Alfred University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alfred University in Alfred, NY with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alfred University is located in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alfred University 9:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Alfred University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University or VCU? 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 Alfred University than VCU ($26,470 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alfred University are 15.7% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($15,380 vs. $18,254).
• Alfred University is 144.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $24,555 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Alfred University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $1,391 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 118.7% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($31,022 vs. $14,186).

Alfred University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred University or VCU? 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 VCU and Alfred University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 60 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Alfred University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at VCU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Alfred University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Alfred University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University and VCU? 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).

• Alfred University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alfred University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 56%)

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.