Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

BA in Philosophy in Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees across a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and human sciences. Our academic programs assist students in developing both the intellectual depth of a liberal arts education as well as the practical skills valued in today's workforce. We emphasize creative thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application. 


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for Details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Major in philosophy at Virginia Tech to engage with the world of ideas and learn effective reasoning. Work with award-winning faculty to gain hands-on experience through special projects, study abroad, and internships. The major offers a degree track in premedical professions for students interested in pursuing careers in health or medicine. The philosophy major positions you for graduate and professional school as well as a variety of careers in business, education, government, journalism, law, medicine, and public policy.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Create a schedule for all required courses and pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech.
Doing More With Your Degree https://liberalarts.vt.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/philosophy-major.html#hands-on
Program Successes & Highlights https://liberalarts.vt.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/philosophy-major.html#why
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of a transferrable associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.

You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Credit for Prior Learning Prior learning score requirements: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
1176
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
52.3% of transfer applicants were offered admission with a 3.52 average GPA
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts - Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityPhilosophy, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Rappahannock Community CollegeAssociate in Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhilosophy with concentration in Ethics and Philosophy of AI, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate in Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science in General Studies DegreeAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in PhilosophyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Major in PhilosophyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Major in Philosophy, Concentration in Pre-Seminary StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Major in Philosophy, Concentration in Studies in ReligionBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in PhilosophyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in PhilosophyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in PhilosophyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Philosophy-Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in PhilosophyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryPhilosophy - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityPhilosophy-BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhilosophy, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhilosophy with concentration in Ethics and Public Policy, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhilosophy with concentration in Philosophy and Law, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhilosophy with concentration in Phlisophy and Science, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityNursing Pre Licensure (BSN)BachelorBachelor of Science Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePhilosophy (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts 2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate in Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Visual Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Art in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Art in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts-Visual Communication Design MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Fine ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearHybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - MusicAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearHybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Appalachian StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearOnline
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Art Degree in Liberal Arts Major in ArtAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts - Major in TheatreAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Major in MusicAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityConflict Analysis and Resolution, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearHybrid
George Mason UniversityConflict Analysis and Resolution, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearHybrid
George Mason UniversityArt History, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityAnthropology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityCommunication, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityEconomics, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
George Mason UniversityEnglish, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityEnvironmental and Sustainability Studies, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityForeign Languages, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityGlobal Affairs, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
George Mason UniversityHuman Development and Family Science, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearHybrid, Online
George Mason UniversityHistory, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityIntegrative Studies, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityPsychology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
George Mason UniversityReligious Studies, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityRussian and Eurasian Studies, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversitySociology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
George Mason UniversityCreative Writing, BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityGovernment and International Politics, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityInternational Security and Law, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearHybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Radford UniversityBA in Anthropological SciencesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in Anthropological SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in Communication BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in CommunicationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBBA in EconomicsBachelorBachelor of Business Administration4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in EconomicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in Foreign LanguagesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in Foreign LanguagesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in HistoryBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in HistoryBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in Media StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in Media StudiesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBM in MusicBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in MusicBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in Philosophy and Religious StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in Philosophy and Religious StudiesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in SociologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in SociologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: Art History Major, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: Communication Studies Major, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: English Major, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: International Studies Major, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: Deaf Major, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts Theatre MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Communication MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1126.00Philosophy and Religion Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $6,770 Per Semester $54,160 $0 $54,160 Per semester tuition full-time undergraduate 12 or more hours
Fees
Student Room Fee $3,319 Per Semester $26,552 0 $26,552 Per semester multiple occupancy, non-airconditioned room
Meal Plan $3,368 Per Semester $26,944 0 $26,944 Per semester premium flex plan
Residential Telecommunications Fee $197 Per Semester $1,576 0 $1,576 Per semester
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Living Learning Program Fee: $50 per semester
    • Student Resident Parking Fee: $570 per academic year
    • Student Commuter Parking Fee: $405 per academic year
    • Admission Application Fee: $60 but waiver may be available
    • Enrollment Deposit Fee: $400 but reduction or waiver may be available
    • Student Activity Fee: $260 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Health Service Fee: $335 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Athletic Fee: $366 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Recreational Sports Fee: $206.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Student Services Fee: $267.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
  • Special Purpose Fees
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Fee for Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and all Biochemistry Majors: $375 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Architecture and Design Supplemental Fee for Students in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture: $750 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Engineering Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate Students in the College of Engineering: $1000 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Pamplin College of Business Supplemental Fee: $1275 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Immigration Services Fee: $275 per semester degree seeking students with F1 or J1 visa status
    • Corps of Cadets Fee: $240 per semester
    • Laboratory Fee: varies by lab course
    • Study Abroad Faculty-Lead Program Fee: $20
  • Miscellaneous
    • Late Payment Fee: 10% of the past due balance not to exceed $125 per term
    • Returned payment fee: $50
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.