# Virginia Commonwealth University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-commonwealth-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Richmond, VA
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Southeast
- **Enrollment:** 20,753
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

With an enrollment of over 20,000 students, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, Psychology, and Education. This expansive campus in Richmond, VA, attracts a diverse student body, making it a fitting environment for individuals who thrive in a collaborative setting. The high acceptance rate of 93% indicates that VCU is open to a wide range of applicants, which may appeal to students looking for a welcoming community.

Looking at what happens after graduation, VCU graduates earn an average of $58,128 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure reflects not just the value of a VCU education, but also the potential for upward mobility in various careers. By pursuing degrees in practical fields, students can find pathways to well-paying jobs, enhancing their chances of financial stability. The affordability of the university is also a plus, with a net price of $23,433 after financial aid, allowing many students to access education without overwhelming debt.

On that note, the median debt for VCU graduates is $21,500, which is manageable for many, especially considering the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here often have a passion for their chosen field, whether that’s in the arts or sciences, and appreciate the supportive campus culture. With 31% of students receiving Pell Grants, VCU remains committed to making higher education accessible to those from lower-income backgrounds, which can be a significant factor in a student’s success and overall experience.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 93% |
| SAT Average | 1137 |
| ACT Midpoint | 25 |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $16,945 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,109 |
| Average Net Price | $23,433 |
| Median Debt | $21,500 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 31% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 39% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $17,512 |
| $30K-$48K | $17,777 |
| $48K-$75K | $20,925 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $32,739 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 64% |
| Retention Rate | 85% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $47,161 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $54,212 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $58,128 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 192.44% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 2716.2% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 708.5% |
| Parent Median Income | $90,700 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.64 |
| Friending Bias | 0.00 |
| Volunteering Rate | 8.6% |
| Support Ratio | 0.98 |

## Innovation (Opportunity Insights Patent Data)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Inventor Rate | 0.328% |
| Total Patents | 60 |
| Total Citations | 27 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Visual & Performing Arts | 14% |
| Business & Marketing | 12% |
| Psychology | 11% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 8% |
| Education | 7% |
| Health Professions | 7% |
| Computer Science & IT | 6% |
| Criminal Justice | 5% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 15 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #3 in [Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-virginia)
- #4 in [Best Education Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-virginia)
- #7 in [Best Communications Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-virginia)
- #8 in [Best Engineering Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-virginia)
- #9 in [Best Psychology Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-virginia)
- #9 in [Best MBA Programs in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-virginia)
- #11 in [Best Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-virginia)
- #12 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-virginia)
- #12 in [Best Master's Programs in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-virginia)
- #12 in [Best Biology Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-virginia)
- #14 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-virginia)
- #14 in [Best Data Science Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-virginia)
- #15 in [Best Nursing Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-virginia)
- #16 in [Best Business Colleges in Virginia](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-virginia)
- #50 in [Best Large Universities](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-large-universities)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Virginia Commonwealth University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-commonwealth-university