Virginia Commonwealth University
About Virginia Commonwealth University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
VCU is a public research university in Richmond, Virginia. It is known for its arts program, ranked among the best in the country, alongside strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and social work. VCU Medical Center is a major academic hospital.
Founded
1838
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Students
28,007
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
92.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
63.2%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$16,945
Out-of-state: $40,109
Avg Net Price
$23,433
After financial aid
SAT Average
1137
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$58,128
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jan 15
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts the majority of applicants at 92.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1137/ 1600
ACT Scores
25/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
63.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
85.3%
4-Year Grad
48%
6-Year Grad
68%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
61%
$/Student
$16.7K
Class Size
Medium
While 48% finish in 4 years, 85.3% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$16,945
In-State
$40,109
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,254
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$38,954
After Financial Aid
$23,433
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,512
Receive Grants
31.2%
Take Loans
38.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $38,954/yr for in-state students, including $18,254 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $23,433. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $40,109.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Virginia Commonwealth University fund their education.
While in School
31.2%
Get Grants
Free money
38.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,128
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Virginia Commonwealth University.
Gender
63.4%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
20,753
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,254
Graduates
27.6%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
9.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 27.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
20,753
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Virginia Commonwealth University fields 9 varsity teams with 418 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Atlantic 10
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
418
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
46% / 54%
192
Men
226
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Virginia Commonwealth Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$58,128
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$29K
490 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$35K
342 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
339 grads
1yr Earnings
Design and Applied Arts
$26K
322 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
236 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$52K
218 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Virginia Commonwealth University
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.