Converse University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Converse University in Spartanburg, SC 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 Converse University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 1,787 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Converse University is located in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Converse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Converse University 12:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Converse University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Converse 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 Converse University than VCU ($19,061 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Converse University are 26.7% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($13,380 vs. $18,254).
• Converse University is 49% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $8,295 more per year; $25,240.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.9% higher at VCU than at Converse University (about $14,869 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Converse University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Converse University students is 30.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($18,575 vs. $14,186).

Converse University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Commonwealth University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming VCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Converse University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Converse University 1010/1250; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Converse University 19/26; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Converse University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Converse University Aug 1, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Converse University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at VCU (3.75).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Converse University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at Converse University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Converse University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Converse 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).

• Converse 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 $14,500 more per year than Converse University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $33,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,702 lower median loan debt than Converse University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,952).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Converse University graduates ($240 vs. $278).
• More Converse University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.