@Mercsabr – the total cost (direct + indirect) is $36,062.00
just think OOS the tuition is 2 1/2x higher! You guys are getting a great deal. And VCUARTS is an awesome design school, one of the best in the country.
@OrangeFish
How do we pay the total of the COA because of it almost $36000? Do we take another loan like the parent plus loan or what do we do?
@Mercsabr – have you contacted Financial Aid to ask? I suggest starting there. They may have suggestions for resources to find outside scholarships. (It’s been our experience that the more local scholarships are probably better to apply for.)
My D19 is working a part-time job now to earn money to cover the indirect costs for college (books, travel, and personal expenses) and we as her parents are covering tuition & fees plus room & board. But everyone’s situation is different.
@OrangeFish
Thanks for replying to me.
Did you hear anything about merit scholarship?
I have heard nothing further @Mercsabr. I figure we will wait until April 1 and contact the program then (if we haven’t heard anything more).
I sent an email to the admissions office and they said you should get the scholarship letter with the acceptance letter. But I check the VCU website they said You should get it at the beginning of April.
@OrangeFish
Hello I quick different question about VCU housing.
My house is 15 minutes away from VCU. And as you know I will be Freshman next fall.
So do you think I should live on campus for Freshman year?
@Mercsabr – that is a tough question as I think there are many different opinions. Personally, I think living on campus freshman year is good as it makes it easier for a student to become part of the community. However, if living on campus would require a student to take out loans, I can understand the decision to live at home and commute, saving money. Maybe there is a way to live on campus just for the first year? I think it depends upon finances, as well as the student’s major. My D would be on campus working on projects for her major at night, so living on campus would not only be more convenient, but safer.
Good luck deciding, @Mercsabr !
I just read through this thread for the first time and wanted to give some personal experience. My son is a freshman in the AFO program now.
When looking at the breakdown of costs that was posted here, I can tell you that the cost for books is not nearly as much as VCU states. The AFO book used for all foundation courses is $5. For all of the other classes, we spent about $300 on books this entire freshman year. Most classes didn’t even use the books much, and we rented used books through Amazon, which was WAY cheaper than renting through Barnes and Noble.
We were specifically told NOT to buy a computer for freshman year, that we should hold off until sophomore year when we know our child’s major. That proved to be good advice.
Art supplies were costly. We probably spent $800 or so all year, although we already had some things at our house (glue guns, drawing pencils, etc).
As for transportation costs, we live in-state so we hardly spent anything on travel. Plus DS didn’t come home that often so that was not a factor for us.
DS worked all summer for incidental money, such as going out to eat or whatever. He still has plenty leftover and the year is almost over. Lots of free things to do in Richmond! Not sure what he spent but it was on him anyway.
So overall, our experience is that we paid tuition, major fee, room and board, meal plan, and about an extra $1500 (max) on books and art supplies.
Everyone is different, but that was our experience. Hope that helps
@OrangeFish
Hi
Did you hear anything about merit scholarship?
@Mercsabr – yes, my D19 heard about her merit scholarship. It took a while to hear from the department.
@OrangeFish
Did she get an email about it ?
@Mercsabr – no email. She received postal mail.
@OrangeFish
Did she call the department? and When she get it?
@Mercsabr – she did not call the department. She received the letter last week (April 4).
@OrangeFish
Hi
I have not received anything about the merit scholarship should I talk to the admission office?
I think it would be a good idea, @Mercsabr , and you can also consider contacting your program/college major office if they offer separate scholarships.