Alabama State vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Alabama State based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 4,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Alabama State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama State University 15:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Alabama State vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State or VSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alabama State University than VSU ($13,138 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 41.5% lower than at Virginia State University ($7,816 vs. $13,355).
• Alabama State University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $1,205 more per year; $11,248.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at VSU than at Alabama State University (about $3,074 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $19,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Alabama State University (92% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 7.5% larger than aid received by Alabama State University students ($12,447 vs. $11,583).

Alabama State vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State or VSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VSU and Alabama State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 100 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming Alabama State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at VSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama State students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (2.95) than students at VSU (2.85).
• Alabama State has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Alabama State vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State and VSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Alabama State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $2,591 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($29,500 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($305 vs. $331).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (28% vs. 20%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.