University of the Virgin Islands: 96.9% Acceptance Rate

96.9%Acceptance

$5,612Tuition

1,431Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,681Earnings

#1 in U.S. Virgin IslandsPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About University of the Virgin Islands

The University of the Virgin Islands is the territory's sole public university, serving 1,431 students in a rural-fringe setting on St. Thomas. This historically black institution has educated Virgin Islanders since 1962, functioning as the primary gateway to higher education in the Caribbean territory. The university accepts 96.9% of applicants, reflecting its mission to serve the local community where 93.5% of students are territorial residents.

Students pay an average net price of $7,563 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable four-year options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $38,681 ten years after enrollment, though the 28.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. The typical graduate leaves with $16,800 in debt and monthly loan payments of $178. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the university's role serving lower-income families.

The student body is predominantly female at 68.6% and reflects the territory's demographics with 68.8% Black students and 15.2% Hispanic students. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small despite limited resources. The university fields six varsity sports with just 27 total athletes, emphasizing academics over athletics in this tight-knit island community.

Academics & Faculty

The University of the Virgin Islands serves as the territory's primary public university, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across five schools including business, education, liberal arts, nursing, and science and mathematics. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate class sizes typical of smaller institutions. However, academic support faces challenges, reflected in the 28.6% six-year graduation rate. The university emphasizes marine and environmental science programs, taking advantage of its Caribbean location for research opportunities. Students benefit from small class discussions and direct faculty mentorship. The institution focuses heavily on serving local students, with 93.5% of enrollment coming from the Virgin Islands. Programs in education and nursing address critical workforce needs in the territory.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.6%
Retention Rate: 76.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,681
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$45,529
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$36,132
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$32,925
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$31,839
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$25,194
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$24,421

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

The University of the Virgin Islands sits on St. Thomas, where trade winds keep temperatures in the 80s year-round and winter coats are unnecessary. With housing for just 470 students and total enrollment of 1,431, about one-third of students live on campus in a close-knit residential community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers.

Campus life moves at Caribbean pace, with students often gathering at Magens Bay Beach or exploring Charlotte Amalie's historic downtown just minutes away. The territory's isolation creates a unique college experience where 93.48% of students are Virgin Islands residents, fostering strong local connections. With only 6 varsity sports and 27 total athletes, the athletic scene is intimate rather than competitive. Weekend activities center around the natural beauty of the islands, from snorkeling excursions to hiking trails with ocean views. Students embrace island culture while pursuing degrees that often lead to careers serving the local community, as reflected in the high percentage of graduates who remain in the territory after graduation.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 470 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1962

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 72°–85°F
July Avg: 78°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 126.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The University of the Virgin Islands draws almost entirely from local students, with over 93% coming from the territory itself. This reflects the school's role as the islands' primary public university option. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, which aligns with national trends in education and health programs that UVI emphasizes. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working families throughout the Caribbean territory. The predominantly Black and Hispanic student population mirrors the Virgin Islands' demographics, making UVI a true reflection of its community.

Men: 31.4%
Women: 68.6%
White: 5.4%
Black: 68.8%
Hispanic: 15.2%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 93.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.2%

Location

Charlotte Amalie sits on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, roughly 1,100 miles southeast of Miami. The campus occupies a tropical Caribbean setting where students can walk to pristine beaches and coral reefs. About 93% of students come from within the territory, reflecting the university's role as the primary higher education option for Virgin Islands residents. The rural-fringe location means limited nightlife but abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities year-round. Hurricane season brings occasional disruptions to campus life. The small island setting creates a tight-knit community atmosphere among the 1,431 enrolled students. Students considering colleges in the U.S. Virgin Islands may also compare University of the Virgin Islands with mainland Caribbean universities in Florida or Puerto Rico.

Address: Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802-9990

University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center

University of the Virgin Islands entrance sign

University of the Virgin Islands view from campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,681
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,634
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,800

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of the Virgin Islands?

University of the Virgin Islands accepts 96.90% of applicants, making admission highly accessible to most students. The average SAT score is 895, reflecting the university's mission to serve the local community regardless of test performance. This open access approach aligns with UVI's role as the primary public higher education option for Virgin Islands residents.

How much does University of the Virgin Islands cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of the Virgin Islands is $7,563 annually, making it one of the more affordable college options in the Caribbean region. In-state tuition is just $5,612, while 46.23% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of only $6,828.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of the Virgin Islands?

University of the Virgin Islands maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,431 students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention in a close-knit island community setting. The university operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on serving the educational needs of the U.S. Virgin Islands territory.

What are the graduation rates at University of the Virgin Islands?

University of the Virgin Islands has a 28.60% six-year graduation rate and a 27.90% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,681 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 86.1%. The university serves as an HBCU and the only public university option for Virgin Islands students seeking to stay close to home.

Where do students live at University of the Virgin Islands?

University of the Virgin Islands has housing capacity for 470 students on its Charlotte Amalie campus, which sits in a rural-fringe setting. The student body is 68.62% female and 93.48% in-state residents, creating a tight community feel. Room and board costs $10,650 annually for those who choose to live on campus.

Is University of the Virgin Islands an HBCU?

Yes, University of the Virgin Islands is a historically Black college and university, with 68.83% of students identifying as Black. Founded in 1962, it serves as the primary higher education institution for the U.S. Virgin Islands territory. The university offers six varsity sports through NJCAA competition with 27 total athletes receiving $280,961 in athletic scholarships.