Recent Alumni Master's Opportunity
The RAM Opportunity Initiative is designed to help recent VCU baccalaureate graduates and VCU employees further their education and advance their careers by pursuing a master's degree at VCU. Whether you are looking to build on your recent undergraduate degree or grow professionally as a university team member, consider enrolling in one of our master's programs to take the next step in your career!
Key Benefits
- $75 Application Fee Waiver: Granted to all eligible applicants upon request prior to application submission.
- Direct route to master’s-level programs for recent alumni and eligible VCU staff.
Eligibility
- Recent Alumni: VCU baccalaureate graduates who earned their degree within the last 3 years.
- VCU Employees: Current eligible faculty and staff (compatible with the VCU Employee Tuition Waiver benefit).
Next steps
Applicants applying for this opportunity must follow all steps to ensure their application is processed under this initiative:
- Review Requirements: Check admission guidelines for your intended master's program.
- Request Fee Waiver: Prior to submitting the application, email ramopp@vcu.edu with your name, degree/employment status, program of interest, and target entry term to request the $75 application fee waiver code approval.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application through VCU Admissions once waiver approval is received.
- Utilize Tuition Waiver (VCU Employees): Employees follow standard HR procedures to submit their VCU Tuition Waiver form upon registration.
Please Note: Application fee waiver funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Fee waivers are not guaranteed, cannot be applied retroactively to previously submitted applications, and cannot be refunded.
Cost of attendance for academic year 26-27
Cost of attendance is an estimate of educational expenses used to determine financial aid eligibility. These estimates are based on full-time attendance for the entire academic year.
COA is a projected cost and does not represent the actual amount billed by VCU.
Please visit Student Financial Services for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Please allow 3-5 business days for your application fee waiver request to be reviewed and a decision rendered.
You will not be refunded for a paid application fee.
The applicant is responsible for the application fee for the bachelor's program. When applying to the master's program, the applicant can request the Graduate Admissions application fee waiver under the RAM Opportunity.
Only one application fee waiver will be issued per academic year. (i.e., fall 2025-summer 2026)
The application fee waiver is for the VCU Office of Admissions application only. If your program requires a third-party application, those fees are not covered by the RAM Opportunity.
Students applying for the on-campus MSW program can take advantage of the RAM Opportunity program and its benefits. If you are applying to the online MSW program, you are ineligible for any of the program benefits.
VCU master's students
Students enrolled in a master's program at VCU who plan to apply for a terminal degree may qualify for a limited number of application fee waivers. These waivers are granted to select applicants based on exceptional academic achievement. For more details, please reach out to ramopp@vcu.edu. Include your name, the program to which you are applying, and the term (Spring, Summer, or Fall ) and year (ex. Spring 2027) in your email request.