Virginia Union University vs. Messenger College

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Union University is larger than Messenger College based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 24 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Union University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Messenger College is in Bedford, TX (Small City setting).
• Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messenger College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Union University 16:1; Messenger College 8:1.

Virginia Union University vs. Messenger College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia Union University or Messenger 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 Messenger College ($11,483 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 17.2% lower than at Messenger College ($11,016 vs. $13,305).
• Virginia Union University is 50.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messenger College (about $5,830 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.2% higher at Virginia Union University than at Messenger College (about $5,830 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Union University as at Messenger College (88% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 344.8% larger than aid received by Messenger College students ($17,524 vs. $3,940).

Virginia Union University vs. Messenger College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Virginia Union University or Messenger 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 Messenger 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; Messenger College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Messenger College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messenger College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Messenger College (37.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Virginia Union University vs. 66.7% at Messenger College.

Virginia Union University vs. Messenger College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Virginia Union University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than Messenger College's (10%).
• Graduates from Virginia Union University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Messenger College graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,300 vs. $24,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Messenger College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (40% 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.