Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Cost of Living$ 17,220
- Tuition Fee From$ 1,475
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength28,919
- Global Diversity4%
- Gender Ratio63:37
Overview
About
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded in 1838 as the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, and it has since grown into a comprehensive university with a wide range of academic programs and research facilities. It is known for its strong commitment to teaching and research.
VCU has a student body of around 30,697 students enrolled at the university out of which 23,693 are undergraduates. There are more than 1200 international students from over 102 countries. The university has a faculty of over 1,500 professors and is home to a number of research centres and institutes, including the VCU Institute for Contemporary Art and the VCU Massey Cancer Center.
Academically, VCU offers more than 70 master’s programs, 60 bachelor programs and 70 graduate programs in various disciplines. There are in total 200 bachelor;s, master’s, doctoral, professional and certificate programs in disciplines such as Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Allied Health Professions, the Arts, and Graduate Studies. The university is particularly well known for its programs in fine arts, nursing, and social work.
In addition to its academic programs, VCU is also known for its strong athletics program, which includes Division I teams in a variety of sports. The university is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference and the NCAA.
Overall, Virginia Commonwealth University is a highly respected institution that is dedicated to providing a top-quality education and a wide range of research and learning opportunities to its students.
Ranking
US News and World Report of 2024 has ranked the Virginia Commonwealth at #142 in National Universities. The university was also ranked #76 in Top Public Schools and #101 in Best Value Schools. Virginia Commonwealth was positioned at #38 in Most Innovative Schools and #124 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
As per Bloomberg Businessweek and the US News WUR, the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked 91st among the top undergraduate business schools in the US and 51st for its part-time MBA program. The university's ecological program received the Energy Star Certification for exceeding the high energy-efficiency standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, moving it into the top 100 of the National Science Foundation Research rankings.
- #246 - In the World - EduRank 2024
- #118 - In North America - EduRank 2024
- #103 - In the United States - EduRank 2024
- #4 - In Virginia - EduRank 2024
- #79 - Best Big Colleges in America - Niche 2024
- #106 - Top Public Universities in America - Niche 2024
Course Wise Rankings As Per Niche 2024
- #141 - Best Colleges for Psychology in America
- #154 - Best Colleges for Political Science in America
- #175 - Best Colleges for Chemistry in America
- #197 - Best Colleges for Engineering in America
- #89 - Best Colleges for Design in America
- #118 - Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
- #129 - Best Colleges for Computer Science in America
- #133 - Best Colleges for Biology in America
- #140 - Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
- #164 - Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America
- #211 - Best Colleges for Business in America
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#851 - 900
-
2023
#701 - 750
#439
Facilities
The Virginia Commonwealth University offers its students a vast atmosphere to stretch out and develop their personalities, with a 173 acre campus to explore. The largest campus in Richmond is that of VCU. It offers involvement in student organisations, alumnus associations etc on campus. Apart from that on campus residences as well as cafeterias.
Housing Facilities
For the first academic term, freshmen should think about living on campus to get the most out of their time and participation at the university. VCU's 12 residence halls located in the north, central, and south campus provide a better living environment for its nearly 6,000 on-campus residents. Traditional, suite, or apartment-style housing are available to VCU students. The Honors College, Johnson Hall, Rhoads Hall, Well Grace South, and the Gladding Residence Center are among the buildings specifically designed for first-year or freshman students. Off-campus student accommodation that is cheap is another option for students. Apartments are widely available close to the university campus.
Library Facilities
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has a number of library facilities on its main campus in Richmond, Virginia. The main library on campus is the James Branch Cabell Library, which is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that houses the university's collections of books, journals, and other research materials. The James Branch Cabell Library is also home to a number of special collections, including the University Archives and the Rare Book Collection. In addition to the James Branch Cabell Library, VCU also has a number of smaller libraries on campus that focus on specific academic disciplines or areas of study. These include the Health Sciences Library, the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, and the School of Social Work Library.
