Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public · 4-year · HBCU

Virginia State University has a 89.1% acceptance rate. Virginia State University is a public 4-year institution in Petersburg, VA, with a median SAT of 945 and a median ACT of 18. The average net price is $15,840 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

89.1%

10,577 applicants

SAT Median

945

Combined score

ACT Median

18

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$15,840

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Virginia State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Virginia State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)8009451070
ACT (composite, 1–36)141820

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

40.1%

Retention Rate

69.4%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$45,543

Student Body

5,074

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Virginia State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$13,220
$30,001 – $48,000$14,758
$48,001 – $75,000$19,463
$75,001 – $110,000$22,223
$110,000+$25,508

Top Majors at Virginia State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing117
Psychology71
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice56
Education50
Biological & Biomedical Sciences46
Communication & Journalism45
Social Sciences45
Engineering Technologies37
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies30
Agriculture & Natural Resources25

Financial Aid at Virginia State University

About Virginia State University

Official website: https://www.vsu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.vsu.edu/admissions/index.php

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia State University

What is the acceptance rate at Virginia State University?

Virginia State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. it received about 10,577 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 945; the average net price is $15,840 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Virginia State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Virginia State University?

Getting into Virginia State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 89% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 945. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Virginia State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Virginia State University?

Admitted students at Virginia State University typically have a median SAT around 945 and a median ACT around 18. With a 89% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Virginia State University?

The average net price at Virginia State University is $15,840 per year after grants and scholarships. about 92% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $12,300 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Virginia State University?

Virginia State University has a graduation rate of 40%. its first-year retention rate is 69%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $45,543. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Virginia State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Virginia State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Virginia State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 945. With a 89% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Virginia State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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