Virginia State University

Petersburg, Virginia · Public, 4-year

At a glance

Average net price

$15,840

In-state, after aid

6-year graduation rate

39.4%

Admission rate

89%

Undergrad size

5,074

In-state tuition

$10,043

Out-of-state tuition

$22,650

Cost of attendance

$27,661

Median earnings (10y)

$45,543

Admissions

SAT average
948
ACT midpoint
18
Retention
69.4%
Locale
Suburb

Programs breakdown

20 program areas reported · Academic mix is led by social sciences (32%), stem (20%), business (18%).

  • STEM20%
  • Health0%
  • Business18%
  • Humanities & arts17%
  • Social sciences32%
  • Trades & services13%

Share of all degrees and certificates awarded in each broad CIP-2 program area (U.S. Department of Education, latest reporting year). Estimated students/yr = share × undergrad size.

Specific majors offered

40 specific majors with reported completions. Earnings shown are median annual earnings 1 year after graduation; debt is median student-loan debt at graduation.

MajorCredentialGradsMedian earningsMedian debt
Psychology, General.Bachelor's143$23,671$27,000
Criminal Justice and Corrections.Bachelor's140$30,745$30,000
Business Administration, Management and Operations.Bachelor's103$31,564$27,000
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.Bachelor's95$27,185$30,000
Communication and Media Studies.Bachelor's89$21,298$28,000
Biology, General.Bachelor's55$29,927$26,000
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.Master's46$54,405
Sociology.Bachelor's46$31,714$31,000
Marketing.Bachelor's45$34,290$27,000
Social Work.Bachelor's44$29,882$31,000
Political Science and Government.Bachelor's44$24,410$27,127
Computer Science.Bachelor's41
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.Bachelor's36$27,500
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.Bachelor's32$40,514$31,000
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.Bachelor's32$42,000
Accounting and Related Services.Bachelor's30$49,619$27,000
Agriculture, General.Bachelor's29$26,147$25,545
Educational Administration and Supervision.Master's28
Management Information Systems and Services.Bachelor's28$39,232
Educational Administration and Supervision.Doctoral26
Computer Science.Master's24
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.Bachelor's23
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness.Master's23
Hospitality Administration/Management.Bachelor's22$31,213
Visual and Performing Arts, General.Bachelor's21
Mathematics.Bachelor's20$41,203
Computer Engineering.Bachelor's19
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies.Bachelor's17$30,141$29,500
History.Bachelor's15
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Bachelor's13
English Language and Literature, General.Bachelor's13
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.Graduate certificate12
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.Master's11
Business/Managerial Economics.Master's11
Curriculum and Instruction.Master's10
Criminal Justice and Corrections.Master's10
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.Master's9
Chemistry.Bachelor's9
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.Doctoral9
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services.Graduate certificate9

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study. Earnings cover graduates who received federal financial aid and are working / not enrolled. Cells marked "—" are not reported or were suppressed for privacy.

About Virginia State University

Virginia State University is a large institution located in Petersburg, Virginia, primarily awarding the bachelor's degree. It enrolls roughly 5,074 undergraduate students in a suburb setting. The most popular fields of study include Business, Psychology, Homeland security & law enforcement.

Cost & tuition

The average net price at Virginia State University — what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships — is $15,840 per year, which is moderately priced compared to other U.S. institutions. Sticker tuition runs $10,043 for in-state students and $22,650 for out-of-state students before aid. Total cost of attendance, including housing, books, and living expenses, comes to about $27,661 annually.

Graduation & earnings outcomes

The 6-year graduation rate is 39.4%, a average completion outcome. 69.4% of first-time students return for a second year, a useful proxy for student satisfaction and academic fit. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $45,543 per year according to U.S. Department of Education earnings tracking.

Programs & majors

Virginia State University confers degrees and certificates across 20 broad program areas, with the largest concentrations of completions in Business, Psychology, Homeland security & law enforcement. Grouped into wider academic categories, the mix is led by social sciences (32% of credentials), stem (20% of credentials), business (18% of credentials), which gives a quick read on the school's overall academic profile. Use the programs breakdown below to see every reported area, an estimated number of students per program per year, and links to compare other U.S. colleges in the same field.

Admissions

Virginia State University accepts 89% of applicants, making it open or near-open admission. Admitted students have an average SAT score around 948. The ACT midpoint for admitted students is roughly 18.

Location & campus

Set in Petersburg, Virginia (suburb), Virginia State University draws students from across Virginia and beyond. Prospective students often weigh proximity, cost of living, and local industry demand when choosing between schools in this area.

Frequently asked questions about Virginia State University

Q.How much does Virginia State University cost?

The average net price at Virginia State University is $15,840 per year after grants and scholarships, with total cost of attendance around $27,661.

Q.What is the graduation rate at Virginia State University?

Virginia State University has a 6-year graduation rate of 39.4% according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.

Q.How hard is it to get into Virginia State University?

Virginia State University admits 89% of applicants, which is considered open or near-open admission.

Q.How much do Virginia State University graduates earn?

Ten years after enrolling, the median Virginia State University graduate earns $45,543 per year.

Q.What is tuition at Virginia State University?

Published tuition is $10,043 in-state and $22,650 out-of-state. Most students pay less than the sticker price after financial aid.

Q.Where is Virginia State University located?

Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, Virginia (ZIP 23806).

Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS, the federal sources colleges are required to report to. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with Virginia State University at their official website.