Virginia Union University
VUU
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — close-knit campus
Virginia Union University is a private institution in Richmond with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 860, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.2K undergraduates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
41% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $38,275 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,580.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •The college had the first academic library at a historically black college or university (HBCU), building the library the same year the college was established.
- •The first and only president there was George Mellen Prentiss King, who administered Wayland for thirty years (1867–1897).
- •Beginning in 1867, Colver Institute was housed in a building long known as Lumpkin's Jail, a former "slave jail" owned by Mary Ann Lumpkin, the African-American widow of the deceased white owner.
- •It became Richmond Theological Institute (formerly Colver) and joined with Wayland Seminary of Washington in 1899 to form Virginia Union University at Richmond.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 860
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
54.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$22,500
Programs (29)
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
62%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
8
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
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 + city premium