MBC vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, 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 MBC based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 1,772 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

MBC vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 Mary Baldwin University than VCU ($17,810 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 37.5% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($11,411 vs. $18,254).
• Mary Baldwin University is 101.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $17,207 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.4% higher at VCU than at Mary Baldwin University (about $5,957 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 98.3% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($28,135 vs. $14,186).

MBC vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Virginia Commonwealth University (1140) is 110 points higher than at MBC (1030).
• Incoming VCU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (26 vs. 21 at MBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman VCU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at MBC (3.57).

MBC vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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.

• Virginia Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More VCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MBC students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 53%)

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.