VSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia State University 13:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

VSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than VSU ($9,541 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Potomac State College of West Virginia University are 5.8% lower than at Virginia State University ($12,580 vs. $13,355).
• Virginia State University is 90.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $4,763 more per year; $10,043.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.6% higher at VSU than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $9,450 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (92% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 80.7% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($12,447 vs. $6,890).

VSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and VSU.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University 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; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Potomac State College of West Virginia University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.06) than students at VSU (2.85).

VSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $5,499 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($24,001 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($248 vs. $305).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.