About Virginia Union University
Students typically pay around $19,580 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $38,275 ten years after graduation, while carrying $29,000 in typical debt. The employment rate reaches 94.1%, showing strong job placement despite modest starting salaries.
VUU maintains a close-knit campus environment with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly 89% of students are Black, creating a strong community atmosphere typical of HBCUs. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports and award over $1.6 million in athletic scholarships. About 42% of students come from Virginia, while others travel from across the country to join this historic institution's tradition of leadership development.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.3%
- Retention Rate
- 61.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,275
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $37,980 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $32,563 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,213 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $28,212 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,730 |
| History. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,530 |
Campus Life
Richmond's four-season climate requires both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and shorts for humid summers reaching the 80s. The city offers internships in government and business that align with VUU's strong programs in these areas. Students often gather in the student center or attend Panthers athletic events, with 274 athletes competing across 14 sports in Division II. Weekend activities include exploring Richmond's historic districts, attending Baptist church services that reflect the university's religious roots, or participating in Greek life that's central to campus social culture. The combination of urban opportunities and HBCU traditions creates a unique environment where academic and cultural identity intersect.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 667 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–47°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 8.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.9%
- Women
- 52.1%
- White
- 1.1%
- Black
- 88.9%
- Hispanic
- 2.4%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 42.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 50.6%
Location
- Address
- Richmond, Virginia 23220
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,275
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,004
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 19.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $307/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Union University?
Virginia Union University accepts 80.55% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 813 and 990 on the SAT. This historic HBCU welcomes students who are committed to its Baptist mission and academic tradition.
How much does Virginia Union University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,580 annually at Virginia Union University. Over 50% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving low-income families. The median debt load of $29,000 is manageable compared to many private institutions.
What is Virginia Union University known for academically?
Virginia Union University operates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,153 enrolled students. The university has built a strong reputation in theology and business programs since its founding in 1865. Its Baptist affiliation continues to influence its mission of developing ethical leaders.
What are the graduation rates at Virginia Union University?
Virginia Union University graduates 41.30% of students within six years and maintains a 61.82% retention rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $38,275 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 94.1% employment rate. The university's focus on leadership development helps explain these strong career outcomes.
Where do students live at Virginia Union University?
Virginia Union University houses 667 students on its Richmond campus, which sits in Virginia's capital city. The university draws 42.06% of its students from in-state, creating a strong connection to Virginia communities. Richmond's midsize setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining a college town feel.
Is Virginia Union University a historically black college?
Virginia Union University is a historically black college with 88.90% Black enrollment and a proud 158-year legacy. The university has produced notable political leaders including Douglas Wilder, the first elected African American governor in US history. Its 14 varsity sports teams compete as the Panthers in NCAA Division II.
