Should I apply for loans before or after getting the bill?

You should apply for Parent PLUS and private loans before the bill is issued, if possible. Use the estimated cost of attendance as a guide. Once your bill arrives, you can request to reduce your loan if needed.

When can I apply for a Parent PLUS Loan?

You can apply here starting June 16, 2025. If approved, separate Master Promissory Note is required. These loans are automatically sent to the University Scholarships and Financial Aid Office.

Need a private loan? Use ELM Select

ELM Select is a tool that helps students and parents compare and choose private loan lenders. Access it here: ELM Select for Virginia Tech.

Do I need to complete anything beyond accepting federal loans?

Yes. To receive federal loans, students must:

• Complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.
• As well as any other missing or needed requirements on their financial aid portal. 

Where can I find an estimate of yearly costs?

Annual cost estimates are available at finaid.vt.edu/undergraduate/coa.html. Keep in mind that Virginia Tech bills per semester and these are estimates for the entire year.

Scholarships

Have scholarships for 2025–26 already been awarded?

Yes, university-administered scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year have already been awarded. If additional funding becomes available, eligible students will be automatically considered. There is no need to contact our office to request additional funding.

Can students apply for scholarships for future years?

Yes. Scholarship Central opens in August each year, with a deadline of January 22 for the upcoming academic year. All students, including international and continuing students, are encouraged to apply annually.

Work Study & Employment

Can students do both Federal Work Study and a job in the dining hall?

Yes, students may do both. However, balancing multiple jobs can be challenging, especially during the first year of college.

Do you have to apply for Work Study like a regular job?

Yes. If awarded Federal Work Study, students still need to apply for a position through Handshake (Virginia Tech’s job portal).

When will Handshake have Fall 2025 job postings?

Departments are encouraged to post jobs by July 1, but some listings may appear earlier. Students can view and apply to jobs anytime through Handshake.

Is accepting a work-study offer binding?

No, it's not binding. Students are only paid if they are hired and actually work, like a regular job. If no job is secured, the offer may be removed. Note: Students should pay attention to their VT emails for dates regarding securing positions to avoid cancellation. 

When will the Fall 2025 bill be available?

Billing notifications are sent to students and authorized payers around mid-July. Make sure to add authorized payers in Hokie SPA so they can receive these notices.

When will Fall 2025 tuition be due?

Fall 2025 tuition will be due on August 11, 2025. 

What payment options are available?

Virginia Tech offers several payment methods, including full payment and monthly installment plans. Information on the budget tuition plan is available at VT Wallet.

Is there a fee to pay with a credit card?

Yes, there is a 2.75% service fee for credit card transactions.

Is housing included on the student bill?

Yes, if the student is living on-campus. On-campus housing charges appear directly on your billing statement and are paid through the Hokie Wallet. Visit housing.vt.edu for more information.

Will dining plans be on the bill?

Yes, if the student is living on-campus. If you are not living on-campus but elect to purchase a dining plan, it will be on your billing statement as well. 

What is the difference between billable and non-billable expenses?

Billable expenses are paid directly to Virginia Tech and include tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and on-campus dining.

Non-billable expenses include books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses—costs you must budget for, but not pay directly to the university.

Refunds 

What happens if scholarships and aid exceed the bill?

If financial aid exceeds your billable charges, the remaining balance will be refunded to the student. These funds can be used for books, personal expenses, or other educational needs. Visit the Bursar’s refund page for details. Note: Students are encouraged to set up direct deposit for quick refund processing. 

529 Plans

Can 529 plans pay for non-billable expenses?

529 plans can be used for qualified education expenses, including housing and dining (if billed by the university). For non-billable items like books, consult your 529 plan provider or refer to the IRS guidance. For more information about 529 plans, visit our 529 plan webpage here. 

Where do students set up FERPA access for parents?

Students can create a FERPA passcode and manage access permissions through Hokie SPA. For more information about FERPA, visit our webpage. 

Veterans

Who do I contact for Veterans Services?

Veterans and their dependents should visit veterans.vt.edu for assistance and questions regarding the processing all documentation related to veteran and military student educational benefits.  The Office of Veterans Services also collaborates with university and community partners to ensure that veterans and military dependents are connected to the financial, academic, and social resources necessary for a successful transition to and through their course of study at Virginia Tech.