Tuition & Aid

• Tuition and fees for the 2026-27 school year (one year of the two-year program):
  • In-State: $27,149
  • Out-of-State: $27,839
• Tuition and fees are subject to change. We’ll update tuition and fees for the upcoming year when it’s available. Visit VCU Student Financial Services for tuition and fee details.
• Parking, room and board, and meal plans are not included in tuition.

Most Brandcenter students live off campus, though a limited number of on-campus housing options are available. If you have questions about living off campus, visit VCU Off-Campus Housing.

• Our students walk, bike, drive, take the bus—free for students—or carpool to campus.
• There are three university parking lots near our building, and parking passes can be purchased for any of these lots through the VCU Parking & Transportation office.

• Scholarships are awarded annually to eligible Brandcenter students in the full-time master’s program.
• Scholarships typically range between $500 and $5,000.
• After submitting your application for admission, you’ll receive a link to apply for scholarships within your Brandcenter portal. Your admissions and scholarship application must be completed by the March 17 deadline.
• Students who wish to be considered for need-based scholarships must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid if they are eligible to do so. View the FAFSA eligibility criteria.
• Visit Brandcenter Tuition & Aid and VCU Student Financial Services for more information and resources.

• If you are eligible to receive federal loans or are applying for scholarships to help fund your Brandcenter education, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• The VCU school code for the FAFSA is 003735.
• Brandcenter applicants should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible, even if your admission status is undetermined.
• Visit VCU Student Financial Services for more information and resources.

Visit VCU Graduate School Funding for more information and resources for funding your education.

• VCU National Scholarship Office – Graduate Students – Supports all VCU students in applying for prestigious national and international scholarships. Phone: (804) 828-6868 / Email: [email protected] 

• VCU Business Professional Development Fund – Funding for business student opportunities and experiences. Applications are due 4 weeks prior to the day funds are needed. Phone: (804) 828-3710 / Email: [email protected]

• Travel Grants – The Graduate School will provide financial support of up to $500 for eligible graduate students to cover conference costs, travel, lodging, etc.—any expenses incurred for participation as a presenter.

• VCU Student Emergency Fund – Financial assistance for unexpected emergency expenses. Funds are typically limited to $500.00. Email: [email protected]

• Eligible students can apply for both graduate assistantships and other part-time job opportunities at the university via the Handshake career resource tool, once they’ve registered for classes.
• August/September is the best time to look for graduate assistantship positions. 
• Departments sometimes request to work with Brandcenter students, and our team will email those Brandcenter-specific opportunities to incoming students.

We share external scholarship or freelance work opportunities with current students as soon as the information is available.

VCU Career Services can help connect current students with internships, jobs, and more. They are a great supplemental resource in addition to the opportunities that the Brandcenter shares.

Phone: (804) 828-1645

Email: [email protected]

• Part-time and seasonal jobs information
• VCU Handshake – The tool that connects students and alumni directly with employers and opportunities, along with career advisors and career-related events and workshops. 
• Graduate Assistantships – Search on Handshake using keywords like “on-campus jobs” or “graduate assistant”
• Micro-Internships through Parker Dewey – this platform connects VCU students to paid, project-based micro-internships.

VCU Student Financial Services is dedicated to supporting students through the many financial stages of the VCU experience. From understanding and applying for financial aid to planning a budget while in school and beyond, their staff and financial counselors can help.

Phone: (804) 828-1550 (available 24/7) / Email: [email protected]

Virtual Zoom drop-ins are available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Office of Financial Aid 
• Billing and Payments
• Financial Counseling
• VCU Installment Payment Plans (IPP) – Installment Payment Plans for tuition

The VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union (FSC by VACU) helps VCU students build the knowledge, skills and confidence to take control of their finances.

Financial success coaches are available to answer your questions and offer guidance tailored to your unique financial situation. Free, confidential one-on-one appointments are available to all VCU students.

These personalized sessions can cover a range of topics, including cash flow planning, savings goals, improving your credit score, managing debt and more.

• Junior (Junior Art Director, Junior Designer, Junior Graphic Designer)  – $67,300. 
• Mid (Art Director, Designer, Associate Creative Director) – $87,250
• Senior (Senior Creative, Senior Art Director, Creative Director, Group Creative Director) – $147,700
• Director (Executive Creative Director, VP of Creative) – $ 211,600
• Executive (Chief Creative Officer)

• Junior (Junior Copywriter, Junior Designer, Junior Graphic Designer) – $67,000
• Mid (Copywriter, Associate Creative Director) – $85,800
• Senior (Senior Creative, Senior Copywriter, Creative Director, Group Creative Director) – $129,400
• Director (Executive Creative Director, VP of Creative) – $207,000
• Executive (Chief Creative Officer) – $355,350

• Junior  (Junior Account Manager, Account Executive, Account Manager, Project Coordinator) – $60,500
• Mid (Account Manager, Account Executive, Marketing Manager) – $96,450
• Senior (Senior Account Manager, Account Supervisor) – $168,600
• Director (Group Account Director, Brand Director, Head of Marketing) – $210,500
• Executive (CEO, Director of Marketing and Communications) – $260,100

• Junior (Junior Strategist, Account Planner) – $65,000
• Mid ( Strategist) – $90,800
• Senior (Senior Strategist) – $126,200
• Director (Strategy Director, Group Strategy Director, Strategic Advertising Director) – $210, 000
• Executive (Chief Strategy Officer) – $236,450