Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's degrees · City
Overall Grade
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About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university in Richmond, Virginia, United States. VCU was founded in 1838 as the medical department of Hampden–Sydney College, becoming the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1854. In 1968, the Virginia General Assembly merged MCV with the Richmond Professional Institute, founded in 1917, to create Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2025, more than 29,280 students were enrolled in more than 200 academic programs, and 23 VCU programs were ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s top 50 best college programs. The VCU Health System supports health care education, research, and patient care. In 2025, VCU surpassed the $560 million mark in sponsored research funding for the first time. VCU has doubled research funding over the past seven years with a goal of doubling again to reach $1 billion. VCU's athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I and are collectively known as the VCU Rams. They are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The VCU campus includes historic buildings such as the Egyptian Building, the White House of the Confederacy and the Ginter House, now used by the school's provost.
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
93%
Acceptance
$23,433
Net price
20,753
Enrollment
63%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
93%
Acceptance rate
1,137
SAT average
25
ACT midpoint
Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.
Cost & Financial Aid
$23,433
Average net price
$16,945
In-state tuition
$40,109
Out-of-state tuition
$18,254
Room & board
$1,250
Books & supplies
$38,954
Total cost of attendance
31%
Students receiving Pell grants
39%
Students with federal loans
$21,500
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$58,128
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$47,161
Median earnings (6 yrs)
63%
Graduation rate
85%
Retention rate
82%
Earn more than a HS grad
$16,705
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
20,753
Total enrollment
10%
Part-time
21
Avg. age at entry
28%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
Virginia Commonwealth University FAQ
Is Virginia Commonwealth University a public or private school?
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution located in Richmond, VA.
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does Virginia Commonwealth University cost?
The average annual net price at Virginia Commonwealth University is $23,433 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $16,945 in-state and $40,109 out-of-state.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?
About 63% of students at Virginia Commonwealth University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Commonwealth University students earn a median of $58,128 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Virginia Commonwealth University?
Admitted students at Virginia Commonwealth University have an average SAT score of 1,137 and an ACT midpoint of 25. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University enrolls about 20,753 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Will Weaver from Glen Allen, VA, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0. Additional images are representative.
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