Bachelor of Science [BS] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$41,626 /Yr
Virginia Commonwealth University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a four-year, 120-credit, full-time programme taught on campus at Monroe Park in Richmond. Indian applicants need Standard 12 completion and competitive engineering preparation; published 2026-27 tuition, mandatory fees and the engineering fee total US$43,765 (INR 41.59 Lakhs). The earliest open entry is Spring 2027, whose first-year application deadline is 1 November 2026.
The accredited curriculum combines computing theory, software development and a year-long senior design project, with concentrations in cybersecurity, data science and software engineering. It best fits applicants prepared for calculus and laboratory science who want a concentrated computing degree rather than the broader, multidisciplinary B.A. route.
- The Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and requires at least a C in every computer science course.
- Students study algorithms, operating systems, databases and networking before completing linked senior design and project courses.
- Qualified students can use up to 12 graduate credits toward both the bachelor’s degree and the accelerated computer science master’s pathway.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 1 November 2026.
VCU publishes the deadline date without a portal time or timezone, so an exact Indian Standard Time conversion is unavailable. Indian applicants should submit the Common Application and supporting records before the stated calendar date begins in Virginia.
Also Check: Virginia Commonwealth University Computer Science Admission
VCU BS Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
VCU publishes 2026-27 nonresident tuition of US$36,521 (INR 34.71 Lakhs) for 30 credits, before mandatory and major fees. Spring 2027 falls inside this confirmed fee cycle. Future annual rates remain unpublished, so a four-year total would be inaccurate.
Spring 2027 target-cycle costs: The annual rows show the university’s published 2026-27 basis, while the semester rows isolate a new international student’s first Spring bill.
| Cost item | Official basis | Amount | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident undergraduate tuition | 30 credits across Fall and Spring | US$36,521 | INR 34.71 Lakhs |
| Mandatory nonresident fees | 2026-27 annual total | US$4,606 | INR 4.38 Lakhs |
| College of Engineering programme fee | US$1,319 each semester | US$2,638 | INR 2.51 Lakhs |
| Calculated core academic charges | Tuition plus mandatory and engineering fees | US$43,765 | INR 41.59 Lakhs |
| Spring tuition and mandatory fees | One 2026-27 semester | US$20,564 | INR 19.54 Lakhs |
| Spring engineering fee | Full-time nonresident rate | US$1,319 | INR 1.25 Lakhs |
| First-year transition fee | First semester only | US$250 | INR 23,759 |
| Spring and summer health insurance | Required unless an approved comparable plan is documented | US$2,623 | INR 2.49 Lakhs |
| Calculated first Spring billed subtotal | Four Spring rows above | US$24,756 | INR 23.53 Lakhs |
| International application fee | Nonrefundable, paid with application | US$75 | INR 7,128 |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.035256 as of 24 October 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
Source: VCU Student Financial Services, 2026-27 tuition, mandatory fee, programme fee and insurance schedules.
- The calculated US$43,765 (INR 41.59 Lakhs) annual core charge excludes insurance, housing, food, books, transport and the one-time transition fee.
- VCU’s full 2026-27 international insurance costs US$3,973 (INR 3.78 Lakhs), although approved comparable coverage can remove that university premium.
- A Spring entrant should fund the semester subtotal before adding living costs because VCU may not process an application without the separate US$75 (INR 7,128) fee.
Cost of Living in Richmond for Computer Science Students
VCU estimates each 2026-27 on-campus semester separately, covering housing, food, books, personal costs, transportation and loan fees. The monthly figures below divide two semesters by nine academic months, making them calculated planning values rather than monthly university bills.
| Expense | Monthly amount in USD | Monthly INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | US$1,276.22 | INR 1.21 Lakhs |
| Food | US$915.33 | INR 86,989 |
| Books and supplies | US$143.33 | INR 13,622 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | US$480.22 | INR 45,638 |
| Transportation | US$320 | INR 30,411 |
| Loan fees | US$7.78 | INR 739 |
| Calculated monthly total | US$3,142.89 | INR 2.99 Lakhs |
| Academic-year total for nine months | US$28,286 | INR 26.88 Lakhs |
Source: VCU 2026-27 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance for a non-Virginia resident living on campus.
