DeSales University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare DeSales University in Center Valley, 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 DeSales University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,972 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• DeSales University is located in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: DeSales University 12:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

DeSales University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DeSales 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 Virginia Commonwealth University than DeSales University ($26,836 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 24.4% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($13,800 vs. $18,254).
• DeSales University is 176.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $29,855 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.7% higher at DeSales University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $6,691 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 117.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($30,909 vs. $14,186).

DeSales University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DeSales University or VCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VCU and DeSales University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 40 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: DeSales University 1090/1260; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: DeSales University 27/28; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DeSales University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman VCU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at DeSales University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

DeSales University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DeSales University and VCU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.