Financial Aid & Assistance

The financial information below relates to aid and assistance in paying for your course of studies. 

  • Financial Aid

    Financial Aid

    General Information

    In addition to SPCS scholarships, there are other sources of financial assistance available to students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Generally, a student must be enrolled or unconditionally accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis (six credits per term) in an eligible degree or academic certificate program in order to be eligible for consideration for financial aid. In addition, the student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (or other eligible non-citizen) and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (see below) toward his/her degree or academic certificate.

    For detailed information about the various financial aid programs, visit financialaid.richmond.edu/spcs or contact the Office of Financial Aid at (804) 289-8438.

    Federal Grants and Loans

    Federal financial assistance is available in the form of Federal Grants and Federal Direct Loans. Federal Pell Grants are provided to low-income undergraduate students who have not already earned a degree but who are working toward a degree. Federal Pell Grant recipients must be enrolled for at least three credits per term. The Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. Federal TEACH grants are also available to students who complete or who plan to complete coursework needed for a career in teaching, and who agree to serve for at least four years as a full-time, highly-qualified teacher in a high-need field in a school serving low-income students. The four years of service must be completed within eight years of graduation. Failure to comply with the requirements of the program result in the TEACH grant being converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accruing from the date the grant was disbursed, that must be repaid in full. Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program are not eligible for the TEACH Grant.

    Federal Direct Loans are loans for students who are enrolled in an eligible degree or academic certificate program for at least six credits per term. Annual loan limits vary from $5,500 to $20,500 depending on grade level and dependency status. Subsidized Direct Loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need; the federal government pays the accrued interest on these loans while the student is enrolled at least half time (six credit hours). Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students regardless of demonstrated need; students are responsible for accrued interest on these loans. The Direct Grad PLUS Loan, a credit-based loan, is available to graduate students.

    To apply for Federal Grants and Federal Direct Loans, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Please note that if you will need financial assistance in order to pay for your tuition charges, then the required applications must be completed at least six weeks prior to the start of the enrollment period. Applications will only be reviewed for those students who are registered for classes. Students will receive an email notification from the Office of Financial Aid when financial aid is available to be viewed on BannerWeb. Students who wish to borrow Federal Direct Loans are then able to accept or decline all or a portion of the loan(s) via BannerWeb. Financial aid is generally disbursed to the student's account at the beginning of each term. If financial aid exceeds billable charges, then the student has a credit balance and is due a refund. Refunds will not be issued until at least two weeks after the first day of class for each term. Title IV aid recipients may receive a partial refund by the first day of class.

    Private Loan Programs

    These are educational loans from private lenders. The maximum annual loan is the Cost of Attendance, as established by the Office of Financial Aid, minus any financial aid that the student may receive. Richmond will only process a private loan for students enrolled at least half-time (six credits).

    These are credit-based loans and a poor credit history will prevent borrowing under these  programs. Interest on these loans begins to accrue on the date of disbursement, and interest and principal payments begin after graduation, withdrawal from school, or enrollment at less than a half-time course load (6 credits/term). There are many different private loan products on the market. You may use any lender of your choice for private loans.

    Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant

    The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is available to full-time undergraduate students who are residents of Virginia and who are enrolled in a degree program. The VTAG application may be obtained online from the Office of Financial Aid website. Deadline for applications is July 31 for the following academic year.

    Satisfactory Academic Progress

    The Office of Financial Aid provides guidance on Satisfactory Academic Progress for the undergraduate and graduate students on the SPCS section of its website. 

    Return of Financial Aid When a Student Withdraws

    Students who plan to withdraw from the University of Richmond must submit an official withdrawal letter to the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. The School will notify the appropriate offices of the student's withdrawal from the University of Richmond including the actual withdrawal date.

    A student who withdraws or is suspended during a semester may be entitled to a refund of certain charges as outlined in the Refund Policy. Withdrawal may also affect a student’s financial aid eligibility for the semester as outlined in the federal Return of Title IV Program Funds Policy and the Return of Non-Title IV Program Funds Policy.

    Students who are receiving financial aid and who are planning to withdraw from the University during a semester are strongly encouraged to meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to review the impact that their withdrawal will have on their institutional charges and on other financial aid in future terms.

    Students administratively withdrawn for non-payment are responsible for tuition and fee charges according to the University Refund Policy.

    Return of Title IV Program Funds Policy

    The 1998 amendments to the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 and subsequent regulations issued by the Department of Education (43CFR 668.22) establish a policy for the return of Title IV grant and loan funds for a student who withdraws. Title IV grant and loan funds include the following programs: Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grant, the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and the Federal TEACH Grant.

    The amount of Title IV funds the student earns, up to the withdrawal date, is based on a daily proration determined by dividing the total number of calendar days completed by the total number of calendar days in the semester (excluding breaks of five or more consecutive days). This calculation must only be done up through the 60 percent point in time for the semester. After the 60 percent point in time, the student is considered to have earned all of the Title IV funds awarded for the semester.

