Understanding the Virginia Peninsula Community College Student Budget

Planning for college involves understanding the costs associated with attendance. Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) is committed to providing an affordable education, and this article outlines the estimated costs associated with attending, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. VPCC's transparent tuition and fee structure ensures you know the costs upfront so you can focus on achieving your educational goals without financial surprises.

Cost of Attendance

The Financial Aid Office calculates your cost of attendance (i.e., your annual student budget) and subtracts the amount you and your family can pay toward that cost. In addition to the required tuition and fees, the cost of attendance for financial aid purposes includes an estimated allowance for transportation, miscellaneous and personal expenses, living expenses (i.e., housing and food), and books and supplies (outlined above for one semester). Please note that these allowance components are used only for financial aid purposes. Your direct cost to attend Virginia Peninsula Community College is the cost of tuition and fees.

Average Costs

Here's a breakdown of the average costs associated with attending VPCC:

Average Net Price: \$6,120 per year
Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

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In-State Tuition: \$4,070 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: \$9,220 per year
Books and Supplies: \$2,000 per year

Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. The Financial Aid staff is committed to working with students and parents to provide funding that will help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. Financial aid packages can include support from military benefits, scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans. Most financial aid programs are based on the philosophy that the primary responsibility of paying college expenses rests with the student and his/her family. Financial aid is meant to supplement, rather than replace, a family’s resources.

Types of Financial Aid

VPCC offers various financial aid programs for students who qualify. Such aid is funded through federal and state agencies, local organizations, businesses, and the college itself. There is an aid program for every income level. Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to students to help them meet education-related expenses.

Grants and Scholarships: These are regarded as “gift” aid and need not be repaid, although they may carry certain provisions to which a student must adhere.
- Pell Grant Program: The largest grant program available, is a federal need-based grant. Eligibility is determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount of the grant is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) and number of credit hours enrolled. All students who do not have a bachelor’s degree are automatically considered for this grant. Awards are made throughout the year.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: Students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and dies as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Eligible students must be under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least half-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death.
- FSEOG Program: The FSEOG program provides federal funds to the College for making awards to students with exceptional need. Students attending at least half-time are eligible for FSEOG. FSEOG awards are made on a rolling basis. The amounts of FSEOG awards vary depending on the need, other aid offered, and the amount of funds appropriated.
- COMA and VGAP Awards: The COMA and the VGAP awards are administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The College is allocated funds to award in-state students who have remaining need. COMA awards are made to students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. (COMA awards cover tuition and fees.) VGAP awards are made to dependent full-time students who graduated from a Virginia high school with a minimum 2.5 GPA, who have no prior college, and who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA while attending the College. (VGAP awards cover tuition, fees, and assist with the cost of books.) Awards are made on a rolling basis.
- G3 Grants: The G3 grants offered to Virginia state residents cover up to tuition, fees, and a book allowance minus any other grant aid. This includes all forms of federal, state, and institutional grants in addition to tuition waivers, Chapter 33, and employer tuition reimbursement.
- PTAP: The PTAP is a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) grant offered to Virginia state residents who register for at least one credit. The grant will pay for tuition and fees. It does not include books.
- VCCS Grant: The VCCS Grant is a Virginia Community College System grant offered to students who are Virginia state residents who have remaining need and are registered for six (6) or more credits. The grant will pay tuition and fees.
- TGP: The TGP provides tuition and fees and is available to foster youth, former foster youth and special needs adoptees who have a high school diploma or GED.
- Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974: Senior citizens may apply for free tuition and fees provided by the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974. Students at least sixty years of age who have been domiciled in Virginia for one year are eligible to enroll in non-credit courses or to audit credit courses for free. Additionally, if their federally taxable income did not exceed \$23,850 for the year preceding enrollment, senior citizens may take courses for credit without cost. Taxable income documentation must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Senior citizens must complete the application for admission, Domicile Determination application, the Senior Citizens Student Tuition Agreement, and provide documentation to the Admissions Office, located in Griffin Hall, Room 208 in Hampton or to the Office of Student Services, 4601 Opportunity Way, Room 117 in Williamsburg. Tuition-paying students are accommodated first. Students approved for this waiver must register the day before the semester starts.
- Free Tuition for Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans: Free tuition to state-supported institutions of higher learning is granted to eligible children (ages 16-29) of permanently disabled or deceased veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Eligibility requires that, for the children to be eligible, the disabled or deceased veteran must have been a resident of Virginia at the time of entry into the armed forces. The amended section provides that free tuition and required fees be made available “from such funds as are appropriated for this purpose” for any child between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five whose parent has been killed in the line of duty while employed or serving as a law enforcement officer or firefighter or rescue squad member in Virginia.
Loans: Loans must be paid back. Loans made under the Federal Stafford Student Loan Program are low-interest, long-term loans. Students with financial need can obtain a subsidized Stafford Loan. Department of Education will pay the interest charges to your lender on your behalf if you remain enrolled in at least a half-time basis (6 or more credits) and during a six-month period following enrollment.
Work-Study: Under the FWS program, the College receives federal funds to provide on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities to a limited number of students with demonstrated need who are enrolled in at least one credit and are in good academic standing. Although it is not always possible to do so, every attempt is made to place students in jobs that match their academic majors, skills, past experiences, and/or desired areas of employment. Students may not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session and 29 hours per week when classes are not in session. Students may never exceed 8 hours per day. Students work at \$12.00 per hour, and payment is made by the Human Resources office of the College biweekly. Students are hired on a rolling basis.