Dining Facilities
VCU has a number of dining options on its main campus in Richmond, Virginia. These options include a variety of cafeterias, coffee shops, and other food outlets that are designed to meet the needs of the university's diverse student body. One of the main cafeterias on campus is the Commons Dining Center, which is located in the center of campus and serves a wide range of hot and cold meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Commons Dining Center also has a number of specialty stations, such as a salad bar, a deli bar, and a grill, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 91% for its 2024 applicants. It is among the 36% of the easiest universities to gain admission to in the United States. The university accepts a majority of its applicants and aims to make a diverse environment in this regard.
Entry Requirements
Whether you're a first-time applicant to Virginia Commonwealth University Rankings, an undergraduate student seeking advanced status, or a returning student re-enrolling after a break, the admissions standards are the same for all applicants. Students wishing to be admitted to VSU must make a mandatory application fee payment of 70 USD which is non-refundable. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 83.9% which is not too stringent. Each applicant must provide the following:
- SAT Subject Tests (if applicable)
- Official transcripts from each college and high school attended (in English or with translations)
- 3 teacher recommendations
- Official test scores from TOEFL iBT (80), TOEFL PBT (500) and IELTS (6.0)— all tests must be taken within 2 years of your application date
- Post Graduate students are asked to attach their work experience proof along with the rest of the details
- A valid Passport
- LOR
- Statement of Purpose
Fees
The cost of programmes at Virginia Commonwealth University are priced at a competitive level. The ones mentioned below are the popular courses offered:
- M.H.A - $1,475 /Yr
- M.B.A Business Analytics - $61,500 /Yr
- M.B.A - $61,500 /Yr
- M.B.A Global Business - $61,500 /Yr
- M.B.A Supply Chain Management - $61,500 /Yr
- M.B.A Corporate Finance - $61,500 /Yr
Placements
Virginia Commonwealth University prioritises student success beyond academics, actively securing placements to provide real-world experiences. Through partnerships with industry leaders and local organisations, students access internships, co-op programmes and job opportunities. VCU aims to empower students, offering hands-on experiences that complement academic learning and prepare them for success in their chosen fields.
Scholarship
A few of the scholarships offered to the students at VCU are:
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
- Amount Awarded: 16,000 USD per annum
- Renewal scope: Can be renewed for three consecutive academic terms
- Average GPA: 4.58
PROVOST SCHOLARSHIP:
- Amount Awarded: 16,000 USD per annum
- Renewal scope: Can be received for full four academic terms
- Average GPA: 4.55
DEAN’s SCHOLARSHIP:
- Amount Awarded: 8,000 USD per annum
- Renewal scope: Can be received for fullfour academic terms
- Average GPA: 4.41
Studying abroad is a transformative experience, and UniScholars believes that financial constraints should never hinder your aspirations. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to unlock scholarship opportunities tailored to your academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and unique circumstances.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Virginia Commonwealth University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Virginia Commonwealth University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Richmond is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia, located in the eastern part of the state. It is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Area, which includes the surrounding counties of Henrico and Chesterfield. Richmond is home to a number of colleges and universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University and others. The city has a number of historical landmarks, including the Virginia State Capitol, the White House of the Confederacy, and the Hollywood Cemetery. Richmond is also home to a number of museums and cultural institutions, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Historical Society, and the Richmond Ballet. Richmond has evolved into a major urban center with many large corporations and businesses located there, including tobacco companies such as Philip Morris USA Inc., Reynolds American Inc., Altria Group Inc., Universal Corporation, and Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.
|
Items |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$637 |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$858 |
|
Transportation (Monthly) |
$44 |
|
Food Cost (Monthly) |
$585 |
|
Utility Cost (Monthly) |
$155 |
|
Groceries (Monthly) |
$38 |
|
Clothing (Monthly) |
$122 |
|
Entertainment Cost (Monthly) |
$48 |
|
Total On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,677 |
|
Total Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,456 |
|
Total |
$17,472 |