PublicSuburbanHBCUVirginia State University
VSU
Petersburg, Virginia 23806
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Virginia State University is a public institution in Petersburg with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 917, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.8K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
41% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,543 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,553.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History University entrance Virginia State University was founded on March 6, 1882, when the legislature passed a bill to charter the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute.
- •A hostile lawsuit delayed opening day for nineteen months, until October 1, 1883.
- •In 1902, the legislature revised the charter act to curtail the collegiate program and to change the name to Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute.
- •In 1920, the land-grant program for Black students was moved from a private school, Hampton Institute, where it had been since 1872, to Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute.
- •In 1923 the college program was restored, and the name was changed to Virginia State College for Negroes in 1930.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 917
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
24.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Programs (61)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
71%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
35
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from VA state average + suburban adjustment