Virginia State University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Virginia State University is a public research university in Petersburg, Virginia, serving roughly 5,074 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 88.63% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $45,543 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $10,043
- 2024 Average Net Price: $15,840 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 88.63% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 5,074 96.1% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 39.44%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Small Programs
- First-Generation Students: 34.2%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 1.0% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 2.7% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 64.7%
- Average SAT Score: 948
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,876
- Applicants (IPEDS): 10,577
- Room & Board: $13,355 annual estimate
Virginia State University: what the data shows
Common questions about Virginia State University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Virginia State University?
Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (ZIP 23806).
NCES locale classification: Rural fringe.
Is Virginia State University public or private?
Virginia State University is a Public institution.
How much does Virginia State University cost?
Published tuition: $10,043 in-state, $22,650 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $15,840.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $13,220 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,758 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,463 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,223 |
| $110,001+ | $25,508 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $40,172.
How hard is it to get into Virginia State University?
Admission rate: 88.63%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 948 and midpoint ACT 18.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Virginia State University?
Total enrollment: 5,074 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,876 students.
Graduate enrollment: 481 students.
About 96% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia State University?
150%-time completion rate: 39.44%.
First-year retention: 69.4%.
What do graduates of Virginia State University earn?
Median earnings: $33,630 six years after entry; $45,543 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $26,500.
72.13% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Virginia State University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Psychology, General (73 completions)
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies (56 completions)
- Business Administration and Management, General (52 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (48 completions)
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching (47 completions)
- Mass Communication/Media Studies (45 completions)
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General (33 completions)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (32 completions)
- Computer Science (31 completions)
- 00.0010 (25 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Virginia State University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 88.63%; completion rate 39.44%; median earnings $45,543 at 10 years; net price $15,840. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$10,043
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Virginia State University was $10,043.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$15,840
2024 Value
In 2024 Virginia State University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $15,840.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$63,360 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$15,840 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$40,172 4-Year In-State Tuition
$90,600 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$13,355 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,300 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$24,698 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$98,792 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Virginia State University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
72.13% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
75.67% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Virginia State University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Virginia State University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $7,784 | $17,192 | $13,399 |
| 2014 | $8,002 | $17,838 | $14,337 |
| 2015 | $8,226 | $18,398 | $13,617 |
| 2016 | $8,472 | $19,002 | $14,507 |
| 2017 | $8,726 | $19,572 | $15,063 |
| 2018 | $9,056 | $20,307 | $15,899 |
| 2019 | $9,154 | $20,909 | $16,970 |
| 2020 | $9,154 | $20,909 | $17,237 |
| 2021 | $9,154 | $20,909 | $15,359 |
| 2022 | $9,654 | $21,409 | $14,164 |
| 2023 | $9,755 | $22,006 | $14,553 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
88.63% Acceptance Rate
10,577 Total Applicants
9,424 Students Admitted
1,448 First-Time Students Enrolled
15.37% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 948
ACT Average: 18
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Virginia State University reported total enrollment of about 5,074 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 41% male and 59% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes Black or African American (83.0%), Hispanic or Latino (6.2%), and Two or More Races (5.3%). About 72.13% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 34.2% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
96.1% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Virginia State University in 2024 is 5,074 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 5,876 students. Graduate enrollment is about 481 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
69.4%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is Black or African American at 83.0%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
24.35% 100% Completion Time
39.44% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 24.35% of students graduating from Virginia State University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Psychology, General: 16% male / 84% female
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies: 27% male / 73% female
- Business Administration and Management, General: 37% male / 63% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: Black or African American.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Virginia State University.
Return on Investment
$26,500 Median Student Debt
$45,543 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
58.19% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
618.80% Return on Investment
5.8 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Virginia State University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 43 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Psychology, General: 73 completions
2. Criminal Justice/Safety Studies: 56 completions
3. Business Administration and Management, General: 52 completions
4. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 48 completions
5. Physical Education Teaching and Coaching: 47 completions
6. Mass Communication/Media Studies: 45 completions
7. Educational Leadership and Administration, General: 33 completions
8. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 32 completions
9. Computer Science: 31 completions
Most popular programs at Virginia State University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Virginia State University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Virginia State University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 64.7%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $9,469
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $15,660
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Virginia State University is a public institution located in Petersburg, VA, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Small Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Psychology, General, Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Business Administration and Management, General. Enrollment is approximately 5,074 students. Student body composition includes Black or African American (83.0%), Hispanic or Latino (6.2%), Two or More Races (5.3%). The admission rate is 88.63%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 948. The 150%-time completion rate is 39.44%. Approximately 72.13% of students receive Pell Grants. About 34.2% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Small Programs
Location
Petersburg, VA 23806
Region: Southeast
Insights and Analysis
Graduation Rate Considerations: The 39.44% graduation rate at Virginia State University falls below the national average. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as academic preparation, support services, and career outcomes when evaluating this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Virginia State University located?
Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA.
What is Virginia State University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Virginia State University is 88.6% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 10,577 applicants and 9,424 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Virginia State University cost?
Reported tuition is $10,043 and average net price is $15,840 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $13,355 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Virginia State University?
Virginia State University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 5,876 students, Black or African American (83.0%), Hispanic or Latino (6.2%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Virginia State University?
About 34.2% of students at Virginia State University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Virginia State University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Virginia State University reports midpoint SAT about 948 and midpoint ACT about 18.
What do graduates of Virginia State University earn?
Median earnings are $33,630 six years after entry and $45,543 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia State University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 39.4% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Virginia State University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $26,500.
Is Virginia State University public or private?
Virginia State University is a public institution located in Petersburg, VA.
Is Virginia State University an HBCU?
Yes. Virginia State University is flagged as a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in IPEDS.
Is Virginia State University a tribal college?
No. Virginia State University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Virginia college costs
- Virginia colleges by ROI
- Petersburg, Virginia city profile
- Southeast regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Virginia
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.