Virginia State University
About Virginia State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Virginia State University is a public historically Black university in Petersburg, Virginia. It offers programs in engineering, business, education, and agriculture and is one of Virginia's two land-grant universities.
Founded
1882
Location
Petersburg, Virginia
Students
5,555
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
39.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,043
Out-of-state: $22,650
Avg Net Price
$15,840
After financial aid
SAT Average
948
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$45,543
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
May 1
Virginia State University accepts the majority of applicants at 88.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
948/ 1600
ACT Scores
18/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
39.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
69.4%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
48%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
64.7%
$/Student
$15.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 69.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,043
In-State
$22,650
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,355
Books & Supplies
$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,661
After Financial Aid
$15,840
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,220
Receive Grants
72.1%
Take Loans
75.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $27,661/yr for in-state students, including $13,355 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,840. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,650.
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 State University fund their education.
While in School
72.1%
Get Grants
Free money
75.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$30,103
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$281/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,500 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $46K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Virginia State University.
Gender
59%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,074
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
481
Graduates
34.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
7.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 34.2% 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
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,074
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Virginia State University fields 11 varsity teams with 514 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Central
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
514
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
68% / 32%
352
Men
162
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Virginia State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,543
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$29K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$35K
68 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$30K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$24K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$27K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$28K
29 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $34K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Virginia State University
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia State University?▾
How much does Virginia State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Virginia State University?▾
How much do Virginia State University graduates earn?▾
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.