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Virginia State University

Petersburg, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 18,876
  • Tuition Fee From$ 14,992
  • Country Rank#634
  • Batch Strength5,414
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Virginia State University (VSU), located in Petersburg, Virginia, is a public, historically black university that was established in 1882. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, VSU has been providing high-quality education and promoting diversity for over 130 years.

 

VSU offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six colleges, including the College of Agriculture, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and Human Studies, College of Engineering and Technology, College of Natural and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts and Education. These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields and make a positive impact on the world.

 

The university is well known for its strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as agriculture, education, and technology. The VSU Research and Economic Development Center is dedicated to promoting research and innovation and provides resources and support to faculty and students who are engaged in research activities.

 

VSU also places a strong emphasis on student engagement and personal growth, providing a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations that allow students to get involved in the university community. From student government and Greek life to intramural sports and cultural organizations, there is something for everyone at VSU.

 

One of the most distinctive features of VSU is its beautiful campus, which covers over 200 acres and includes historic buildings, modern facilities, and a variety of green spaces. The campus is home to several student residences, a dining hall, a fitness center, and a student center, all of which are designed to support student life and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Ranking

US News and World Report in 2024 has ranked the university at #41 in the Regional Universities South list. It was also placed at #16 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities list of the same publication. Otherwise, Virginia State University is preferred by many students, both domestic and international. It has been ranked by many educational publishers and agencies. Below are some of the latest Virginia State University rankings for 2024:

 

  • #2055 - Best Colleges in Nation - College Factual 2024
  • #60 - Best Colleges in Virginia - College Factual 2024

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

Facilities

Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia offers a variety of facilities for its students, faculty, and staff. Some of the key facilities include:

 

Academic Buildings: The university has a number of academic buildings that house classrooms, laboratories, offices, and other spaces dedicated to teaching and learning.

 

Residence Halls: VSU offers a range of residence hall options, including traditional-style halls, suites, and apartments, providing a variety of living arrangements for students.

 

Dining Services: The university offers a variety of dining options, including a main dining hall, several cafes, and food trucks, to meet the needs of students and other members of the university community.

 

Student Union: The student union serves as a central gathering place for students and is home to a variety of amenities, including a food court, lounges, a game room, and a ballroom.

 

Athletics: Virginia State University has a strong athletic tradition and offers a range of sports programs, including football, basketball, and track and field. The university has several athletic facilities, including a football stadium, a basketball arena, and a track and field complex.

 

Library: The university library provides access to a range of information resources and services to support research, learning, and teaching.

 

Health Services: VSU has a health centre that provides primary medical care, counselling services, and wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff.

Notable Alumni

Reginald Lewis
Reginald Lewis
American businessman
Billy Taylor
Billy Taylor
American jazz pianist
Avis Wyatt
Avis Wyatt
American basketball player

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Virginia State University acceptance rate stands at 90%. Among those admitted who submitted test scores, 50% have an ACT score falling between 15 and 21. However, 25% of admitted students scored above this range, while another 25% scored below it. The application deadline for Virginia State University is May 1st.

In 2023, Virginia State University had an acceptance rate of 89.72%. A total of 8,230 students applied, out of which 7,384 were admitted to the school. Based on the acceptance rate, getting into VSU was relatively easy, surpassing the national average. It’s acceptance rate ranked 28th out of 47 Virginia colleges with competitive admission.

 

Entry Requirements

The university is preferred by many students, who like the competitive admissions process. Students must submit an application form and pay an application fee. Below are some of Virginia State University’s entry requirements:


 

Application Portal

UG: Common App

PG: University website

Required GPA

2.85 on a scale of 4.0

English Language Requirement

IELTS: 5.5

TOEFL: 59

Standardised Test Score 

GMAT/GRE

Additional Documents

Transcripts

LOR

SOP

Certificate of Financial Stability

ACT or SAT scores

Resume if applicable

 

Fees

The VSU offers several programmes to both graduate and undergraduate students. The Virginia State University fees of some of the popular programs are mentioned below

 

  • B.S Computer Science - USD 22,006 /Yr
  • M.S Computer Science - USD 19,186 /Yr
  • B.S Management - USD 22,006 /Yr
  • M.Ed Education - USD 19,186 /Yr
  • B.A English - USD 22,006 /Yr

 

Placement

Virginia State University placements team is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers and professional development. The university has a number of programs in place to support students in their job search and provide them with opportunities to gain valuable work experience.

 

Many students at VSU participate in internships and co-op programs, which provide them with hands-on experience in their chosen field and help them build valuable professional connections. These programs allow students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the classroom to real-world situations and gain practical experience that is highly valued by employers.

 

VSU graduates are highly sought after by employers and have a strong record of success in the job market. The university has partnerships with numerous organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, and private businesses, that provide students with job opportunities and internships. In addition, the university's strong alumni network provides students with additional connections and support as they start their careers.

 

 

Scholarship

These are the various scholarships offered by Virginia State University, Petersburg:

 

Name Of The Scholarship

Eligibility

Grant

Presidential Scholarship

Offered to freshmen

$10,000

Provost Scholarship

Offered to freshmen

$6500 

University Scholarship

Students studying on campus after getting the results of competitions arranged by the university

$500 - $1,000

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 State 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 State 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

Student life at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia is designed to provide a well-rounded college experience for students. The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official voice of the student body and provides a platform for students to get involved in campus life and make a difference. VSU celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding through a variety of programs, including cultural fairs, guest speakers, and workshops. Petersburg is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural venues, including the Petersburg Area Art League, the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Petersburg Sports Hall of Fame. The city is located near several parks and natural areas, including Pocahontas State Park and the Appomattox River, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind


 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$927

On-Campus Accommodation

$944

Transportation

$79

Food Cost

$364

Utility Cost

$183

Entertainment

$42

Groceries

$56

Clothes

$109

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$1836

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$1853

Annual Cost of Living

$22236

FAQs