VCU vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA with Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than VWC based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VCU vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCU or VWC? 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 Wesleyan University than VCU ($21,267 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 34.6% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($11,930 vs. $18,254).
• Virginia Wesleyan University is 121.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $20,555 more per year; $37,500.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at VCU than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $2,609 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students is 110.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($29,923 vs. $14,186).

VCU vs. VWC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCU or VWC? 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 VWC and VCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Wesleyan University (1250) is 110 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming VWC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCU - Test optional; VWC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at VWC (3.39).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than VWC (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at VCU vs. 11.9% at VWC.

VCU vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCU and VWC? 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).

• Virginia Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Virginia Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than VWC graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More VWC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.