Guaranteed Tuition Plan

The University of Virginia offers an optional Guaranteed Tuition Plan for Virginians. Full-time Virginia students entering college for the first time can fix their base tuition rate now, providing stability in planning for their tuition costs during their four-year undergraduate career at UVA. Complete the Guaranteed Tuition Plan Agreement and submit the completed form to Student Financial Services. Enrollment in the Plan for the 2023-2024 academic year runs through August 1, 2023. 

Financial aid recipients, please note: late enrollment in the Guaranteed Tuition Plan may delay disbursement of your financial aid prior to the start of the fall 2023 term.

If you have questions about enrolling in the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, please write to us at [email protected].


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the UVA Guaranteed Tuition Plan for Virginians?

The tuition charge under the plan is $16,956 per year and will be billed at the rate of $8,478 per regular session (fall or spring) term not to exceed 8 regular sessions. The price for each succeeding entering class is set each year. To compare the cost of the Guaranteed Tuition Plan with the standard tuition rate for entering 1st-year students, view the Cost of Attendance for the 2023-2024 academic year. If you defer your Admission, you will have the opportunity to sign up for the plan at the cost in effect for students entering in the academic year you will begin your coursework.

Is there an application fee for enrolling in the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

There is no application fee for enrolling in the Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

What does the UVA Guaranteed Tuition Plan for Virginians cover?

The Guaranteed Tuition Plan applies to base undergraduate in-state tuition. It does not apply to any fees, school-specific additional tuition amounts (including the College of Arts & Sciences 3rd-year and 4th-year (upper division) tuition rate), housing and dining, study abroad program fees, or other components of the overall cost of attendance, which may increase annually as necessary for the effect of inflation and other factors. The base rate is defined as the full-time undergraduate tuition rate charged to entering students in the College of Arts & Sciences. 

Who is eligible for the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

Only full-time Virginia students matriculating to college for the first time, beginning in fall 2023, are eligible for the 2023-2024 Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

 

What is the benefit of the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

In-state students have the option to fix the base in-state tuition rate for 8 regular session (fall and spring) terms, providing predictability for families’ financial planning.

How does the Guaranteed Tuition Plan work for students in programs with additional tuition or fees, such as the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and others?

The Guaranteed Tuition Plan is for base undergraduate in-state tuition only and does not cover school-specific additional tuition amounts or program/lab fees. You will be responsible for any tuition or fee charges over and above the base rate.

Is there a deadline for signing up for the Guaranteed Tuition Plan? 

You must submit the completed form no later than August 1, 2023, for fall 2023 admitted students.

What if I need more than 8 terms to complete my degree?

The Guaranteed Tuition Plan only applies for eight regular session (fall and spring) terms and cannot be extended. After eight terms under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, you will be charged the then-current rate of the base in-state undergraduate tuition, plus any applicable school-specific additional tuition amounts, fees, and other charges.

If I need more time to complete my degree, can I add more years to the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

No, the Guaranteed Tuition Plan only applies for eight regular session (fall and spring) terms and cannot be extended.

What happens if I opt in to the Guaranteed Tuition Plan and then move out-of-state?

Students who move out-of-state and return to attend college as non-resident students will NOT receive the in-state rate terms of Guaranteed Tuition Plan and will be charged the approved out-of-state tuition rate in effect at that time. You will not receive a refund for any amount previously paid under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan. 

Are summer sessions, special sessions or January Terms covered under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

No, the Guaranteed Tuition Plan covers only regular session (fall and spring) terms during each academic year. For summer session and J-Term tuition rates, see the 2023-2024 Cost of Attendance page.

If I graduate early, do I receive a refund for amounts previously paid under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

No, you will not receive a refund for any amounts previously paid under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan. 

What happens if I change schools within the University?

You will be responsible for paying the difference between the Guaranteed Tuition Plan and any additional tuition or fees applicable to your new program for that term and each succeeding term.

If I live out-of-state and qualify for the Choice Act, am I eligible for the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

No, the Choice Act allows eligible students to receive in-state tuition rates, but if your domicile is out-of-state, you do not qualify for the Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

 
How does the Guaranteed Tuition Plan help families who have Virginia Prepaid Education Program (VPEP) contracts?

The VPEP contract already covers the base undergraduate tuition rate for four years, so the Guaranteed Tuition Plan will not provide any additional advantage to families who already have a VPEP contract.

How does the Guaranteed Tuition Plan work if I participate in a study abroad program during my undergraduate career?

When you study abroad, you continue to make progress towards your degree. Consequently, your agreement is not put on hold while you study abroad, and those terms count towards your 8 regular session terms. You will be charged for those study abroad terms according to the costs associated with your chosen study abroad program, not at the Guaranteed Tuition Plan rates.

At UVA, study abroad students can be broadly classified into three groups:

  1. UVA Student Exchange Programs: Under these programs where you pay tuition to the University of Virginia, you will be charged the Guaranteed Tuition Plan rate, and the terms you study abroad will count towards your 8 regular session terms.
  2. Non-UVA Study Abroad Programs: Under these programs where you pay tuition directly to the program (not to the University of Virginia), you will be charged according to your study abroad program, and the terms you study abroad will count towards your 8 regular session terms.
  3. UVA Study Abroad Programs: Under these programs, where you pay UVA’s Study Abroad tuition per credit hour rate, the terms you study abroad will count towards your 8 regular session terms, even though your charges will likely not be the same as under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

For more information about study abroad visit the Study Abroad website or call (434) 982-3010.

What if I withdraw or take a leave of absence from UVA?

The Guaranteed Tuition Plan is in effect for no more than 8 regular session (fall and spring) terms, including terms for which you may take a withdrawal. If you do not return to the University, you will not receive a refund for any amounts previously paid under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan. If you believe that your reason for withdrawing or taking leave from the University justifies a one-time extension of your Guaranteed Tuition Plan, contact Student Financial Services for guidance. 

How does active military service affect the plan?

If you go into active military service, your contract will be on hold until your return. The Guaranteed Tuition Plan will be in effect for no more than 8 regular session (fall and spring) terms. If you do not return to the University, you will not receive a refund for any amounts previously paid under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan. 

What if I am suspended by my school?

The Guaranteed Tuition Plan will be in effect for no more than 8 regular session (fall and spring) terms, including terms where you may be on school suspension. If you do not return to the University, you will not receive a refund for any amounts previously paid under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan. If you believe that the reason for your suspension justifies a one-time extension of your Guaranteed Tuition Plan, contact Student Financial Services for guidance.

What happens if I transfer from UVA?  Am I obligated to pay the full 8 terms worth of tuition?

No, if you permanently withdraw from the University, your agreement will be terminated.

Can I cancel my enrollment into the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?

When you choose the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, you are signing an agreement with the University. You will not be able to switch from the Guaranteed Tuition Plan to the normal tuition rate once you commit to the Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

Can I use the monthly payment plan to pay the Guaranteed Tuition Plan? 

Absolutely! The semester payment plan is a great way to spread out your payments for tuition, fees, housing and dining over a 5-month period each semester.

What if I have additional questions?

If you have questions about the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, please write to us at [email protected] or call us at (434) 982-6000. We are open Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm.