Academic Comparison between VSU and Roanoke

Virginia State University and Roanoke College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. VSU is a four-year, public school located in Petersburg, VA and Roanoke is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Salem, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • VSU is a public and Roanoke is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Roanoke has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,068) than VSU ($22,650).
  • It is harder to admit to Roanoke than VSU.
  • Roanoke has a higher submitted SAT score (945) than VSU (945).
  • Roanoke has higher submitted ACT score (18) than VSU (18).
  • VSU has more students with 5,605 students while Roanoke has 1,804 students.
  • Roanoke has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while VSU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • VSU has more full-time faculties with 313 faculties while Roanoke has 156 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia State Universityvs.Roanoke College
Petersburg, VirginiaLocationSalem, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,043
Out-Of-State$22,650
2025 Tuition & Fees$38,068
91%% Receiving Financial Aid98%
$15,647Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,984
88.63 %Acceptance Rates83.06 %
14.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.74 %
945SAT Score1,190
18ACT Score27
39 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate9 %
69 %Retention Rate76 %
5,605Student Population1,804
313Number of Faculties156
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services