VSU vs. Carolina University

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA with Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Carolina University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 880 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting); Carolina University is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Midsize City setting).
• Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carolina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia State University 13:1; Carolina University 17:1.

VSU vs. Carolina University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Carolina University? 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 State University than Carolina University ($17,840 vs. $20,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carolina University are 7.2% lower than at Virginia State University ($12,400 vs. $13,355).
• Carolina University is 75% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $7,532 more per year; $17,575.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at VSU than at Carolina University (about $5,075 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $17,575.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carolina University than at Virginia State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Carolina University students ($12,447 vs. $11,947).

VSU vs. Carolina University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or Carolina University? 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 Carolina University and VSU.

• 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; Carolina University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carolina University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.0) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Carolina University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at VSU vs. 26.5% at Carolina University.

VSU vs. Carolina University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Carolina University? 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.