Applying for Financial Aid

Since not every student has the resources to pay for college, it is very important that every student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid support.

Annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov.
Return any requested information and/or verification forms to the Financial Aid Office.

Important Financial Aid Information

At the start of each semester, ensure you have enough money to cover your tuition, fees, and books fully. Check your bill in myVPCC before the semester begins. You may be dropped from your classes if your balance isn’t paid in full by the due date.
Refunds from Financial Aid will only be released after the “last day to drop with a refund” has passed.
Students who apply for financial aid and register for classes but decide not to attend must officially withdraw from college to avoid personal liability for any funds later awarded and charged for tuition, other institutional costs, and any funds received.
Funds awarded are contingent on remaining fund balances. On occasion, due to funding reduction and other changes, an award is made to a student for which funds are no longer available.
We have limited funds for the summer semester. Students who have remaining Pell Grant Funds will automatically be awarded for the summer. Students who did not receive a full-time (12 or more credits) award for the fall and spring semesters, will have remaining Pell Grant Funds.
Students who decide to attend this summer and want to be considered for a student loan will need to complete the Federal Direct Student Loan Form for the summer.
Remember that Pell Grant awards are locked at the enrollment that is posted as of the 10-week session’s last date to add a class. Registering for all of your summer classes during the 10-week and 8-weeks sessions is encouraged. This will allow us to process refunds in a timely manner.
Students receiving financial aid who withdraw or stop attending will, in most cases, be required to return a portion of the financial aid received. Therefore, please refer students who are withdrawing or cease to attend classes to meet with Financial Aid or Military & Veteran Services for financial guidance.
SAP Appeals are due by the last day to add a class for the longest session that you are enrolled in for that given semester. For example, the last day to add a class for the sixteen (16) week Fall 2025 semester is Monday, August 25. So, if your longest session this semester (Fall 2025) is the sixteen (16) week session, then Monday, August 25, is your SAP Appeal deadline.

Return of Title IV Funds

Any student attending VPCC and receiving student financial assistance under the Federal Title IV or Commonwealth of Virginia programs who withdraws or stop attending will, in most cases, be required to return a portion of the financial aid received. A student receiving Federal Title IV and Commonwealth of Virginia financial aid or other financial aid directly administered or certified by the college must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completing a certificate or degree program of study.

The concept behind the policy is that the college and the student can retain only the amount of Title IV (federal) aid and state aid earned. If a student withdraws or stops attending classes, a portion of the aid received is considered unearned and must be returned to the Title IV programs from. When a financial aid recipient of federal and/or state aid withdraws or stops attending classes during an enrollment period, the amount of financial aid earned is determined by a specific formula that uses the first day of class through the last day of exams and the student’s reported last day of attendance.

If a student received less assistance than the amount earned, the excess funds must be returned by the College as determined by the calculation. For example, if a student completed 30% of the enrollment period, the student will have earned 30% of the aid he/she was originally scheduled to receive. Once a student completes more than 60% of the enrollment period, the student has earned all the aid that he/she was scheduled to receive for that time. If a student does not receive all the aid that was earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement.

Once the College determines the dollar amounts and which individual aid programs must be repaid, the student will be notified of any amounts he/she owes. Any amount of unearned grant funds that a student must return is called an overpayment. Students must arrange to return the unearned grant funds. Funds that must be returned by the student to the loan programs can be paid in full in accordance with normal loan repayment terms. Unpaid balances will be turned over to the Commonwealth for collection. Before withdrawing or stopping attendance in classes, the student should be aware of the proper procedure for withdrawing from classes and the consequences of either withdrawing or stopping attendance.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are set by the State Board for Community Colleges and/or legislative actions and are subject to change. Tuition and fees may be paid by check, money order, or credit card (VISA, American Express, MasterCard, or debit card). Checks and money orders must be for the exact amount made payable to Virginia Peninsula Community College. Cash payments are not accepted. Tuition and fees may be paid online by logging into MyVPCC and selecting the Student Information System (SIS). Virginia Peninsula Community College offers affordable tuition payment plan options each semester. Payment of tuition and fees also enables students to use the library, computer laboratory, and other College facilities.

