Tuition and Costs
Cost of Graduate Education
The cost of graduate education includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, personal costs, transportation, taxes and loan fees. Amounts can vary based on in-state/out-of-state status, campus location, degree program, and individual choices and circumstances.
The Virginia Tech Bursar lists tuition rates and fees by program and campus. Contact the bursar's office if you have a question about your student account.
The University Scholarships and Financial Aid office publishes estimates for the annual cost of attendance budget that can guide your budget planning.
The Cranwell International Center describes the financial requirements international students must meet before they can receive a visa eligibility document (I-20 or DS-2019).
Tools such as GradSense.org, Nerdwallet.com, MIT Living Wage calculator, or bestplaces.net can help you create a budget and estimate the cost of living in the are of your selected campus location.
Examples of estimated annual living expenses excluding tuition* (as of spring 2024)
Annual living expenses of a single student in a 1-bedroom apartment in Blacksburg:
Rent: $8,400 (in cheap, no-frills apartment)
Food: $3,600 (cooking for self, limited eating out)
Books & misc: $600
Transportation: $2,000 (variable by personal need/preference)
Other personal: $4,000 (variable by personal need/preference)
Fees: $2,585-3,739 (including comp fees and applicable CFE and immigration services fees)
Taxes: $150 or more (variable by tax status)
TOTAL: $21,335 or more
*Full-time tuition in Blacksburg ranges from $7,713.50-17,447.50 depending on in-state/out-of-state status and academic program and is subject to change. Refer to the Bursar's Office website for details.
Annual living expenses of a single student sharing an apartment with roommate(s) in Blacksburg:
Rent: $7,200 (in cheap, no-frills apartment)
Food: $2,400 (cooking together, limited eating out)
Books & misc: $600
Transportation: $200 (bike/bus locally; limited other travel)
Other personal: $4,000 (variable by personal need/preference)
Fees: $2,585-3,739 (including comp fees and applicable CFE and immigration services fees)
Taxes: $150 or more (variable by tax status)
TOTAL: $17,135 or more
*Full-time tuition in Blacksburg ranges from $7,713.50-17,447.50 depending on in-state/out-of-state status and academic program and is subject to change. Refer to the Bursar's Office website for details.
In-State Tuition Eligibility
In-state status is not granted automatically for graduate students, even if you've been a long-time Virginia resident. Check eligibility requirements and apply for in-state status if you qualify.
Financial Aid
The Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid provides information about cost-of-education for graduate students and applying for scholarships, loans, and other aid.
Assistantships
Assistantships are the most common source of funding for graduate study. Learn more about assistantship benefits and responsibilities. Review our assistantship funding data to see assistantship funding by degree level, program, assistantship type and more.
Application Fee and Waivers
The standard Graduate School application fee is $75. Some applicants may be eligible for application fee waivers. Visit this page for more information and the fee waiver form.