Coker vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Coker University in Hartsville, 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 Coker based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,325 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Coker vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Coker 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 Virginia State University than Coker ($17,840 vs. $19,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Coker University are 9.3% lower than at Virginia State University ($12,114 vs. $13,355).
• Coker University is 232.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $23,373 more per year; $33,416.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.5% higher at Coker than at Virginia State University (about $10,766 more per year; $33,416.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Coker University than at Virginia State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Coker University students is 112.5% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($26,449 vs. $12,447).

Coker vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Coker 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 Coker.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Coker University (1050) is 90 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Coker students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Coker University 940/1160; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Coker University 16/24; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Coker - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Coker students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at VSU (2.85).
• Coker has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.7% at Coker vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Coker vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Coker 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).

• Coker University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Coker graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Coker University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($28,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Coker graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($289 vs. $305).
• More Coker graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (41% vs. 28%)

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.