Rowan University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ 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 Rowan University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 21,026 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rowan University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rowan University 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 Rowan University than VCU ($23,761 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rowan University are 7.3% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($16,928 vs. $18,254).
• Virginia Commonwealth University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rowan University (about $371 more per year; $16,945.00 vs. $16,574.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.9% higher at VCU than at Rowan University (about $13,177 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $26,932.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rowan University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (93% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Rowan University students ($14,186 vs. $12,419).

Rowan University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rowan University 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 Rowan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rowan University (1210) is 70 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Rowan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at VCU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rowan University 1110/1310; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rowan University 23/29; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rowan University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Rowan University (3.44).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Rowan University (77.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at Rowan University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Rowan University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rowan University 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).

• Rowan University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Rowan University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,300 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rowan University graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than VCU graduates ($20,000 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Rowan University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($206 vs. $240).
• More Rowan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.