About

About Virginia Commonwealth University

arts and design focushigh research activityaccessible admissionspublic doctoral university

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university in Richmond, VA, known for its arts and design focus, high research activity, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 91%, VCU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 4,167 students each year. VCU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1010–1260, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. VCU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $12,983 per year; the sticker price of $55,155 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Virginia Commonwealth University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

91%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1135
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1010 – 1260 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Virginia Commonwealth University

Essay Strategy
VCU is deeply embedded in Richmond's urban culture, health care sector, and arts community, so mention specific neighborhoods, institutions, or city resources you plan to engage with. Admissions readers respond well to applicants who show they have thought about life in Richmond beyond just the campus.
Test Score Strategy
Since VCU is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, leave it off your application and let your GPA, activities, and essays carry your candidacy instead.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Virginia Commonwealth University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$55k/yr$17.5k
30k-48k~$55k/yr$17.8k
48k-75k~$55k/yr$20.9k
75k-110k~$55k/yr$24.7k
110k+~$55k/yr$32.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

65%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
19,613
Undergrad Enrollment
Virginia Commonwealth University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch