University of Richmond vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Richmond in University of Richmond, 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 University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Richmond is located in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Richmond 7:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

University of Richmond vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Richmond 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 University of Richmond ($26,836 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 6.1% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($17,140 vs. $18,254).
• University of Richmond is 285% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $48,285 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.6% higher at University of Richmond than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $25,121 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Commonwealth University than at University of Richmond (88% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 259.8% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($51,039 vs. $14,186).

University of Richmond vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Richmond 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 University of Richmond.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 330 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Richmond 1410/1530; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Richmond 33/35; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Richmond - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.5% at University of Richmond vs. 21.6% at VCU.

University of Richmond vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Richmond 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).

• University of Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $26,400 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $2,102 lower median loan debt than VCU graduates ($21,148 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($218 vs. $240).
• More University of Richmond graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.