Sponsored students are required to have their sponsorship/tuition assistance verified in writing.

Students enrolled in classes that are canceled, who officially withdraw from the college, or drop individual classes by the “drop with a refund” date using the process set forth in this college catalog, will receive a full refund, within six to eight weeks after the “drop with refund date”. If a class was paid by check, money order or credit/debit card in the Student Accounting Office, a refund will be processed to the student via direct deposit or check. For more information on how to set up direct deposit, visit the Pay for College webpage. If a class was paid using a credit/debit card in the online payment system, the refund will be batch processed back to the credit/debit card used.

Additional Resources and Information

Bookstore: The College contracts with Follett Higher Education Group to provide bookstore services to students, faculty, and staff. Textbooks, school supplies, college apparel, giftware, and other course-related materials are available. Students have five days from the start of each semester or within two days of the date purchased to receive a full refund on textbooks purchased at the bookstore. All textbooks must be in original condition and/or shrink-wrap. All computer and electronic products must be returned unopened. All purchases made with a check must wait ten days for a cash refund. A valid receipt is required for any refund. In addition, upon proof of drop/add, the bookstore will accept course material returns (textbooks) from students who have dropped a course up to the end of the official drop/add period. Due to recent changes in Federal law governing credit usage, Virginia Peninsula Community College bookstore institutes the following credit card policy: All credit card purchases must be accompanied by card and card owner (name on credit card) at the time of purchase OR the cardholder must provide written permission detailing allowable charges and photocopies of front and back of card if card owner is not present. A photo ID must be provided at the time of sale.
Parking: To provide for the security and safety of our students, all vehicles parked on campus must be registered and display a yearly parking permit. Students must abide by the rules and regulations as stated in the Virginia Peninsula Parking Rules, Regulations and Fines brochure or risk being ticketed, booted, or towed. Fines for violations of parking policies are paid at the Student Accounting Office. A hold will be placed on accounts for unpaid parking fines preventing students from registering for classes and receiving transcripts, as well as delaying refund checks.
Food: Subway, located in Kecoughtan Hall, provides hot and cold entrees.
Financial Planning Resources: VPCC partnered with ECMC to offer an online interactive service that helps students gain knowledge about financial planning, student loans, car loans, buying or renting a place, credit card debt, budgeting, and investing. uAspire is partnering with GEAR UP Virginia and Level Up Virginia to provide a free Financial Aid Helpdesk.
Financial Obligations: Continued attendance at the College is dependent upon proper settlement of all debts owed to the institution. A check or ACH payment not honored by the bank on which it is drawn is considered to be a bad check/ACH, regardless of the reason initially provided by the bank. If the bad check/ACH results from a bank error, the bank must acknowledge this fact in writing before the student can be relieved of the obligation. A \$35 processing fee will be imposed for each returned check submitted for tuition, bookstore, parking, library, and club fee charges. If the payment is for an account that has been submitted to collections, the processing fee is \$50.00. A student who has a financial obligation to the College, for any reason, beyond the due date, or who has books or materials outstanding from the Learning Resource Center beyond the due date will be denied all services, including the issuance of transcripts and permission to register. If the student’s obligation involves an unpaid bad check/ACH payment for tuition, the student may be dropped from all classes for non-payment. For all other outstanding obligations, it is established college policy to pursue the collection through the debt set-off program involving a student’s state tax refund and the use of a collection agency.
Need Help?: Stop by the Financial Aid Office and meet with a Financial Aid Specialist.

VPCC's Economic Impact

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) has proudly announced the findings of its recent Economic Impact Study, demonstrating the institution’s profound influence on the regional economy, educational landscape, and social fabric.

Impact on Students

For example, the average VPCC associate degree graduate from FY 2021-22 will see annual earnings that are \$13,500 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Virginia. Over a working lifetime, the benefits of the associate degree over a high school diploma will amount to an undiscounted value of \$553.5 thousand in higher earnings per graduate. The students’ benefit-cost ratio is 7.5. In other words, for every dollar students invest in VPCC in the form of out-of-pocket expenses and forgone time and money, they will receive a cumulative value of \$7.50 in higher future earnings.