VCU’s complete nonresident on-campus estimate is US$34,707 (INR 32.98 Lakhs) per semester, before programme fees, transition charges and international insurance. Adding those Spring charges and the first-year computer allowance produces a calculated first-term budget of US$39,899 (INR 37.92 Lakhs). The same official inputs produce a 2026-27 annualized planning total of US$77,275 (INR 73.44 Lakhs), not a four-year forecast.
Read More: Cost of Living in the USA for International Students
Cost boundary
The annualized budget includes VCU’s US$1,000 (INR 95,035) first-year computer allowance and US$250 (INR 23,759) transition fee. It excludes flights, visa charges and future tuition increases, so hold a separate contingency rather than multiplying one year’s rate by four.
ROI reality: The confirmed first Spring planning budget is US$39,899 (INR 37.92 Lakhs); compare that amount with liquid funding available before choosing Spring over scholarship-eligible Fall entry.
VCU BS Computer Science Admission 2027
International first-year applicants can enter in Spring or Fall 2027, and VCU requires Standard 12 completion or its equivalent. Computer Science uses the College of Engineering review, which emphasizes advanced mathematics, laboratory science and consistent grades rather than prior coding credentials.
Academic Eligibility for Indian Applicants
The university requires at least 20 secondary-school units, while Engineering publishes a stronger preparation profile. The Indian equivalents below are planning ranges because VCU makes the final transcript and weighting decision.
| Admission factor | VCU requirement or benchmark | Indian applicant meaning |
|---|---|---|
| School completion | Standard 12 graduation or equivalent | Submit official records in the original language with an English translation when needed |
| Competitive Engineering grades | Minimum B average | Approximately 70% to 79%, or CGPA 7.0 to 7.9 on 10, for planning only |
| Mathematics | Four college-preparatory units, including one beyond Algebra II | Keep mathematics through Class 12; calculus is desirable but not required |
| Laboratory science | At least three units, including chemistry, physics and biology | Show laboratory science depth and stronger-level courses where the school offers them |
| English and social studies | Four English units and three history, social science or government units | Map Class 9 to 12 subjects clearly in the transcript translation |
| Fall 2025 Engineering weighted GPA | 3.68 at the 25th percentile and 4.00 median | Approximately 85% to 89% and 90% to 95%, or CGPA 8.5 to 9.5, for planning only |
| Higher profile point | 4.30 weighted GPA at the 75th percentile | Above the standard 4.0 scale, so no direct Indian conversion is reliable |
| SAT or ACT | Optional; Fall 2025 Engineering median was SAT 1340 or ACT 29 | Submit only when the score strengthens the academic record |
The 3.68 weighted GPA at Engineering’s 25th percentile is a cohort benchmark, not a minimum or admission promise. VCU reviews grades from Classes 9 through 11, course difficulty and trends, while 2027 applicants must also submit an essay. At least one recommendation is preferred, and Computer Science has no published first-year interview requirement.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who do not meet a published waiver route must provide a valid test result before enrollment. VCU now separates TOEFL requirements by test date and publishes no undergraduate component minimums.
| Route | Current undergraduate requirement | Planning point |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT taken on or after 21 January 2026 | Minimum score of 4.0 | Use the revised scale exactly as VCU publishes it |
| TOEFL iBT taken on or before 20 January 2026 | Minimum score of 70 | Do not compare this legacy result numerically with the revised scale |
| IELTS | Minimum score of 6.0 | No separate band minimum is published |
| Pearson Test of English | Minimum score of 53 | Scores remain valid for two years |
| CBSE Final English | Minimum score of 80% | This India-specific examination route can replace a separate English test |
| Duolingo English Test | Minimum score of 105 | Use this accepted remote-testing route when access is more practical |
- Choose the CBSE English route only when the final result reaches 80%; other Indian boards are not named in this specific examination option.
- Schedule IELTS, PTE or Duolingo early enough for official results to reach VCU with the transcript before the application deadline.
- For a post-21 January 2026 TOEFL result, report the published 4.0 minimum without converting it to the older 120-point scale.
Profile context
Engineering’s Fall 2025 admitted median was a 4.00 weighted GPA, but the weighting maximum was not published. Indian applicants should therefore foreground advanced mathematics, laboratory sciences and transcript grading context instead of treating a generic conversion as guaranteed equivalency.
Tip for Indian students: The minimum B average establishes competitiveness, while the published Engineering cohort sits higher; use Class 9 to 12 mathematics and science performance to prove readiness.
