Public Institution

Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $16,458

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 93.1%

Open Admission

Enrollment 20,797

Active Students

Avg. Salary $58,128

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Richmond, Virginia

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Virginia Commonwealth University stands as a pillar of higher education in Richmond, providing a robust academic foundation for 20,797 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Virginia Commonwealth University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Virginia Commonwealth University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts

12.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

12.2%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

9.6%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

7.9%

Enrollment Share

Education

7.8%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

6.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Virginia Commonwealth University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 93.1%

Difficulty Low

Virginia Commonwealth University maintains an acceptance rate of 93.1%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 36.4%

Women Enrollment 63.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 530 - 650

SAT Mathematics 500 - 620

ACT English 21 - 31

ACT Mathematics 20 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Virginia Commonwealth University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $16,458

Out-of-State Tuition $39,042

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 29.7%

Median Student Debt $21,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $16,458, graduates see a median starting salary of $58,128, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can Virginia Commonwealth University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $58,128

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 65.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $19,452

Median Salary (6yr) $47,161

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond?

20,797 Students

Gender Comparison

36.4% Men

63.6% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

85.6%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.3%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

14.2%

Black

21.7%

White

40.6%

Unknown

1.7%

Hispanic

11.7%

Two or More Races

International

1.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 27.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 54%

🎖️

Veterans 0.2%

💍

Married Students 2.8%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 66%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$72,221
Average Family Income	$70,086
Median Family Income	$51,128

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.4%

47.6%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Richmond Campus Environment

Located at 910 W Franklin St, Virginia Commonwealth University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Virginia Commonwealth University compare?

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Common Questions about Virginia Commonwealth University

Is Virginia Commonwealth University a good college in Richmond, Virginia?

Virginia Commonwealth University is a recognized institution in Richmond with an enrollment of 20,797 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Virginia based on Department of Education data.

Is Virginia Commonwealth University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Virginia Commonwealth University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $58,128. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Virginia Commonwealth University cost for Virginia residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Virginia Commonwealth University is approximately $16,458. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $39,042. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Virginia Commonwealth University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Virginia Commonwealth University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 54% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Virginia Commonwealth University good for Visual & Performing Arts and Business & Marketing programs?

Virginia Commonwealth University is highly regarded for its Visual & Performing Arts and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Virginia Commonwealth University?

Graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $58,128, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Virginia Commonwealth University?

Virginia Commonwealth University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Virginia Commonwealth University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Virginia Commonwealth University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median salary of $58,128 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Virginia Commonwealth University a good investment compared to other VA colleges?

Virginia Commonwealth University stands out as a high-value investment in Virginia. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Virginia Commonwealth University located and what is the campus like?

Virginia Commonwealth University is located at 910 W Franklin St in Richmond, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 20,797 learners.

Who typically attends Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA?

The student body at Virginia Commonwealth University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 27.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Virginia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Virginia Commonwealth University with other leading institutions in Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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