VSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 3,650 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting); Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in Harrisburg, PA (Small City setting).
• Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia State University 13:1; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 18:1.

VSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than VSU ($15,984 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are 17.3% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,040 vs. $13,355).
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is 143% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $14,357 more per year; $24,400.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than at Virginia State University (about $1,750 more per year; $24,400.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than at Virginia State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students is 58.3% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($19,706 vs. $12,447).

VSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and VSU.

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 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; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at VSU vs. 9.6% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

VSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's (9%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($26,500 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($274 vs. $305).
• More Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 28%)

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.