125% Rule for In-State Tuition

The Code of Virginia establishes eligibility rules for in-state tuition for all students enrolled at public institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Section 23.1-509 of the Code of Virginia further requires undergraduate students to maintain progress toward the degree to maintain eligibility for in-state tuition.

Students with initial entry dates of Fall 2006 and after may not exceed completed hours that total 125% of the minimum credit hours needed for a specific degree program and retain in-state tuition eligibility. Students exceeding 125% will be assessed a surcharge for each semester of continued enrollment after exceeding the credit hour threshold. For the purpose of this state law, all credits completed (UVA and transfer) are used in the calculation of the percentage.

Appealing the Surcharge

Students who have already received notification of the Virginia credit hour threshold limits and been charged the surcharge have the option to appeal it by completing and submitting a Credit Hour Threshold Appeal Form. Submit your completed form to Student Financial Services ([email protected]). After we receive your form, your school of enrollment will review the information.

Reasons to file an appeal may include:

  • Death or long-term disability of immediate family member, person providing financial support, or dependent
  • Involuntary loss of student employment resulting in withdrawal from a term
  • Illness, disability, or other medical issues effecting progress of student
  • Active or reserve service in the armed forces of the United States or other state or national military mobilization
  • Other state or national emergency
  • Service in AmeriCorps or Peace Corps

Submit any other requests for a waiver to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) if we deem it necessary for you to do so. The 125% Appeals Committee will meet at least once per semester on an as-needed basis. You'll be notified by email as to the outcome of your appeal. All decisions of the 125% Appeals Committee are final. You may request an additional review based only on new information. Any information you believe is relevant to your appeal should be attached as supporting documentation. Contact SFS with questions about the surcharge and about specific conditions for its appeal. 

See Credit Threshold and 125% Rule FAQs