Virginia State University

School Overview

Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA, 23806. The university is ranked #42 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Virginia State University has an acceptance rate of 89%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 840-1070 and ACT scores of 17-22. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.2.

Virginia State University enrolls 5,129 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 27%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Virginia State University include Psychology, General (11% of students, median early-career salary: $50,956), Criminal Justice/Safety Studies (9% of students, median early-career salary: $46,108), and Business Administration and Management, General (8% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $14,164. However, the average net price after financial aid is $14,164, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $11,741 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Virginia State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Virginia State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Virginia State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.