Public Institution

Virginia State University — Petersburg, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $9,755

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 89.1%

Open Admission

Enrollment 4,787

Active Students

Avg. Salary $45,543

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Petersburg, Virginia

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Virginia State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Petersburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,787 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 State University offer?

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

Business & Marketing

19%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

12.3%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

11%

Enrollment Share

Communications

7.9%

Enrollment Share

Education

6.9%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

6.3%

Enrollment Share

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 Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Virginia State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

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

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Virginia State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Virginia State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 89.1%

Difficulty Low

Virginia State University maintains an acceptance rate of 89.1%, 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 40.4%

Women Enrollment 59.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 420 - 540

SAT Mathematics 380 - 510

Expert Insight

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

How much does Virginia State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,755

Out-of-State Tuition $22,006

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 71%

Median Student Debt $26,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,755, graduates see a median starting salary of $45,543, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can Virginia State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $45,543

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 40.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,553

Median Salary (6yr) $33,630

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Virginia State University in Petersburg?

4,787 Students

Gender Comparison

40.4% Men

59.6% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

71.2%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.3%

Asian

0.3%

Black

92.9%

White

2.6%

Unknown

3.3%

Hispanic

International

0.6%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 34.2%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 77.1%

💍

Married Students 1.7%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 75%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$59,119
Average Family Income	$42,112
Median Family Income	$30,103

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.7%

47.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Petersburg Campus Environment

Located at 1 Hayden Drive, Virginia State 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 State University compare?

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Common Questions about Virginia State University

Is Virginia State University a good college in Petersburg, Virginia?

Virginia State University is a recognized institution in Petersburg with an enrollment of 4,787 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Virginia.

Is Virginia State University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $45,543 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

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

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Virginia State University is approximately $9,755. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $22,006. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

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

The real cost of attending Virginia State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 77.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Virginia State University good for Business & Marketing and Psychology programs?

Virginia State University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Psychology. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Virginia State University?

Graduates of Virginia State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $45,543, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Virginia State University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Virginia State University's official admissions website.

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

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Virginia State University's official admissions portal before applying.

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

Graduates of Virginia State University earn a median salary of $45,543 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

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

Compare Virginia State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Virginia to judge value for your goals.

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

Virginia State University is located at 1 Hayden Drive in Petersburg, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,787 learners.

Who typically attends Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA?

The student body at Virginia State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 34.2% 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 State 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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