Chatham vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA 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 Chatham based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chatham University 10:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Chatham vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham 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 Virginia Commonwealth University than Chatham ($26,836 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 25.5% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($13,600 vs. $18,254).
• Chatham University is 163.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $27,681 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Chatham than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $4,517 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 112.1% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($30,095 vs. $14,186).

Chatham vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham 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 Chatham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chatham University (1180) is 40 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming VCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Chatham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at VCU (3.75).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Chatham vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham 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).

• Chatham 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 $10,800 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than VCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($211 vs. $240).
• More Chatham graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.