Allen University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen University in Columbia, SC 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 Allen University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 610 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Allen University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen University 12:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Allen University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen University 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 Allen University than VSU ($11,182 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen University are 35.7% lower than at Virginia State University ($8,584 vs. $13,355).
• Allen University is 42.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $4,261 more per year; $14,304.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.3% higher at VSU than at Allen University (about $8,346 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $14,304.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Allen University than at Virginia State University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Allen University students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($12,927 vs. $12,447).

Allen University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen University 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 Allen University.

• Allen University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen University - Open admission; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen University Jul 1, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Allen University (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.1% at Allen University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Allen University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen University 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).

• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Allen University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $24,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $7,619 lower median loan debt than Allen University graduates ($29,500 vs. $37,119).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allen University graduates ($305 vs. $383).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Allen University students, three years after graduation. (28% vs. 13%)

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.