JCU vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH 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 JCU based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

JCU vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 JCU ($26,836 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 20.5% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($14,520 vs. $18,254).
• John Carroll University is 198% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $33,555 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at JCU than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $10,391 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 152.3% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($35,785 vs. $14,186).

JCU vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 120 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming JCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at JCU (3.66).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 21.6% at VCU.

JCU vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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).

• John Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,689 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($240 vs. $278).
• More JCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.