Virginia State University (VSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Virginia State University
Virginia State University is known for hands-on, faculty-guided learning across the arts and humanities, sciences, agriculture, business, education, and technology. Modern labs, studios, and a busy library anchor the academic core, with tutoring, advising, counseling, and a career center woven into daily life. Residence halls and a lively student center keep things social, while the rec complex, fields, and courts make it easy to move, compete, and breathe a little.
Student life leans proud and spirited, shaped by HBCU heritage, a show-stopping marching band tradition, service-minded clubs, and plenty of intramurals. The campus culture feels close-knit and welcoming, but it's not insular; Petersburg's historic neighborhoods and nearby Richmond open doors to internships, public service, and the arts. Employers visit, alumni mentor, and capstone projects tilt toward real problems. Known for homecoming energy and community outreach rooted in land-grant values, VSU counts Reginald F. Lewis among its alumni.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Virginia State University (VSU) offers 41 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 721 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (6 programs, 125 graduates), Education (7 programs, 109 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 75 graduates), Security & Safety (2 programs, 59 graduates) and Communication (2 programs, 49 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (6 programs, 125 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Management Information Systems | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
| Marketing Management | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Accounting | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Hospitality Management | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0901 |
| Business Economics | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0601 |
Education (7 programs, 109 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 47 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 33 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 12 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Trade and Industrial Teacher Education | 9 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
13.1320 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 5 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Special Education Teaching | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1001 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
Psychology (2 programs, 75 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 73 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
| Health Psychology | 2 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
42.2810 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 59 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 56 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
| Criminal Justice, Other | 3 |
|
Master's
|
43.0199 |
Communication (2 programs, 49 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 45 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
| Public Relations and Advertising | 4 |
|
Master's
|
09.0999 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 48 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 48 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0101 |
Social Sciences (2 programs, 45 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 37 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Technology | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0612 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologies | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0899 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0399 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 32 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30.9999 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0701 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Virginia State University (VSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Virginia State University (VSU)
How much does it cost to attend Virginia State University (VSU)?
The annual tuition at Virginia State University (VSU) is $9,755 for in-state students and $22,006 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,661 for in-state students and $39,912 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,966 (on) / $15,068 (off) and books and supplies $1,300.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Virginia State University offer?
Virginia State University (VSU) offers 41 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (7 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (2 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Virginia State University?
Virginia State University (VSU) has an 89.1% acceptance rate and a 15.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 10,577
- Students admitted: 9,424
- Students enrolled: 1,448
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Virginia State University?
Virginia State University (VSU) provides financial aid to 32% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $12,300 and average loans of $7,092.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,572
- State/Local grants: $7,613
- Institutional grants: $3,036
- Federal loans: $7,170
The university supports 1,263 students with grants and 1,263 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Virginia State University graduates?
Virginia State University (VSU) graduates earn a median salary of $33,630 after 6 years and $45,543 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $27,137 (25th percentile) to $65,094 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $68,900 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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