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PublicSuburbanHBCU

Virginia State University

VSU

Petersburg, Virginia 23806

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Campus Vibe

SuburbanHBCU

Known for business — excellent value

Virginia State University is a public institution in Petersburg with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 917, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 4.8K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

41% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,543 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,553.

Established
1882
Motto
"Greater Happens Here"
Type
Public historically black land-grant university
Conference
Central
Division
Division II

Campus Visits

114 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
89%Acceptance
917SAT Avg
4,787Students
13:1Student:Faculty
41%Grad Rate
$45,543Earnings 10yr
$14,553Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Virginia State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate89.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 917

Reading & WritingMid: 480
420540
MathMid: 455
380510

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 18
1420

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

89.1%

Trend

SAT Avg

917

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,755
Tuition (out-of-state)$22,006
Room & Board$12,966
Books & Supplies$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance$24,173
Average Net Price$14,553
Median Debt at Graduation$26,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$281

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$12,432
$30–48K$13,665
$48–75K$17,511
$75–110K$19,774
$110K+$22,390

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$14,553

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

2400.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$17,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

35

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (61)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
4,787
Gender Split
60% / 40%
Women / Men
First Generation
34%
Pell Grant Recipients
71%

Race & Ethnicity

White 3%
Black 93%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate40.7%
Freshman Retention71.2%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$33,630
8 Years$39,572
10 Years$45,543

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$37,100
Men
$40,300

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

106Above Average

Estimated from VA state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Washingtonpop. 690K
117 mi(203 min)
Raleighpop. 470K
121 mi(210 min)
Baltimorepop. 570K
149 mi(258 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Virginia State University Application Checklist

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