Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($17,840 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia State University are 0.3% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($13,355 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 217.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $21,857 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.8% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Virginia State University (about $9,250 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Virginia State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 88.5% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($23,467 vs. $12,447).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne University 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lenoir Rhyne University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($279 vs. $305).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.