Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University maintains open access admission with a 93.1% acceptance rate, meaning approximately 14 in 15 applicants receive offers of admission. This places VCU well above typical selectivity standards, with the peer median admission rate at 78.1%, making Virginia Commonwealth University significantly more accessible than comparable institutions.

The high acceptance rate reflects the institution's mission to serve diverse student populations, including first-generation and lower-income students who benefit from accessible admission standards. However, open access does not mean automatic admission—VCU still evaluates applications holistically and maintains academic standards appropriate for university-level work.

Students should view Virginia Commonwealth University as a realistic option for admission while understanding that enrollment requires meeting basic academic preparation requirements. The institution's accessibility makes it particularly valuable for students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes without navigating highly competitive admission processes.

For students building college lists, VCU represents a solid choice that combines admission accessibility with demonstrated career outcomes, particularly valuable for those prioritizing economic mobility and comprehensive program offerings over admission selectivity.

Virginia Commonwealth University's published cost of attendance reaches $34,346 annually, including $39,042 in out-of-state tuition (or $16,458 for Virginia residents), $16,119 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,452 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,894 from the sticker price.

This net price falls $3,862 below the peer median of $15,590, making VCU more affordable than comparable public institutions. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price reflects Virginia Commonwealth University's commitment to making education accessible through need-based financial aid.

For Virginia residents, in-state tuition significantly reduces the base cost, while out-of-state students face higher initial costs before aid calculations. Net price varies considerably by family income, ranging from $12,830 for families earning under $30,000 to $28,474 for families earning over $110,000.

Parent PLUS loans average $22,177 with monthly payments of $292, providing additional financing options for families needing to bridge remaining costs. Virginia Commonwealth University's cost structure supports its mission as an Opportunity Builder institution, ensuring that strong post-graduation outcomes remain accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds through strategic financial aid deployment.

Virginia Commonwealth University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career. Median earnings increase from $47,161 six years after enrollment to $54,212 at eight years and $58,128 at ten years, representing 23.3% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 6,380 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures across the institution's diverse academic programs. Graduates earn $736 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing VCU at the 59.2nd percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $51,000, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds. The earnings distribution from $37,933 to $84,890 reflects the breadth of career paths available through Virginia Commonwealth University's comprehensive program offerings.

Approximately 24.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education paths.

Virginia Commonwealth University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Business Commerce ranks #12 nationally and #1 in Virginia, graduating 354 students with median earnings of $60,623 and a value score of 83.1, making it one of the institution's flagship programs.

Information Science Studies ranks #16 nationally and #2 in Virginia, producing 186 graduates with median earnings of $73,990 and a strong value score of 70.0. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #32 nationally and #2 in Virginia, graduating 388 students with median earnings of $42,156.

Adult Health Nursing graduates 216 students annually with median earnings of $72,428, reflecting strong outcomes in healthcare fields. Psychology General represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 449 students annually, while Corrections Administration ranks #53 nationally with 218 graduates earning $50,745.

The institution's program portfolio spans technical fields, healthcare, business, and liberal arts, providing diverse pathways for student career development.