VCU BS Computer Science Application 2027
The Spring 2027 deadline is 1 November 2026, while Fall 2027 offers separate scholarship and regular-decision dates. VCU lists no Summer first-year entry on its current undergraduate deadline page, so applicants should plan around Spring or Fall.
Application Deadlines and Decisions
The official page states calendar dates without a portal cutoff time or timezone. Submit from India before the Virginia date begins because no reliable Indian Standard Time conversion can be calculated without those details.
| Entry and stage | Deadline | Decision or response |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 first-year application | 1 November 2026 | Rolling decision timing; no fixed date published |
| Fall 2027 scholarship consideration | 1 November 2026 | Scholarship notification by the beginning of April 2027 |
| Fall 2027 regular decision | 15 January 2027 | Decision guaranteed by 1 April 2027 when all materials arrive by the deadline |
| Fall 2027 Guaranteed University Admission | 15 January 2027 | Available to most programmes for applicants with GPA 3.5 on 4.0 |
| Fall 2027 enrollment response | 1 May 2027 | Applies when admission was received by 1 April 2027 |
Spring is the fastest route, but Fall preserves access to VCU’s main incoming first-year scholarships. That timing difference can outweigh one semester because the largest published awards renew for four years. Applicants needing substantial merit funding should target the scholarship date, not rely on rolling admission after it.
How to Build the Application
International first-year applicants use the official VCU international undergraduate application route through the Common Application. VCU permits one application for one programme in a given semester, so select Computer Science B.S. rather than submitting parallel degree choices.
- Submit the Common Application, required 2027 essay and US$75 (INR 7,128) nonrefundable fee for the chosen entry semester.
- Arrange an official secondary-school transcript with senior-year subjects, grading context and an English translation when the original uses another language.
- Add at least one preferred recommendation, then include optional SAT or ACT results only when they strengthen the academic record.
- Provide the accepted English result or waiver evidence, and confirm that every supporting item reaches VCU by the controlling deadline.
A Spring file has less preparation time and no published fixed decision date, while a complete Fall regular-decision file receives a decision by 1 April 2027. The year-long senior design sequence rewards sustained project work, so the essay should connect mathematics, computing interests and collaborative problem-solving to that curriculum.
Check Out: Virginia Commonwealth University Courses and Fees
Application timing
The same 1 November 2026 date closes Spring admission and Fall scholarship consideration. Choose Spring for earlier study only when the confirmed funding plan can absorb losing the automatic Fall merit-award route.
Application tip: A complete Fall file by 1 November 2026 preserves scholarship review, while a Spring file uses that date as its final admission deadline.
VCU BS Computer Science Scholarships 2027
The strongest published VCU awards for an Indian first-year Computer Science applicant require Fall entry and a complete file by 1 November 2026. Spring 2027 is therefore a poor funding route for applicants depending on automatic incoming-student merit consideration.
Fall 2027 funding routes: International students are eligible for the out-of-state award, and VCU also considers timely first-year applicants for university-level merit scholarships.
| Scholarship | Published value | Eligibility and application route | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provost Scholarship | Up to US$16,000 yearly (INR 15.21 Lakhs); estimated US$64,000 total (INR 60.82 Lakhs) | Academic merit, with leadership, service or artistic talent also considered; no separate scholarship form | Complete Common Application and official transcript by 1 November 2026 |
| Deans’ Scholarship | Up to US$8,000 yearly (INR 7.60 Lakhs); estimated US$32,000 total (INR 30.41 Lakhs) | Academic merit, with broader achievements considered; no separate scholarship form | Complete Common Application and official transcript by 1 November 2026 |
| Out-of-state Academic Scholarship | US$10,000 to US$15,000 first year (INR 9.50 Lakhs to INR 14.26 Lakhs), renewable for three additional years | International or out-of-state first-year applicant with GPA 3.0 or higher, entering full time in Fall | Apply for Fall admission by 1 November 2026 |
The out-of-state award uses published GPA tiers: 3.00 earns US$10,000 (INR 9.50 Lakhs), while 4.00 earns US$15,000 (INR 14.26 Lakhs). Intermediate tiers award US$11,000 to US$14,000 (INR 10.45 Lakhs to INR 13.30 Lakhs). These are eligibility-linked amounts, but receiving another named university award is not guaranteed.
- Use Fall 2027 when the potential four-year merit support changes affordability more than beginning one semester earlier.
- Submit the official transcript with the Common Application because an application alone does not complete university-level scholarship consideration.
