About Virginia State University
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $14,553 after aid, with 71% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $45,543 ten years out, but carry $26,500 in debt with monthly payments of $281. The 27.21% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle financially after leaving campus. Only 40.70% of students graduate within six years, which impacts long-term earning potential.
The student body is 92.94% Black, creating a supportive environment where students see themselves reflected in faculty and leadership. As NCAA Division II Trojans competing in the CIAA, the athletic program offers 15 sports and $1.96 million in scholarships. The 71.18% retention rate indicates most students who start here want to stay.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.7%
- Retention Rate
- 71.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,543
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $63,005 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $49,562 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $39,927 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $37,424 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,382 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $31,781 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,816 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know their students personally. As one of Virginia's top HBCUs, VSU carries deep traditions of Black excellence and community pride. The Trojans compete in 15 Division II sports, with athletics serving as a major campus rallying point. Students often gather for homecoming celebrations and Greek life events that showcase the school's rich HBCU culture. Weekend activities center around campus events, trips to Richmond for dining and entertainment, or supporting the 290 student-athletes in CIAA competition. The strong sense of community keeps 71% of students returning each year.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,015 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1882
Campus Safety (2023)
100 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 25 | 17 | 0 | 5 |
| Burglary | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Robbery | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–49°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.4%
- Women
- 59.6%
- White
- 2.6%
- Black
- 92.9%
- Hispanic
- 0.0%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 62.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 71.0%
Location
- Address
- Petersburg, Virginia 23806
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,543
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,774
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 27.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $281/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia State University?
Virginia State University accepts 89.72% of applicants with an average SAT score of 930. This HBCU provides accessible higher education opportunities while maintaining academic standards for students primarily interested in agriculture, engineering, and education programs.
How much does Virginia State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Virginia State University is $14,553, with 71% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,432 on average, making this historically black university affordable for low-income students.
What academic programs is Virginia State University known for?
Virginia State University built its reputation on strong agriculture, engineering, and education programs with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The university maintains its land-grant mission while serving a student body that is 92.94% Black across its suburban Petersburg campus.
What are the graduation rates at Virginia State University?
Virginia State University has a 40.70% six-year graduation rate and 71.18% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,543 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's focus on practical career preparation in fields like agriculture and education.
Where is Virginia State University located and what is campus life like?
Virginia State University sits in Petersburg, Virginia, housing up to 4,015 students in a large suburban setting. The campus supports 15 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II, with 290 student-athletes representing the Trojans in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
Is Virginia State University a historically black college?
Virginia State University is indeed an HBCU founded in 1882, serving 4,787 students who are predominantly African American. Notable alumni include Olympic boxer Pernell Whitaker and L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected African American governor, reflecting the university's legacy of producing influential Black leaders.
