VCU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 92.62%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1130. Average SAT scores, indicating a moderately competitive applicant pool.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $16,720
- Out-of-State Tuition: $39,884
- Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.
Student Population at VCU:
- Total Enrollment: 28,464, including 2,830 online students
- 21,210 Undergraduate, 7,254 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 35.8% men, 64.2% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 63%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 21%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 85%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 263 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 29 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 125 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Medical School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
VCU Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a four-year, public school located in Richmond, VA. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The VCU's tuition & fees is $16,720 for Virginia residents and $39,884 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 70% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $13,626.
The school has a total enrollment of 28,464 and the students to faculty ratio is 17 to 1 (5.88%).
VCU's acceptance rate is 92.62% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 21.59%. The median SAT score is 1130 and the ACT score is 25.
VCU ranked 218th in National Universities and 14th in Virginia Colleges rankings. Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Virginia Commonwealth University is $16,720 for in-state students and $39,884 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $17,252 for in-state students and $32,470 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $17,222 for Virginia residents and $40,980 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $17,766 for Virginia residents and $33,376 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $16,720 | $39,884 |
|---|
| Graduate | $17,252 | $32,470 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $17,222 | $40,980 |
|---|
| Graduate | $17,766 | $33,376 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Virginia Commonwealth University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at VCU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
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| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
Virginia Commonwealth University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing VCU