VSU vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia State University 13:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

VSU vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Virginia Union 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 Union University than VSU ($11,483 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 17.5% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,016 vs. $13,355).
• Virginia Union University is 73.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $7,407 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.8% higher at VSU than at Virginia Union University (about $5,200 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Virginia Union University (92% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 40.8% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($17,524 vs. $12,447).

VSU vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University and VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 90 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 840/1070; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• 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; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (2.85) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at VSU vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

VSU vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Virginia Union 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($29,500 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($305 vs. $348).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (28% vs. 19%)

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.