UVI Clarifies Spring 2027 Tuition Rates and Expands Financial Support for Students

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is clarifying tuition rates for each student group for the Spring 2027 semester. UVI is reminding students and their families that the undergraduate and graduate per-credit rates currently in effect will remain unchanged for Spring 2027. Undergraduate per-credit rates are $275 for in-territory students, $481.25 for Caribbean students, and $828.13 for out-of-territory students. Graduate per-credit rates are $500 per credit for in-territory students, $875 per credit for Caribbean students, and $952.47 per credit for out-of-territory students. The current Fall 2026 full-time, on-the-ground tuition rates will remain in effect through the end of this semester.     

Beginning in Spring 2027, full-time undergraduate tuition for students enrolled in on-the-ground, on-campus courses taking up to 17 credits will increase from $2,650 to $4,125 for in-territory students; from $4,638 to $7,218.75 for Caribbean students; and from $7,950 to $12,421.95 for out-of-territory students. However, the published tuition rate does not necessarily represent the amount an individual student will pay out of pocket. A student's actual financial responsibility will depend on factors including residency classification, enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance.   

What’s Changing for Spring 2027? 
Per-credit tuition rates: No additional increase for Spring 2027. 
Full-time, on-the-ground undergraduate tuition: Increasing beginning Spring 2027 for students enrolled under 17 credits. 

Undergraduate Tuition Rates 

*Rates are the same rates approved in June 2025(*), clarified in October 2025(**), and restated in June 2026.   

Spring 2027 tuition rates reflect rising operational and instructional costs that will help the University continue providing a high-quality, student-centered education while maintaining the critical services and academic resources that support student success.  

“We understand that any increase in the cost of a college education can create real concerns for our students and their families,” UVI President Dr. Safiya George said. “We recognize that the June 2026 Board action clarifying the full-time, on-the-ground tuition rates for Spring 2027 should have been communicated sooner, and we apologize for the delay. Since June, the University has been intensely focused on efforts to retain its accreditation status, complete required audits, and keep students informed of this progress through weekly updates. At the same time, we are ensuring that students and families have clear information on the tuition rates and access to financial aid, scholarships, and other resources in preparation for the Spring semester.”   

UVI is committed to providing additional institutional and local scholarships to students who complete the University’s scholarship application by November 1, 2026. The University is also encouraging eligible U.S. students to complete the FAFSA for the 2026–2027 academic year by the November 1, 2026, FAFSA priority deadline. FAFSA workshops will be offered to assist students with completing the application. Dates and details will be shared soon through University communication channels. 

To strengthen these efforts, UVI's scholarship committee is convening to identify available resources and to help ensure that scholarship opportunities reach students who need them. 

“We recognize that the tuition increase will affect students differently, and we want to be proactive in helping them identify resources that can ease the financial burden,” said Dr. Pamela Moolenaar Wirsiy, vice president for Student Success and Innovation. “The scholarship committee will bring together representatives from across the University to identify available scholarship resources, coordinate our efforts and help connect students with opportunities that can support their continued enrollment and success.” 

The University is also working to more closely align available scholarship funding with individual students based on financial need, eligibility requirements and other applicable criteria. 

“Our goal is to make the best possible use of the scholarship resources available to UVI and ensure that students are aware of opportunities for which they may qualify,” said Ivo Philbert, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “By looking carefully at students’ needs and eligibility and matching them with appropriate scholarship opportunities, we can help more students access the financial support available to them and continue their education at UVI.”  

"As a firm believer in development and growth, I stand with both my fellow students and the University," said Shandley Raphael, president of the UVI Student Government Association on the Orville E. Kean Campus. "I understand the concerns of students and how an increase of this size can affect them financially, but sometimes necessary changes have to be made to sustain an institution like ours. SGA remains committed to voicing the concerns of my fellow Buccaneers and working with President George and her staff on ways to help students continue their education. I encourage students to complete the FAFSA, apply for scholarships and visit their Financial Aid Office early to understand their options." 

"As we prepare for Spring 2027, SGA understands the concerns surrounding the upcoming tuition increase," said R'daejah Milligan, president of the UVI Student Government Association on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. "We encourage students to stay informed and take advantage of institutional scholarships, financial aid workshops, payment resources, and other opportunities available to help make the transition more manageable. Your education matters, and SGA will continue advocating for you every step of the way." 

Students are encouraged to review information provided via email and on the UVI website regarding financial aid, available scholarships, and on-campus employment opportunities. They should also confirm their anticipated Spring 2027 enrollment and residency classification and review their student accounts once Spring 2027 charges are posted. 

“Each student's circumstances are different, and we strongly encourage students to talk with our Financial Aid and Access and Enrollment Services teams early so they can understand their options and make informed decisions before the Spring semester begins,” George said. 

The UVI Board of Trustees approved changes to certain tuition rates and fees on June 27, 2025. UVI communicated those adjustments through an August 1, 2025, news release, which was emailed to all students that afternoon and shared through the University’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. The announcement addressed changes affecting UVI Online, part-time, overload, and virtual courses but did not include changes to full-time, on-the-ground tuition rates. 

On October 18, 2025, the Board’s Executive Committee approved an action clarifying certain tuition calculations. UVI subsequently notified out-of-territory students by email of new per-credit undergraduate and graduate rates for Spring 2026. On June 27, 2026, the Board approved a clarification of the full-time, on-the-ground tuition rates, with the clarified rates taking effect beginning with the Spring 2027 semester. The University’s June 29, 2026, news release reported that Board action. 

This week, President George met with leaders of both Student Government Associations. She also met with the broader student community during an information session on September 29, 2026, to discuss Spring 2027 tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and upcoming FAFSA and scholarship application deadlines.  

Students taking online courses, a combination of online and on-the-ground courses, or more than 17 credits should consult the University's Spring 2027 tuition and fee schedule or contact Access and Enrollment Services to determine the rates applicable to their enrollment. 

Students with questions about financial aid or completing the FAFSA should contact the UVI Financial Aid Office. Questions regarding tuition charges, account balances, and payment arrangements should be directed to Access and Enrollment Services. Additional information, including FAFSA workshop dates, Spring 2027 deadlines, and contact information, will be shared through UVI's official student communications and website. 

For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.