Virginia Union University vs. Beacon College

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA with Beacon College in Leesburg, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than Beacon College based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Union University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Beacon College is in Leesburg, FL (Small Suburban setting).
• Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Beacon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Union University 16:1; Beacon College 12:1.

Virginia Union University vs. Beacon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia Union University or Beacon College? 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 Beacon College ($11,483 vs. $46,997).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 29.6% lower than at Beacon College ($11,016 vs. $15,658).
• Beacon College is 196.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $34,230 more per year; $51,680.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 196.2% higher at Beacon College than at Virginia Union University (about $34,230 more per year; $51,680.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Beacon College than at Virginia Union University (93% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Beacon College students is 36.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Union University students ($23,988 vs. $17,524).

Virginia Union University vs. Beacon College Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Virginia Union University - Test optional; Beacon College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Beacon College students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Beacon College (43.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Virginia Union University vs. 38.6% at Beacon College.

Virginia Union University vs. Beacon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Virginia Union University and Beacon 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).

• Beacon College's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Beacon College graduates have a $8,750 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($25,000 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Beacon College graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($258 vs. $348).
• More Beacon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.