Virginia State University
#1 Best HBCUs for Communications- Graduation Rate
- 40% D
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $45,543 C+
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $15,840 C+
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 89% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C- overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 21.8× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $21.8 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best HBCUs for Communications.
Every $1 spent returns $21.8 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,317,569.
What The Data Says
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A C- overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
-
Graduation of 40% — 30% below the national average.
-
Every $1 invested returns $21.8 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.8%
- Top 28%
- Patents
- 206
- Linked to graduates
- World Rank
- #72
- Times Higher Education
- Patent Citations
- 271
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 55/100
- Times Higher Education
Why Virginia State University Matters
Virginia State University is a public university in Petersburg, VA ranked #72 in the world by Times Higher Education, and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by an unusually high rate of inventors and patents and a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 5,074
- Setting
- Suburban
- Designations
- HBCU
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology
Why students choose Virginia State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 89% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 840–1070. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $15,840 a year after grants and scholarships — 8% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $45,543 ten years after enrolling — 12% above the typical college, against $26,500 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.1% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 73% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.41 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
Virginia State University is a solid option for students who are looking for a supportive environment to pursue their studies, especially in fields like Business & Marketing, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, and Biology & Biomedical. With an acceptance rate of 89%, it’s accessible to many, making it an appealing choice for students seeking a university that values diversity and inclusion in its student body. The enrollment of about 5,074 students means you can find a community, yet still enjoy the benefits of a more intimate campus setting.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $45,543 within ten years, which is a decent starting point for many. While the graduation rate sits at 40%, this suggests that students who stay on track can ultimately find paths that lead them to solid earnings. Additionally, the affordability of Virginia State is noteworthy, especially considering that about 72% of students receive Pell Grants, which can significantly ease the financial burden.
Looking at the financial side, the net price after aid is approximately $15,840, and the median debt stands at $26,500. This debt load is manageable for many graduates, especially those who can secure good jobs in their fields. Students who thrive here often embrace the supportive community and take advantage of the resources available, making the most of their educational experience and laying a strong foundation for their futures.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Virginia State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Virginia State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Petersburg, Virginia, Virginia State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 948. The graduation rate is roughly 40%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Retention Rate
- 69%
- SAT Average
- 948
- ACT Midpoint
- 18
- SAT Range
- 840–1070
- ACT Range
- 14–20
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $9,469
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.30
- First-Gen Students
- 34%
- Applicants
- 8,230
- Admitted
- 7,384
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Virginia State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Virginia State University is $22,650, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,840. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $13,220 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $26,500 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $10,043
- Out-of-State
- $22,650
- Avg Net Price
- $15,840
- Median Debt
- $26,500
- Pell Grant Rate
- 72%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 76%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $13,220
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $14,758
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $19,463
- Family Income $110K+
- $25,508
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Virginia State University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Virginia State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Virginia State University earn a median of $45,543, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $33,630
- 8 Years
- $39,572
- 10 Years
- $45,543
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.58x
- Earning > $25K
- 52%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (252)
- 28%
- 100% (252)
- 28%
- 100% (252)
- 28%
- 100% (252)
- 28%
How Virginia Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Virginia State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Virginia State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $15,840/year ($63,360 total). Graduates earn $45,543 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,380,929 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,317,569 (21.8× your investment). The median debt is $26,500, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 40% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $63,360
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,380,929
- Net Return
- $1,317,569
- ROI Multiple
- 21.8×
- Cost Per Year
- $15,840
- Median Debt
- $26,500
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Virginia State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Virginia State University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.06%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is a real strength here. Roughly 32.8% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile, a high share that gives low-income students a real foothold. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 3.2% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $36,500, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.06%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 3.2%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 32.8%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $49,591
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Research & Teaching
Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings
How Research-Intensive Is Virginia State University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Virginia State University at #72 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 55/100, teaching at 62/100, and citation impact of 69/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
- World Rank
- #72
- Teaching
- 62
- Research
- 55.4
- Citations
- 68.6
- International
- 42.2
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
Virginia State University produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 206 patents tied to its graduates, and ranks among research universities with a 55/100 research score.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.80%
- Top 28% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 206
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 271
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 55/100
- Times Higher Ed
- Academic Influence
- 69/100
- Citation impact (THE)
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
Top Programs
The fields Virginia State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Business & Marketing 19% $50,714 early-career
- Criminal Justice 10% $34,239 early-career
- Education 10% $28,558 early-career
- Psychology 9% $30,854 early-career
- Communications 8% $30,436 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 5% $33,335 early-career
- Social Sciences 4% $37,682 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 4% $70,143 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Virginia State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Marketing Manager$156,580 · 8% growthAdaptable 64
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CAdvertising Manager$138,730 · 6% growthAdaptable 64
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Virginia State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Petersburg, Virginia, Virginia State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 948. The graduation rate is roughly 40%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Virginia State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Virginia State University is $22,650, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,840. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $13,220 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $26,500 in federal student loans.
Is Virginia State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Virginia State University earn a median of $45,543, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Virginia State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Virginia State University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.06%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is a real strength here. Roughly 32.8% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile, a high share that gives low-income students a real foothold. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 3.2% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $36,500, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Virginia State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Virginia State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.41, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.06), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 3% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
How Research-Intensive Is Virginia State University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Virginia State University at #72 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 55/100, teaching at 62/100, and citation impact of 69/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Virginia State University.
- Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne, IN · Close peer34% grad $45,872 earn 84% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches, LA · Close peer44% grad $47,021 earn 93% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk, VA · Close peer36% grad $44,666 earn 88% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA · Close peer49% grad $48,472 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL · Close peer54% grad $45,415 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata, CA · Close peer48% grad $47,626 earn 98% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Virginia State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Virginia State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.41, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.06), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 3% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note