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Public, 4-Year
Petersburg, VA

Virginia State University

Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in VA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.

Annual Tuition

$9,755

Average Sticker Price

Admission Rate

89.1%

Selectivity Level

Graduation Rate

39.3%

Completion Success

Median Earnings

$45,543

10y Career Outlook

About Institution

Virginia State University is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in Petersburg, VA. With a competitive tuition profile of $9,755, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 39.3% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.

Admissions Intel

SAT Score Range

Reading & Writing420 – 540
20025th–75th percentile800
Math380 – 510
20025th–75th percentile800

ACT Score Range

Composite14 – 20
125th–75th percentile36

Acceptance Rate

89.1%

Transfer-Out Rate0.0%

Investment Return

Estimated College ROI Analysis

Total 4-Year Cost

$39,020

Based on sticker tuition

Estimated Payback

2.5 yrs

Time to recoup investment

Annual Earnings Boost

+$15,543

vs. $30k HS diploma baseline

10-Year Net Gain

+$116,410

Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost

20-Year Net Gain

+$271,840

Long-term projected return on your education investment

Graduation Rate: 39%

Students who don't graduate may still carry debt without the full earnings benefit. Consider program-specific outcomes in the Career Paths section below.

ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Virginia State University is $26,500.

Student Community

Gender Balance

Women
Men
59.6%
40.4%
FemininityMasculinity

Ethnic Diversity

Black
92.9%
Unknown
3.3%
White
2.6%
International
0.6%
Asian
0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.3%
Hispanic
0.0%
Two or more
0.0%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.0%

Security Audit

Safety Rating: 3-Year Aggregate

Incidents

0

Burglary

0

Theft

0

Assault

0

Robbery

0

Rape

0

Arson

0

Murder

0

Financial Outlook

Total Sticker Price

$9,755

Estimated cost before aid.

Net Price By Income

$0 - $30k$12,432
$30k - $48k$13,665
$48k - $75k$17,511
$75k+$19,774

Debt & Financial Aid

Median Debt (grads)$26,500
Pell Grant Recipients71.0%
Using Federal Loans75.7%
Historical 3yr Loan Repayment27.2%

Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.

* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.

Quick Overview

Faculty Ratio

N/A

Retention

71.2%

Success

39.3%

In-State Cost

$9,755

Age 25+ Students

7.7%

Carnegie Class

Master's: Medium

Working at 6yr

1,761 students

Local City Insights

We are currently gathering city-level crime and housing data for Petersburg. Check back soon for "Campus vs. City" comparisons!