V

Virginia Union University

PrivateHBCUCity: Midsize

About Virginia Union University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Virginia Union University is a private university in Richmond, VA. It has a 80.6% acceptance rate and a 39.1% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,297 students.

Founded

1865

Location

Richmond, Virginia

Students

1,644

Institution

Private

Known For

HBCU

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

98%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

34.2%

Below national average

Tuition

$17,450

Per year

Avg Net Price

$13,235

After financial aid

SAT Average

850

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$38,275

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
98%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$25

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Virginia Union University accepts the majority of applicants at 98%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

850/ 1600

850750650550450350
400
Math: 400
450
R&W: 450
25th
410
Math: 410
475
R&W: 475
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

16/ 36

Average: 16 out of 36

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
34.2%

Below Average

34.2% complete their degree within six years

Retention

66.6%

4-Year Grad

30%

6-Year Grad

42%

Teaching Quality

17:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

100%

$/Student

$5.5K

Class Size

Medium

The 30% graduation rate is below average, but 66.6% 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

$17,450

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$11,016

Books & Supplies

N/A

Total Cost of Attendance

$29,075

After Financial Aid

$13,235

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$11,424

Receive Grants

68.7%

Take Loans

71%

The total cost of attendance runs about $29,075/yr, including $11,016 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,235.

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 Union University fund their education.

While in School

68.7%

Get Grants

Free money

71%

Take Loans

Must repay

$26,681

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$29,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$307/mo

Monthly Payment

0.5%

Low

Default Rate

Graduates leave with $29,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Virginia Union University.

Gender

52%

Female

/

48%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

75.4%
2.5%
1.3%
1.3%
0.6%
0.3%
Black
Multiracial
Hispanic
International
White
Asian

Enrollment

1,203

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

441

Graduates

40.8%

First-Gen

20 yrs

Avg Age

17.3%

Age 25+

The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 40.8% 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

RuralCity
City: Midsize

City: Midsize

Campus Quick Facts

1,203

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Liberal Arts

Classification

HBCU

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 Union University fields 10 varsity teams with 343 student athletes, about 29% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division II with football

Conference

Central

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

10

Biggest: Football

Student Athletes

343

29% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

65% / 35%

222

Men

/

121

Women

6

Men's Teams

8

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
113
Football
59
Track (In)
49
Basketball
48
Track (Out)
21
Cross Country

Every Varsity Team

Football113Track and Field (Indoor)59Basketball49Track and Field (Outdoor)48Cross Country21Softball19Volleyball14Tennis9Bowling6Golf5

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Virginia Union Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$38,275

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$28K
6yr
$30K
8yr
$38K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Biology, General

$33K

12 grads

1yr Earnings

Criminology

$30K

12 grads

1yr Earnings

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$19K

12 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

$22K

11 grads

1yr Earnings

Communication and Media Studies

$18K

10 grads

1yr Earnings

Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations

8 grads

Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Virginia Union University

What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Union University?
Virginia Union University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Virginia Union University accepts the majority of applicants at 98%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does Virginia Union University cost?
Tuition at Virginia Union University is $17,450 for in-state students and $17,450 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $29,075/yr, including $11,016 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,235.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Union University?
Virginia Union University has a graduation rate of 34.2%. The 30% graduation rate is below average, but 66.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do Virginia Union University graduates earn?
The median earnings for Virginia Union University graduates is $38,275 ten years after enrollment. Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

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.