Academic Comparison between VSU and SVU

Virginia State University and Southern Virginia University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. VSU is a four-year, public school located in Petersburg, VA and SVU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Buena Vista, 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 SVU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • VSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($22,650) than SVU ($21,030).
  • It is harder to admit to VSU than SVU.
  • VSU has more students with 5,605 students while SVU has 936 students.
  • VSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while SVU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • VSU has more full-time faculties with 313 faculties while SVU has 53 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia State Universityvs.Southern Virginia University
Petersburg, VirginiaLocationBuena Vista, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor'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$21,030
91%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$15,647Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,839
88.63 %Acceptance Rates96.42 %
14.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
945SAT Score-
18ACT Score-
39 %Graduation Rate33 %
-Transfer-out Rate24 %
69 %Retention Rate74 %
5,605Student Population936
313Number of Faculties53
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services