    Unearned Title IV funds must be returned to the Title IV programs. If the amount earned is greater than the amount that has been disbursed, the difference is treated as a late disbursement to the student. Unearned funds, up to the amount of total institutional charges (tuition, room and board) multiplied by the unearned percentage of funds, are returned to the Title IV programs by the University of Richmond. The student must return any portion of unearned funds not returned by the school. Only 50 percent of unearned grant funds must be returned. Title IV loan funds that must be returned by the student are repaid per the loan terms.

    Unearned Title IV funds are returned to the Title IV programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, Subsidized Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants for which a return of funds is required, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants for which a return of funds is required, Federal TEACH Grants for which a return of funds is required, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for which a return of funds is required, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants for which a return of funds is required, and Federal TEACH Grants for which a return of funds is required.

    Return of Non-Title IV Program Funds Policy

    Non-Title IV financial aid will be adjusted for a withdrawing student based upon the University's Refund Policy. Adjustments will be made through the sixth week of classes. The amount to be returned to the non-Title IV financial aid program is the same percentage that will be refunded to the student for tuition and room charges. After the sixth week, the student is considered to have earned all of the non-Title IV aid.

    Non-Title IV financial aid will be adjusted for a withdrawing student based upon the University's Refund Policy. Adjustments will be made through the sixth week of classes. The amount to be returned to the non-Title IV financial aid program is the same percentage that will be refunded to the student for tuition and room charges. After the sixth week, the student is considered to have earned all of the non-Title IV aid.

    Non-Title IV financial aid funds are returned in the following order: institutional grants/scholarships, non-federal loans, agency scholarships, company tuition payments.

    Students who are receiving financial aid and who are planning to withdraw from the University during a semester are strongly encouraged to meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to review the impact that their withdrawal will have on their institutional charges and on their financial aid for the semester.

  • SPCS Scholarships

    Scholarships

    Scholarship funds are available for undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) who have been accepted into a planned program of study at SPCS. The deadline for fall scholarship applications is June 1; for spring scholarship applications, the deadline is November 1.

    Applications for scholarships are available on the SPCS website.

    Diana D. and W. Joseph Winston Scholarship for Teacher Licensure Program
    Established in 2007 by Diana and Joe Winston, C’71, designated for students in the Teacher Licensure Program.

    Edward and Aiden Agnew-Cooney Scholarship
    Established in 2007 by Valerie J. Agnew, C’96, G’05, designated to be awarded to qualified students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Eugene B. Sydnor Scholarship
    Established in 1915 by Eugene B. Sydnor, former president of Richmond Dry Goods Company, Inc. and vice president of Virginia Mechanics Institute in Richmond, as a scholarship for the Evening School.

    Harvey & McNeil Families Scholarship
    Established in 2018 by Connie Harvey, C’05, and James McNeil, designated for students in the Teacher Licensure Program who are student teaching.

    J. May Reid Scholarship in Retail
    Established in 1999 by Children's Wear Digest, Inc. in appreciation of Mrs. Reid's 20 years of dedicated service to the company, to be awarded to a student in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    James L. Narduzzi Scholarship
    Established in 2005 by students, alumni, faculty and friends in recognition of Dr. Narduzzi's 10th anniversary as dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, as a scholarship for the Evening School.

    Jean H. Proffitt Scholarship
    Established in 1996 by alumni, students, and friends in honor of Jean H. Proffitt, UC '83, who was an inspiration to and advocate for many thousands of Evening School students, upon her retirement after 38 years of service. This scholarship has no minimum hour requirement and is available to all degree-seeking students.

    Larus and Brother Company Scholarship
    Established in 1945 by Larus and Brother Company, a Richmond-based cigarette manufacturer that ceased operations in 1974, as a scholarship for the Evening School of Business.

    Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation Scholarship
    Established in 1945 by Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation, a leading title insurance company in Richmond, as a scholarship for the Evening School of Business.

    Lucy S. Gibb Scholarship
    Established in 2007 by Andrew Gibb, C’83, to support qualified students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Martha Edmonds Scholarship
    Established in 2018 by Mary Ramsey Evans, C’02, G’06, and Charles Evans, awarded to qualified students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Martin L. Shotzberger Scholarship
    Established in 1968 by alumni and friends in recognition of Dr. Shotzberger's years as the first dean of University College, now the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, as he left to become president of Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. Dr. Shotzberger, who held B.S. and M.S. degrees in Business Administration from the University of Richmond, as well as an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, passed away in 2004.

    Michael Dobbs Scholarship
    Established in 2013 by Dr. Mary Dobbs, SPCS Adjunct Faculty Emerita, supporting students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
    Endowed by the Bernard Osher Foundation 2008, designated to students enrolled in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies who meet specified criteria.

    Patricia J. Brown Scholarship
    Established in 2018 by Marshall Ervine, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute member, designated for qualified students in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies.

    Reynolds Metals Company Scholarship
    Established in 1945 by Reynolds Metals Company, a Richmond-based manufacturer of aluminum products, as a scholarship for the Evening School.

