Virginia College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Virginia courts have no statutory authority to order divorced parents to pay for college expenses. Under Virginia Code § 20-124.2, child support terminates at age 18 (or 19 for full-time high school students). Virginia legislators rejected a 2010 bill that would have extended support to college students. However, courts will enforce voluntary written agreements between parents to share college costs.

Since Virginia courts cannot order college support, there are no statutory factors. When parents negotiate voluntary agreements, common considerations include each parent's income and assets, the child's academic performance, choice of school (public vs. private), and anticipated financial aid. Parents typically specify contribution percentages, maximum cost caps, and whether room and board are included.

Virginia law imposes no statutory caps because courts cannot order college support. In voluntary agreements, parents commonly cap obligations at Virginia in-state public university costs—approximately $15,000–$18,000 annually for tuition and fees. Parents may also exclude graduate school, limit support to four years, or require the child to maintain a minimum GPA to continue receiving contributions.

Under federal FAFSA rules effective 2024–25, the parent who provides the greater portion of financial support completes the application—not necessarily the custodial parent. If both parents provide equal support, the parent with higher income must file. Stepparent income is included if the filing parent is remarried. Some Virginia institutions like UVA also require the CSS Profile from both biological parents.

Under Virginia's equitable distribution law (Virginia Code § 20-107.3), 529 plans funded with marital assets are classified as marital property subject to division. Courts may assign ownership to one parent with provisions ensuring funds benefit the child. The account owner retains control over withdrawals and investment choices. Parents should address 529 ownership explicitly in divorce agreements.

Yes, and this is the only way to create an enforceable obligation in Virginia. Once incorporated into a court order, college contribution provisions become binding contracts enforceable through contempt proceedings, as established in McCaw v. McCaw (1991). Include specific terms: contribution percentages, school type limitations, academic requirements, maximum age, and whether obligations cover tuition only or include room, board, and books.

Virginia has no legal requirement for college contribution at any school type—public or private. In negotiated agreements, parents frequently limit obligations to in-state public university costs. If the child attends a more expensive private institution, the parent's contribution typically caps at what public school would cost, with the child responsible for the difference.

Virginia law provides no college support, so there is no statutory age limit. Court-ordered child support ends at 18 or 19 (if still in high school). In voluntary parental agreements, college support typically terminates at age 22–24, or upon earning a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Parents may also include provisions ending support if the child drops below full-time enrollment.