University of Scranton vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Scranton in Scranton, PA 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 Scranton based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 4,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Scranton is located in Scranton, PA (Small City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Scranton 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 Scranton 11:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

University of Scranton vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Scranton 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 Scranton ($26,836 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Scranton are 4.8% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($17,380 vs. $18,254).
• University of Scranton is 218.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $37,038 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.6% higher at University of Scranton than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $13,874 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Scranton than at Virginia Commonwealth University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Scranton students is 151% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($35,606 vs. $14,186).

University of Scranton vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Scranton (1240) is 100 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming University of Scranton students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Scranton 1160/1318; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Scranton 25/30; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Scranton - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than University of Scranton (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at University of Scranton vs. 21.6% at VCU.

University of Scranton vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Scranton 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 Scranton's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from University of Scranton earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than University of Scranton graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Scranton graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More University of Scranton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.