- For Provost or Deans’ renewal, complete at least 28 credits across Fall and Spring and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
VCU states that university merit awards cover in-state costs only, so even the US$16,000 (INR 15.21 Lakhs) Provost maximum does not erase the international price difference. Build the visa funding plan from the gross published cost until an award appears in the formal offer.
Also Check: Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships
Funding tradeoff
A Spring 2027 start sacrifices US$10,000 to US$15,000 (INR 9.50 Lakhs to INR 14.26 Lakhs) in possible first-year out-of-state support. Applicants needing that reduction should choose Fall and meet the scholarship deadline.
Scholarship reality: The 1 November 2026 Fall scholarship deadline is the decisive funding date; admission after it cannot recreate automatic first-year merit review.
VCU BS Computer Science Salary 2027
VCU’s May 2024 Computer Science results report 78% employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months and an average post-graduation salary. These are programme-page survey outcomes, not guaranteed results for every graduate or international student.
Computer Science Graduate Outcomes
The official Computer Science outcomes page combines employment, further study and experiential-learning indicators. The survey response count is not published beside these figures, so use them as cohort evidence rather than placement probability.
| Evidence scope | May 2024 measure | Reported result |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science programme outcome | Employed or in graduate school within six months | 78% |
| Computer Science programme outcome | Graduated after completing experiential learning | 72% |
| Computer Science programme outcome | Hired full time because of experiential learning | 65% |
| Programme scale | Undergraduate degrees awarded in 2023-24 | 183 |
The 65% experiential-learning conversion makes internships, cooperative education and research financially relevant, not optional extras. The curriculum supports that preparation through ENGR 395 Professional Development and the two-part senior design project. VCU also reports students working at CoStar, CGI, Bank of America, Amazon, CarMax and Capital One, without identifying hiring volume.
Salary Evidence and Market Benchmarks
The programme average belongs to the May 2024 First Destination Survey, while the three occupation figures are external United States labour-market benchmarks cited by VCU. The latter show role-level potential, not VCU graduate starting salaries.
| Evidence scope | Salary measure | Amount | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science programme outcome | Average post-graduation salary, May 2024 survey | US$77,603 | INR 73.75 Lakhs |
| External market benchmark | Information security analyst median, 2024 | US$124,910 | INR 1.19 Crore |
| External market benchmark | Data scientist median, 2024 | US$112,590 | INR 1.07 Crore |
| External market benchmark | Software developer, quality assurance analyst and tester median, 2024 | US$131,450 | INR 1.25 Crore |
Source: VCU Computer Science May 2024 First Destination Survey and university-cited United States Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 occupation data.
Actual take-home pay varies with location, payroll deductions and immigration status, so test any offer through the official federal tax withholding estimator. Do not use a national occupational median to forecast entry-level cash flow or education-loan repayment.
ROI for Indian Students
The calculated 2026-27 annualized cost is US$77,275 (INR 73.44 Lakhs), nearly matching the reported gross average salary of US$77,603 (INR 73.75 Lakhs). That similarity does not establish one-year payback because tuition changes, taxes, living costs and job timing remain unknown.
- The 78% six-month combined outcome includes graduate study, so request employment-only context before treating it as a job rate.
- The 65% experiential-learning hiring result makes a paid internship or co-op central to ROI, so begin career preparation before upper-level coursework.
- A Fall out-of-state award offers US$10,000 to US$15,000 (INR 9.50 Lakhs to INR 14.26 Lakhs), so preserve its deadline when borrowing.
- Computer Science can support up to 36 months of qualifying practical training, so verify the degree code and employer eligibility before pricing United States earnings.
- For an India return, ignore United States salary benchmarks and evaluate the senior project, concentration and internship portfolio against specific Indian role requirements.
Read More: Bachelor of Computer Science in the USA
Outcome evidence
The US$77,603 (INR 73.75 Lakhs) figure is a May 2024 programme-page average, while the higher role figures are external medians. Build borrowing capacity around conservative cash flow, not the highest occupation benchmark.
ROI reality: VCU’s strongest financial signal is the 65% experiential-learning hiring result; prioritize internships and project evidence because neither the average salary nor employer list guarantees sponsorship.
USA Visa for VCU BS Computer Science Students 2027
Admitted international students normally use the F-1 academic student visa, followed by OPT (Optional Practical Training) for eligible degree-related work. Standard OPT lasts 12 months, and a qualifying computer science degree may add a 24-month STEM extension. Neither period guarantees employer sponsorship or permanent residence.
