will not release your awarded funds until your final transcript is received.

How to send:

✔️ Secure electronic service (Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse)

📬 Or mail to:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Office of Admissions
Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284

🚫 No faxes, emails or portal uploads.
If your school needs more time, have them call VCU's Office of Admissions at (800) 841-3638.

Final tip: Make sure your transcript shows that your meet admission requirements. VCU can revoke admission if it doesn’t.

Note: VCU reserves the right to revoke your admission acceptance if your final transcript indicates that you do not meet the criteria for acceptance.

SAT and ACT test scores

If you took the SAT or ACT, you should submit those scores to VCU to receive an equivalent math placement score. 

• How to submit your SAT math score
• How to submit your ACT math score

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate scores

The VCU Transfer Center evaluates your Advanced Placement scores and International Baccalaureate transcripts for college credit, math placement (AP scores of 2 or higher on AP Calculus AB/BC and AP PreCalculus) and chemistry placement (AP scores of 2 or higher on AP Chemistry).  AP scores and/or IB transcripts must be sent to VCU directly, as VCU cannot accept AP or IB credits from a high school or college transcript.

• How to submit your AP scores
• How to submit your IB scores

Dual enrollment transcripts

Students who earned dual enrollment/early college credit must send official college transcripts to Virginia Commonwealth University by Aug. 1 (fall admits) or Jan. 15 (spring admits).

Submit transcripts electronically through a secure service (e.g., Parchment or National Clearinghouse) to the VCU Office of Admissions. If electronic delivery isn’t available, have the college mail an official hard copy to:

VCU Transfer Center
900 Park Ave., Box 842532
Richmond, VA 23284

You must upload your VCU Certificate of Immunization and supporting documentation to the Student Health Web Portal at least 30 days before starting classes (no later than Aug. 1 for fall or Jan. 15 for spring), or a registration hold will be placed on your account. Students enrolled in a health sciences program may have additional immunization requirements.

Get your advisor in the know! Before you register for classes, take a few minutes to complete our quick survey, which will be open by April 15. You’ll confirm (or change!) your major, share any AP/IB/Dual Enrollment credits, and tell us about your course preferences.

Your advisor will use your answers to highlight your strengths and connect you with the right resources to help you thrive at VCU.

Survey open dates:

• Students admitted for fall: April 15
• Students admitted for spring: Nov. 1

🎉 Ready to register? Let’s go!

Registration opens:

• Fall admits: May 1
• Spring admits: Dec. 1

You’ll register yourself (May through June for fall admits, Dec. through Jan. for spring admits). Use your major’s first-semester recommended courses worksheet, check credits and degree progress in DegreeWorks, and hop into eServices → “Register for Classes” to get started. Need help adding, dropping or waitlisting? Advising tutorials have you covered.

❓Need help?

Advising offers 30-minute Zoom workshops to help you learn how to register for classes on eServices, view your degree requirements on DegreeWorks and more. You can find all the session dates and times on our Academic Advising website.

📚 Pro tips:

• Aim for 15 credits (12 = full-time minimum)
• Need math? Grab a seat early — they fill fast!
• Consider UNIV 101 or 191 (1 credit) to kick-start your success
• Have questions? Jot them down for your advising appointment

Interested in summer or winter classes? Check the Summer or Winter Session websites to access the registration form.

🎓✨ Don’t forget your advising date!

📅 All first-year students must schedule a mandatory 30-minute advising appointment (virtual or in-person) in Navigate.

Fall admits: Appointments will happen in June/July

Spring admits: Appointments will be held in Dec./Jan.

Spots are limited, so choose a date that works for you and be sure to show up! You’ll review your classes, make tweaks and get your questions answered. (You’ll get email + text reminders.)

📞 Extenuating issue? Call 804-827-8648.

✅ Before you meet: complete the earlier steps and register for as many classes as you can!

VCU sends electronic bills, and you’ll get a heads-up in your VCU email when your statement is ready in eServices. You can learn more in our billing schedule.

🗓️ First bill available:

• Fall starts: Late July
• Spring starts: Mid-December

To view/pay: Go to eServices → Students → Accounts → “Make a Payment.”

VCU’s Installment Payment Plan offers a convenient method for planning and budgeting educational costs. The plan allows students to divide the cost of tuition, fees, and room and dining plans into four installment payments throughout the semester. IPP is only available in the fall and spring semesters. There is a one-time $25 administrative fee due with the first installment. 

Call Me By My Name is an initiative that allows VCU to recognize you by the name, gender and pronoun by which you identify.

Please also confirm that VCU has your most up-to-date emergency contact information, physical address, phone number and mailing address. Changes can be submitted via eServices.

Every Ram is responsible for taking care of themselves and looking out for fellow Rams. Completing these required training modules will give you the resources you need to be a responsible member of our community and an effective bystander. Training modules include the following topics: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Sexual Assault Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and more. 

Visit Required Trainings for New Students to learn more. These modules should be completed in Ram Ready prior to your first semester, and they are required for both in-person and fully online students.

VCU employs a no car policy for first-year residential students. First-year students who can demonstrate a compelling need to have a vehicle can petition for an exemption. Review the exemptions and waiver process on the First-Year Parking website. 

For students living off campus or commuting from home, you can review parking options and rates through Parking & Transportation. Fall/spring parking is sold on a first-come/first-served basis on the Monroe Park Campus, and via a parking lottery on the MCV Campus.

Gear up for class!

Once you’ve registered, check what books, software or tools you’ll need. The VCU Bookstore’s search tool makes it easy to find course materials, tech and even on-campus repairs. (Materials may show up closer to the semester start.)

Don’t forget: All students need a personal computer — be sure to review your college’s recommended specs!

VCU faculty, staff and students are automatically signed up for VCU Alert text messages. Please ensure you have the most up-to-date Mobile or Cell Phone Number (Primary) field on your personal information page of the eServices/ VCU Self Services website.

If you do not have a phone number listed, please add one by selecting “Add New” in the Phone Number field. Make sure it is listed as a Mobile or Cell Phone Number and the checkbox for “Primary” is checked.

Family members of new first-year and transfer students are strongly encouraged to participate in Orientation!

As important partners in your success, we have designed Orientation programs just for your family and supporters that will happen in tandem with your student Orientation experience. We would love to connect them with the faculty, staff and fellow students you will be supported by throughout your VCU journey.

Family members can connect and join various communities on the Ramily Connection Portal and sign up for our monthly Ram Family Update. The Ram Family Update is a monthly e-newsletter for families and supporters to keep up-to-date with events, ways to support you and important deadlines. This portal is our all-in-one family engagement platform that helps us share personalized, timely content with families. This is also where families can learn about and register for major family events like Family Day! 

And don’t forget to have your family members join our VCU Families Facebook page and Instagram page!

There are several kinds of access you can give your family when it comes to your student records.

• Authorized user access permits them to see and pay your bill.
• Proxy access allows you to share with them your class schedule, registration holds, midterm and final grades (you can choose what to share).
• Completing a FERPA waiver allows them to reach out to VCU with questions about your academic record including your bill, schedule, grades and conduct.
• A Medical Release gives them access to medical records you choose to share with them.

You may change their level of access to any of these things at any time by contacting the relevant office.