About Virginia Commonwealth University
The financial picture looks reasonable for a full research university. In-state students pay an average net price of $19,452 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $58,128 ten years out. Students typically leave with $21,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228. The 91% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants get in, though the 65% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused.
Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus draws heavily from Virginia with 90% in-state enrollment. The diverse student population is 41% white, 22% Black, and 14% Asian. VCU competes in Division I athletics as the Rams, though the school's real claim to fame remains its powerhouse arts programs and medical center that dominates much of downtown Richmond.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.4%
- Retention Rate
- 85.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,128
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $234,763 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $181,454 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,256 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $106,935 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $93,467 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,178 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $89,305 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $86,867 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $82,440 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
Campus Life
Women make up 63.6% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The arts scene dominates weekend life, with students flocking to gallery openings, live music shows, and theater performances downtown. VCU's reputation for creativity attracts students who spend weekends exploring Richmond's murals, food trucks, and craft breweries. The Siegel Center becomes electric during basketball season, especially when the Rams face cross-town rival University of Richmond. With 90% of students coming from Virginia, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty of urban adventures within walking distance of campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 5,973 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
451 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 108 | 46 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 32 | 9 | 2 | 23 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 15 | 0 | 0 | 37 |
| Dating Violence | 23 | 13 | 1 | 4 |
| Fondling | 22 | 9 | 1 | 3 |
| Rape | 18 | 10 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 19 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| Burglary | 17 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Murder | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–47°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 8.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.4%
- Women
- 63.6%
- White
- 40.6%
- Black
- 21.7%
- Hispanic
- 11.7%
- Asian
- 14.2%
- In-State Students
- 90.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.7%
Location
- Address
- Richmond, Virginia 23284-2512
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,128
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,414
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 91% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1290 on the SAT. This open admissions approach reflects VCU's mission as a public research university serving diverse student populations.
How much does Virginia Commonwealth University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Virginia Commonwealth University is $19,452 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,830 on average. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, VCU maintains affordability for working-class families in Virginia.
What are Virginia Commonwealth University's strongest academic programs?
Virginia Commonwealth University is well-known for its arts, medicine, and social work programs. The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1, providing reasonable access to professors. VCU has built a reputation as a research university that balances creative disciplines with health sciences.
What do graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn after college?
Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn a median salary of $58,128 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.2% for recent graduates. Students typically graduate with $21,500 in debt, which is manageable given the strong job placement rates.
Where is Virginia Commonwealth University located and what is campus life like?
Virginia Commonwealth University sits in downtown Richmond, providing an urban campus experience in Virginia's capital city. The university houses 5,973 students on campus out of 20,797 total enrollment. Richmond offers internships, cultural attractions, and the energy of a midsize city.
Does Virginia Commonwealth University have a diverse student body?
Virginia Commonwealth University enrolls a diverse student population with 40.6% white, 21.7% Black, 14.2% Asian, and 11.7% Hispanic students. Women comprise 63.6% of the student body. This diversity reflects VCU's urban setting and commitment to serving all communities in Virginia.
