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Colleges / VA / Petersburg
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Virginia State University

Public Petersburg, VA · Suburban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
40%
Graduation Rate
$45,543
Earnings (10yr)
$15,840
Net Price
89%
Acceptance Rate

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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

How Virginia Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation40%Earnings 10yr$46KNet Price$16KRetention69%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate72%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$13K$0-30K$15K$30-48K$19K$48-75K$26K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%3277.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%324.8%MOBILITY106.46%

Cost & Financial Aid

$10,043
In-State Tuition
$22,650
Out-of-State
$15,840
Avg Net Price
$26,500
Median Debt
72%
Pell Grant Rate
76%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$13,220
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,758
Family Income $30K–$48K
$19,463
Family Income $48K–$75K
$25,508
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$33,630
6 Years After Entry
$39,572
8 Years
$45,543
10 Years
0.58x
Debt-to-Earnings
52%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$33,630 6yr $39,572 8yr $45,543 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

106.46%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
324.8%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
3277.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$36,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.41
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.06
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
3.2%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#72
World Rank
62
Teaching
55.4
Research
68.6
Citations
42.2
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.802%
Inventor Rate
206
Total Patents
271
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

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
Diversity Index 0.30
First-Gen Students 34%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 18%
Psychology 11%
Criminal Justice 9%
Education 8%
Biology & Biomedical 7%
Social Sciences 7%
Communications 7%
Computer Science & IT 4%