Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), situated in Richmond, Virginia, offers a diverse urban campus environment with a blend of modern and historic architecture that reflects its inception in 1838. As a public research university, VCU comprises two main campuses, Monroe Park and the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), with a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university is known for its strong emphasis on arts and health sciences, featuring noted programs such as the School of the Arts and the School of Medicine. VCU provides on-campus housing options, catering to a significant portion of its student body. With an eclectic and culturally rich atmosphere, the institution is moderately selective in its admissions process. VCU's location in the heart of Virginia's capital city provides students with broader professional and recreational opportunities in a metropolitan setting. While the university supports a range of athletic teams known as the VCU Rams, it is particularly recognized for its men's basketball program.
In the most recent statistical year 18,242 prospective students applied, and 16,600 were granted admission. Of those admitted 4,167 enrolled in the school. 23,167 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 4,915 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $12,458 plus fees of $3,370. VCU is ranked 442 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
VCU is rated within the top 43% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Virginia Commonwealth University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#442 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#128 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#498 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#16 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1030/1290 |
| ACT | 22/30 |
| GPA | 3.75 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 18, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Other Fees | $3,370 |
| Room and Board | $12,279 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,720 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,067 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Other Fees | $3,370 |
| Room and Board | $12,279 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,720 |
| Total One Year Cost | $56,335 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 15% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 13% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering VCU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=234030 IPEDS survey data for Virginia Commonwealth University.
Current students may use the Virginia Commonwealth University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.