Hollins College vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hollins University in Roanoke, VA 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 Hollins College based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 761 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hollins University is located in Roanoke, VA (Midsize Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Hollins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hollins University 8:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Hollins College vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hollins College 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 Hollins University than VCU ($22,605 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hollins University are 13.4% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($15,800 vs. $18,254).
• Hollins University is 157.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $26,615 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Hollins College than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $3,451 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hollins University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hollins University students is 154.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($36,154 vs. $14,186).

Hollins College vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hollins College 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 Hollins College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hollins University (1250) is 110 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hollins University 1150/1340; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hollins College - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hollins College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at VCU (3.75).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Hollins College (68%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Hollins College vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Hollins College vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hollins College 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).

• Hollins University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Hollins College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Hollins College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hollins College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Hollins College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.