Beginning August 1, 2025, students at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will see an increase in tuition and fees across both UVI Online and traditional on-campus and virtual course offerings. The university says the adjustments are necessary to maintain academic quality, address rising instructional and operational costs, and strengthen student services.
The most significant changes apply to UVI Online students, with undergraduate and graduate per-credit tuition increasing across all categories. In-territory and veteran undergraduate students enrolled in UVI Online will pay $275 per credit, up from $225. Caribbean students will see an increase from $393.75 to $481.25, while out-of-territory students will also pay $481.25, up from $463.
Graduate students in-territory and veterans will face a per-credit increase from $450 to $500. Caribbean and out-of-territory graduate students will now be charged $875 per credit, compared to previous rates of $787.50 and $735, respectively.
Additional fee changes include an increase in the UVI Online Registration Fee, rising from $15 to $30 per part of term, and the e-Book/e-Materials Fee, which will increase from $40 to $60 per course.
Students enrolled in part-time, overload, or virtual courses that are not part of UVI’s Online Division will also see tuition go up. These students will now pay $275 per credit, a jump from the previous rate of $176. Overload is defined as taking more than 17 credits in a semester.
UVI clarified the difference between its two delivery formats. UVI Online is tailored for adult learners and working professionals, offering accelerated eight-week courses that are not bound to the university’s standard academic calendar. By contrast, traditional UVI courses—delivered either in person or virtually—follow the semester-based schedule and are part of the university’s on-campus academic programs.
Only students formally enrolled in UVI Online are subject to the specific tuition and fee rates outlined for that division.
UVI President Dr. Safiya George emphasized the importance of these changes for sustaining the institution’s mission. “At the University of the Virgin Islands, our students are at the heart of every decision we make,” said Dr. George. “These tuition adjustments were made with great care and are necessary to sustain the quality and integrity of our academic offerings and student services. We remain firmly committed to providing an accessible, transformative education that prepares our students for success while also offering numerous financial aid opportunities to help students manage education costs.”
Echoing this perspective, Dr. Lora Bailey, UVI Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, noted that the increase will help preserve the institution’s academic excellence while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. “We are investing in our faculty and strengthening support services that empower students to thrive at UVI and achieve lasting success beyond graduation,” said Dr. Bailey.
Despite the increased cost, university leaders say resources remain available to help students. Dr. Bailey reminded students that the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program (Free Tuition) continues to assist eligible students. Legislative amendments to the program in 2025 expanded eligibility to include both part-time students and those enrolled in UVI Online pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
UVI has also implemented new policies to help students maximize financial support through the Higher Education Scholarship Program and other sources. Students are encouraged to explore available grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, whether through federal, local, or private funding.
For more details on financial aid, students can visit www.uvi.edu. To view specifics about UVI Online tuition and fees, visit this page.
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