- Budget US$185 (INR 17,582) for the F-1 application and US$350 (INR 33,262) for SEVIS, then follow official student visa instructions.
- Confirm VCU’s degree code and the employer’s eligibility before counting on the 24-month STEM extension beyond standard 12-month OPT.
- H-1B employment is lottery-based and requires the applicable actual or prevailing wage, so there is no single national salary threshold for this degree.
- F-2 spouses and unmarried minor children may accompany the student but cannot work, while permanent residence requires a separate route without a fixed timeline.
Check Out: United States Student Visa Requirements
Visa reality: The potential 36-month practical-training window improves work-search time, but applicants should budget on verified funding because sponsorship and permanent residence remain separate employer-dependent decisions.
VCU BS Computer Science Ranking 2027
The latest exact undergraduate Computer Science position reported by VCU is No. 136 nationally in the 2026 U.S. News edition. VCU also reports a 2026 cybersecurity-emphasis band, which is relevant only to applicants considering that concentration.
Latest programme-specific positions: The sources do not publish a comparable previous position beside either current result.
| Ranking body | Edition | Position | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. News and World Report | 2026 | Tied No. 136 | United States undergraduate Computer Science programmes |
| Cybersecurity Guide | 2026 | Among the top 25 | Computer Science programmes with a cybersecurity emphasis |
The broader U.S. News position helps with national context, while the cybersecurity band speaks to one optional pathway rather than every B.S. student. For course selection, the ABET accreditation, required systems core and senior design sequence offer more direct evidence of curriculum structure than rank alone.
Honest take: Treat No. 136 in undergraduate Computer Science as context, then judge fit through the chosen concentration, mathematics depth and compulsory senior project.
VCU’s B.S. fits an Indian applicant who wants a concentrated, accredited computing curriculum with mathematics, systems courses and a year-long senior project. Its programme outcomes and concentration choices support professional preparation, especially when experiential learning becomes part of the study plan. However, the international cost is substantial, and Spring entry forfeits the clearest Fall scholarship routes. Compare confirmed liquid funding with the 1 November 2026 deadline, then choose the intake that protects either speed or four-year aid potential.
VCU BS Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Is the VCU B.S. in Computer Science worth its cost for an Indian student?
Ans. The calculated 2026-27 annualized budget is US$77,275 (INR 73.44 Lakhs), while the May 2024 programme average salary is US$77,603 (INR 73.75 Lakhs). Value improves when the student secures merit aid and converts an internship, co-op or research experience into relevant employment.
Ques. Should an Indian applicant choose Spring 2027 or Fall 2027?
Ans. Choose Spring for the earliest available start only when funding is already secure. Fall applicants can pursue renewable aid, including US$10,000 to US$15,000 (INR 9.50 Lakhs to INR 14.26 Lakhs) in first-year out-of-state support.
Ques. What marks make an applicant competitive for VCU Computer Science?
Ans. Engineering advises at least a B average, approximately 70% to 79% or CGPA 7.0 to 7.9 on 10 for planning. The Fall 2025 weighted median was 4.00, so advanced mathematics and science performance should support the overall result.
Ques. Which English route is most practical after the TOEFL scale change?
Ans. VCU accepts TOEFL 4.0 for tests from 21 January 2026, IELTS 6.0, PTE 53, Duolingo 105 or CBSE Final English 80%. The CBSE route avoids another test when eligible, while other applicants should select the most accessible accepted exam.
Ques. How long can a VCU Computer Science graduate work in the United States?
Ans. Standard OPT provides 12 months of degree-related work, and a qualifying STEM degree plus eligible employer can add 24 months. The resulting 36-month window extends job-search time but does not guarantee H-1B selection or permanent residence.
Important Alert
- Regular Decision Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake - Jan 15, 2027
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $41626 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Books and supply | $1290 |
| Total Cost | $1290 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $39884 |
| 2023 | $37588 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake | Jan 15, 2027 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport

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Course Guides
Career and Placement after Course
By finishing the BS in computer science from the virginia commonwealth university you may find opportunities such as:
- DevOps Engineer
- IT Consultant
- Technical Writer
- Information Security Analyst
- Web Developer
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Bioinformatics and more.
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |















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