VSU vs. Ascent College

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA with Ascent College in Gainesville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Ascent College based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 83 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting); Ascent College is in Gainesville, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ascent College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia State University 13:1; Ascent College 8:1.

VSU vs. Ascent College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Ascent College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ascent College are 10.4% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,960 vs. $13,355).
• Virginia State University is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ascent College (about $1,493 more per year; $10,043.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 164.9% higher at VSU than at Ascent College (about $14,100 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Ascent College (92% vs. 0%).

VSU vs. Ascent College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or Ascent College? 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 Ascent College and VSU.

• Ascent College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Test optional; Ascent College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.

VSU vs. Ascent College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Ascent College? 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).

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.