    Richmond Dry Goods/Children's Wear Digest Scholarship
    Established in 1919, 1944 and 1945 by the Richmond Dry Goods Company as three separate scholarships and combined in 1995 into one, as a scholarship for students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Sally Fairbanks Scholarship in Paralegal Studies
    Established in 2006 by members and friends of the Fairbanks family, designated to students enrolled in the Evening School paralegal studies program.

    Sarah O. Gunn Scholarship
    Established in 2004 to support undergraduate students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies who display good citizenship and act in a manner that enhances the University's program.

    School of Continuing Studies 40th Anniversary Scholarship
    Established in 2002 in recognition of the School of Continuing Studies' 40th anniversary.

    Short Pump Ruritan/Civic Foundation Scholarship
    Established in 2014, jointly by the Short Pump Ruritan Club and the Short Pump Civic Association, to benefit students enrolled in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies who are residents of the Short Pump/Glen Allen, Virginia, area.

    SPCS Alumni Association-SPCS Student Government Association Scholarship
    Established in 2007 to undergraduate or graduate students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies Evening School who display good citizenship and act in a manner that enhances the University's program. The scholarship may be renewed as long as the student remains enrolled in the SPCS Evening School during his or her undergraduate or graduate years and maintains satisfactory academic progress.

    SPCS-TLP Scholarship
    Designated for students in the Teacher Licensure Preparation (TLP) program.

    Standard Oil Company of New Jersey Scholarship
    Established in 1945 by the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, now Exxon Corporation, as a scholarship for the Evening School.

    Strickler Scholarship
    Established in 2018 by Scott Strickler, C’87, awarded to qualified students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Thomas and Doris Pearson Endowed Scholarship
    Established in 2002 by Thomas W. Pearson, UC '63, to support undergraduate students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies who display good citizenship and act in a manner that enhances the University's program.

    Virginia, Patricia and Deborah Pearson Endowed Scholarship
    Established in 2004 by Thomas W. Pearson to support undergraduate students in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies who display good citizenship and act in a manner that enhances the University's program.

  • Other Assistance

    Other Financial Assistance

    Employer Tuition Assistance

    Recognizing the value of college training in the evening, many organizations in Richmond and the surrounding area pay tuition, in whole or in part, for their employees. Students should inquire about possible educational benefits offered by their employers.

    Veterans Affairs

    Students eligible to receive tuition benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must apply for benefits through the VA. Once the VA application process is complete with the VA, the following paperwork will need to be submitted to the University of Richmond’s VA Certifying Official via mail, fax, e-mail attachment, or in person:

    • Certificate of Eligibility - After you have applied for and been approved for benefits, you will be issued a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
    • Veterans Educational Benefit Agreement Form – Available online or in person at the Registrar’s Office.

    In addition to the tuition benefits offered under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® program, the University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. For details regarding eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon program at Richmond, visit the Post 9/11 GI Bill: Yellow Ribbon Program page. For further information regarding VA Benefits at the University of Richmond, please visit our VA Programs - Education Benefits page.

    The Department of Veteran Affairs requires both the University and the student to notify the Department of Veteran Affairs promptly if there is a change in course load.

    Students are expected to progress satisfactorily toward their approved educational objective. Instances of poor academic performance, courses taken which do not count toward an approved program, repeated courses and/or excessive absences or withdrawals must be reported. Such instances may result in a reduction or loss of benefits. For further information, contact the VA certifying official in the Office of the University Registrar, (804) 289-8408. For additional information regarding the application process and eligibility, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or (888) 442-4551 or online.

    The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. The SAA investigates complaints of GI Bill® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill.

    Alumni Discount Policy

    University of Richmond alumni who have earned an academic certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, post-bachelor’s certificate, graduate certificate, master’s degree or juris doctorate are eligible for an alumni discount.

    Spider Spirit Alumni Discount

    The Spider Spirit alumni discount offers University of Richmond alumni a 25% savings on tuition over the lifetime of a degree program when a member of the alumni enrolls in a degree or certificate program through the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. This 25% tuition discount is also applicable to individual courses taken for credit as a non-degree seeking student in SPCS.

    • The discount is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward application fees, books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.
    • The discount may not be combined with other tuition discounts or reductions.
    • The discount is not applicable to earning a second bachelor’s degree or Summer School courses offered through the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business or Leadership Studies.
    • If a graduate earned a graduate certificate from UR, the discount cannot be used to complete a master’s degree in the same discipline or field of study.

    Alumni wishing to utilize this discount should review the Spider Spirit Alumni Discount page.

    Think Again Programs

    25% discount on one course per semester as listed in the Think Again noncredit catalog, with the exception of certificate programs, travel programs, conferences, membership fees, and certain classes involving partnerships and application fees. Eligible programs include the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Institute on Philanthropy, and Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Design.

    Alumni wishing to utilize this discount must be registered by SPCS staff and should contact the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (804) 287-6676 for further instructions.