MBC vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA 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 MBC based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

MBC vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 Mary Baldwin University than VSU ($17,810 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 14.6% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,411 vs. $13,355).
• Mary Baldwin University is 240.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $24,109 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at MBC than at Virginia State University (about $11,502 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Virginia State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 126% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($28,135 vs. $12,447).

MBC vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 70 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming MBC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at VSU (2.85).

MBC vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, MBC graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($279 vs. $305).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.