About University of Richmond
The University of Richmond attracts 3,002 students to its Gothic Revival campus in Virginia's capital region. This liberal arts powerhouse built its reputation on intimate academics and a business school that consistently ranks among the nation's best. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell and Virginia's first elected Black governor Doug Wilder both walked these brick pathways. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name. Richmond's honor code runs deep, creating a culture where students leave laptops unattended and exams go unproctored.
The sticker price reaches $79,810, but most families pay far less. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,026 after aid. Even middle-class families often receive substantial help, with the average institutional grant hitting $45,174. Graduates earn a median of $76,178 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,000 manageable. The school meets full demonstrated need for admitted students.
Richmond's Spiders compete in Division I athletics across 15 sports, unusual for a school this size. The 93.18% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with campus life. Nearly 88% of students graduate in four years, and 95.3% find employment or graduate school placement. The school draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 14.55% of students calling Virginia home.
The sticker price reaches $79,810, but most families pay far less. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,026 after aid. Even middle-class families often receive substantial help, with the average institutional grant hitting $45,174. Graduates earn a median of $76,178 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,000 manageable. The school meets full demonstrated need for admitted students.
Richmond's Spiders compete in Division I athletics across 15 sports, unusual for a school this size. The 93.18% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with campus life. Nearly 88% of students graduate in four years, and 95.3% find employment or graduate school placement. The school draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 14.55% of students calling Virginia home.
Academics & Faculty
Richmond operates as a liberal arts college where close mentorship defines the academic experience. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means students work directly with professors rather than teaching assistants. Nearly 88% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the personal attention and academic support available. The Robins School of Business stands out nationally, particularly for finance and consulting preparation. Richmond requires students to complete coursework across multiple disciplines, ensuring graduates develop both analytical and communication skills. The college's small size of 3,002 students creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. This combination of liberal arts breadth and business school strength attracts students seeking both intellectual exploration and career preparation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.8%
- Retention Rate
- 93.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $76,178
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,867 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,157 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,355 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $65,821 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $63,005 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $59,858 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $57,705 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,544 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,924 |
Campus Life
The 3,002 students at Richmond enjoy one of the most picturesque campuses in America, with collegiate Gothic architecture spread across 350 acres just six miles from downtown Richmond. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Virginia's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.
With housing capacity for 2,872 students, nearly the entire student body lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The Spiders compete in Division I athletics with 405 student-athletes across 15 sports, and basketball games against rivals like VCU draw passionate crowds. Weekend social life centers around Greek organizations, campus traditions like the Ring Dance, and exploring Richmond's active downtown scene. The 93.18% retention rate reflects students who find their place quickly in this close community where school spirit runs deep and the honor code shapes campus culture.
With housing capacity for 2,872 students, nearly the entire student body lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The Spiders compete in Division I athletics with 405 student-athletes across 15 sports, and basketball games against rivals like VCU draw passionate crowds. Weekend social life centers around Greek organizations, campus traditions like the Ring Dance, and exploring Richmond's active downtown scene. The 93.18% retention rate reflects students who find their place quickly in this close community where school spirit runs deep and the honor code shapes campus culture.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,872 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1830
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–47°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 14.7"
Student Demographics
Richmond draws ambitious students from across the country, with 85% coming from out-of-state despite the Virginia location. The student body skews female at 54%, reflecting strong liberal arts and business programs that attract career-focused women. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly affluent student population despite the school's need-blind admissions and full-need financial aid policy. Students typically scored above 1400 on the SAT and maintained strong GPAs in high school. The diverse geographic mix creates a national network, while the low acceptance rate of 24% ensures academically driven peers who value both intellectual rigor and campus traditions.
- Men
- 46.0%
- Women
- 54.0%
- White
- 61.0%
- Black
- 6.3%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 6.1%
- In-State Students
- 14.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.6%
Location
The University of Richmond sits in Virginia's capital city, which has a metro population of over 1.3 million people. Richmond combines Southern charm with urban amenities just 100 miles south of Washington D.C. The city blends historic Civil War sites with a thriving arts scene and revitalized downtown districts. Students find internship opportunities across government, finance, and healthcare sectors throughout the region. The campus itself occupies 350 acres in a residential area west of downtown, creating a suburban feel within the city limits. Virginia's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from James River rafting to exploring nearby Civil War battlefields. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare University of Richmond with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- University of Richmond, Virginia 23173
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $76,178
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $79,784
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Richmond?
University of Richmond accepts 24.37% of applicants, making it highly selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1398 and 1530 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting top academic performers.
How much does University of Richmond cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $33,417, lower than the $79,810 total cost of attendance. The university meets full demonstrated need and provides an average institutional grant of $45,174 to recipients, though only 17.55% of students receive need-based aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Richmond?
The student-faculty ratio is 7:1 with just 3,002 total students, creating an intimate liberal arts environment. This small size allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention that the Spiders are known for.
What do University of Richmond graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $76,178 ten years after graduation with a strong 95.3% employment rate. The university's business school and liberal arts programs prepare students well for lucrative careers, while the median debt load of $21,000 remains manageable.
Where is University of Richmond located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Richmond, Virginia, famous for its beautiful gothic revival architecture and lakefront setting. With 2,872 students living on campus out of 3,002 total enrollment, it maintains a tight-knit residential community atmosphere.
Does University of Richmond have strong athletic programs?
The Spiders compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference with 15 varsity sports and 405 total athletes. The university invests $12.8 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating serious commitment to competitive sports alongside academics.
