Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-yearHBCU

Virginia State University

Petersburg, Virginia Β· Suburb: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#3933
Nationally
#100
In Virginia
89%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$5,540
In-State Tuition
per year
41%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
4,829
Undergrad Enrollment
5,000–9,999
Overall Score & Rankings
40/100
Average
#3933 nationally
#100 in Virginia
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes41
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment5
πŸ”¬Program Breadth69

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Virginia State University, a historically Black college and university, is a public four-year university located in Petersburg, Virginia. With 4,829 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 89%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $5,540 per year ($17,038 out-of-state), significantly below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 41%, which is average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate89%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
10,577
Applied
9,424
Admitted
1,448
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading420 – 540
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math380 – 510
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)14 – 20
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$5,540/yr
In-State Fees$4,215/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$17,038/yr
Room & Board$14,266/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$24,021/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$36,272/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$5,540↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate41%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
4,829
Total Undergrads
60% F / 40% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 3%
Hispanic 0%
Black 93%
Asian 0%
International 1%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($5,540/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (89% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 41% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
  • Β·Room and board costs ($14,266/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationPetersburg, Virginia
SettingSuburb: Large
Size5,000–9,999
HBCUYes
State Ranking
#100
in Virginia out of 7+ colleges
#3933
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.