Impact on Taxpayers

VPCC generates more in tax revenue than it receives. These benefits to taxpayers consist primarily of taxes that the state and local government will collect from the added revenue created in Virginia. As VPCC students will earn more, they will make higher tax payments throughout their working lives. Students’ employers will also make higher tax payments as they increase their output and purchases of goods and services.

Benefits to taxpayers will also consist of savings generated by the improved lifestyles of VPCC students and the corresponding reduced government services. Education is statistically correlated with a variety of lifestyle changes. The education that VPCC students receive will generate savings in three main categories: 1) healthcare, 2) justice system, and 3) income assistance. Improved health will lower students’ demand for national health care services. In addition, costs related to the justice system will decrease. VPCC students will be more employable, so their reduced demand for income assistance such as welfare and unemployment benefits will benefit taxpayers. Total taxpayer benefits amount to \$68.6 million, the present value sum of the added tax revenue and public sector savings. Taxpayer costs are \$20.1 million, equal to the amount of state and local government funding VPCC received in FY 2021-22. These benefits and costs yield a benefit-cost ratio of 3.4. This means that for every dollar of public money invested in VPCC in FY 2021-22, taxpayers will receive a cumulative present value of \$3.40 over the course of the students’ working lives. For a list of study references, contact the college for a copy of the main report.

Impact on Society

Society as a whole in Virginia benefits from the presence of VPCC in two major ways. Primarily, society benefits from an increased economic base in Virginia. Benefits to society also consist of the savings generated by the improved lifestyles of VPCC students. As discussed in the previous section, education is statistically correlated with a variety of lifestyle changes that generate social savings. Note that these costs are avoided by the consumers but are distinct from the costs avoided by the taxpayers outlined above. Healthcare savings include avoided medical costs associated with smoking, alcohol dependence, obesity, drug abuse, and depression. Justice system savings include avoided costs to the government and society due to less judicial activity. Income assistance savings include reduced welfare and unemployment claims.

Altogether, the social benefits of VPCC equal a present value of \$829.1 million. These benefits include \$574.9 million in added student income, \$199.4 million in added business income, \$40.9 million in added income from college activities, as well as \$13.9 million in social savings related to health, the justice system, and income assistance in Virginia. People in Virginia invested a present value total of \$86.5 million in VPCC in FY 2021-22. The benefit-cost ratio for society is 9.6, equal to the \$829.1 million in benefits divided by the \$86.5 million in costs. In other words, for every dollar invested in VPCC, people in Virginia will receive a cumulative value of \$9.60 in benefits. The benefits of this. The education and training VPCC provides for regional residents has the greatest impact. Since the establishment of the college, students have studied at VPCC and entered the regional workforce with greater knowledge and new skills. Today, thousands of former VPCC students are employed in the VPCC Service Region. As a result of their education from VPCC, the students receive higher earnings and increase the productivity of the businesses that employ them.

VPCC as an Employer and Buyer

VPCC adds economic value to the VPCC Service Region as an employer of regional residents and a large-scale buyer of goods and services. In FY 2021-22, the college employed 529 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, 72% of whom lived in the VPCC Service Region. Total payroll at VPCC was \$20.5 million, much of which was spent in the region for groceries, mortgage and rent payments, dining out, and other household expenses. VPCC’s day-to-day operations spending added \$29.8 million in income to the region during the analysis year. This figure represents the college’s payroll, the multiplier effects generated by the in-region spending of the college and its employees, and a downward adjustment to account for funding that the college received from regional sources. Some in-region students, referred to as retained students, would have left the VPCC Service Region if not for the existence of VPCC. While attending the college, these retained students spent money on groceries, accommodation, transportation, and other household expenses.

Overall Economic Impact

VPCC added \$246.9 million in income to the VPCC Service Region economy during the analysis year, equal to the sum of the operations spending impact, the student spending impact, and the alumni impact. For context, the \$246.9 million impact was equal to approximately 0.8% of the total gross regional product (GRP) of the VPCC Service Region. VPCC’s total impact can also be expressed in terms of jobs supported. The \$246.9 million impact supported 3,150 regional jobs, using the jobs-to-sales ratios specific to each industry in the region. This means that one out of every 96 jobs in the VPCC Service Region is supported by the activities of VPCC and its students. In addition, the \$246.9 million, or 3,150 supported jobs, stemmed from different industry sectors. For instance, among non-education industry sectors, the spending of VPCC and its students and the activities of its alumni in the Government, Education industry sector supported 423 jobs in FY 2021-22.

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