Hires

Large

Default

Tablet Portait

Handheld Landscape

Handheld Portait

F A S T   F A C T S
Location | Alexandria
Population | 6,216,589
Enrollment | 100
Language | English
Calendar | Semester
Canada | Host Payment

Term Dates
Fall | 08/21-12/13
Spring | 01/15-05/10

Washington Alexandria Architecture Center

Alexandria, VA

       
Part of an expanded Virginia Tech presence in Alexandria
We mix undergrad and graduate students in architecture & urban design
Our students help shape our own learning environment through design/build

About This Campus

The Washington Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) is Virginia Tech's unique urban campus, combining upper-year study away exchange opportunities within several graduate degree programs, including Architecture and Urban Design. Our graduate programs attract a diverse international student body, enriching the experience for exchange students. In our small boutique environment, students work closely with faculty in a program emphasizing individual discovery and hands-on research. With Washington DC across the river, exchange students have access to world class museums, galleries, and lectures at think tanks and embassies. Our students have regular and numerous opportunities to meet and mix with DC area design professionals, and obtain part-time internships in firms. We are linked to the DC/Virginia/Maryland metro area via excellent public transportation, and to the entire northeast corridor through train and bus.

Location Information

We are located in the middle of Old Town Alexandria, a lively and walkable 18th century city just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. We occupy a 100-year old former elementary school. With an active design/build program, our buildings represent years of student alterations. Our location is well-served by access to public transit, a car is not necessary for transportation at this campus.

Helpful Information

Because of the unique character of the WAAC as a urban satellite campus, over half of our students are new each year. We have a long tradition of welcoming the world and are accustomed to working with exchange students from other campuses. NSE students will be treated like our own. Our primary degrees are architecture and urban design, but we welcome students in any related field. NOTE: Financial aid is NOT available to incoming exchange students. Students apply for aid at their home campus.
2025-2026 Chance of Placement
Host Payment |N/A
Campus Availability & Deadlines
2026-2027 Chance of Placement
Host Payment |Open
Understand Chances of Placement

Academics

Registration
  • When will I register? With seniors
  • Syllabus Request for Course Pre-Approval: Contact Host Coordinator for assistance
Notable Academic Programs
  • Architecture - recognized by the AIA|DC and Washington Architecture Foundation as exceptional

Unique Academic Programs

  • Architecture - Our program is an off-campus urban location which uses the surrounding city as a living laboratory for study. The city is our campus.

Undergraduate Majors Open to NSE Students

Architecture, Design, Industrial Design... ++ show all

Conditions

GPA and Other Academic Requirements Exchange Preferences
  • Full-year exchange Accepted
  • Single term exchange Accepted
Summer Exchange
  • Not available
International Students (Visa Students)
  • Will accept on Host Pay
Canadian Students - learn more
  • Will accept Host Payment Pay

Tuition / Finances

Figures per Semester are current as of 06/10/25

Finances Tuition and Fees Per Semester - Host Payment Students
  • Pay resident-rate tuition to your host campus. No tuition/fees are paid to your home campus
  • Estimated cost: $6990.
  • Figures are based on full-time enrollment.
Maximum Credit Hours Per Semester
  • Host Payment: None.

Financial Aid for NSE Students
Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Miscellaneous Fees - Per Semester

Purpose Amount Period Plan Status
Course Fees / MaterialsVariesSemesterHost & HomeMandatory

Important Notes: No financial aid available to incoming students. There is no Health Service at this campus; information on walk-in and urgent care is provided to students. Proof of insurance is required of incoming students. Some courses may have materials fees.

Room / Meals

Figures are current as of 06/10/25

On-Campus Housing Per Semester
  • not available
Off-Campus Housing
  • Off-Campus Housing
  • Approximate monthly cost: $1700
  • Proximity to campus: .1
  • Local Public Transportation Available to Campus
Notes About Housing
Virginia Tech has contracted with Dweck Properties to provide flexible lease terms, roommate matching, and furnished options for WAAC students. Contact VThousing@dweckproperties.com. Or reach out to one of the housing coordinators directly: Tobesta Adera 202.937.3710 Tobesta.Adera@dweckproperties.com Peter Brosnan 202.937.3727 Peter.Brosnan@dweckproperties.com Also, VT has an off-campus housing page https://dc.offcampus.vt.edu/, which is available for all NSE students to use

Meal Plans

Resources

Campus Links

Health

Figures per Semester are current as of 06/10/25

Exchange with Canada - Health Insurance
Students must purchase campus health insurance at $0 per semester.

Requirements

    All data in this document is the responsibility of the campus and has been provided by the campus NSE coordinator.
    Welcome to NSE!
    Select the campus you currently attend...
    Start Here!
    To see the correct schools, first select the campus you currently attend...
    We use cookies on this site to personalize content and ads, provide social media features and analyze web traffic. By using this site, you are consenting for us to set cookies.