Virginia State University maintains open access admission standards, admitting 89.1% of applicants. This acceptance rate means roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive admission offers, positioning Virginia State University as highly accessible to students seeking higher education opportunities. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Virginia State University admits students at rates 4.5 percentage points higher than similar institutions. This level of accessibility reflects the university's mission to serve underrepresented student populations and provide educational opportunity for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests that academic preparation, while important, is evaluated within a holistic framework that considers potential for success rather than purely competitive metrics. Students should approach Virginia State University as an accessible option where admission is likely for those meeting basic academic requirements. The open access model means that students can focus on demonstrated interest, academic readiness, and alignment with the university's mission rather than treating admission as highly uncertain.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Virginia State University typically present SAT scores between 800 and 1050, with the middle 50% falling in this range and a median of 917. SAT Math scores range from 380 to 510, while SAT Verbal scores span 420 to 540. ACT scores range from 14 to 20 with a median of 18. These test score ranges position Virginia State University students below the peer median SAT of 1090 by 173 points, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving students across a broad range of academic preparation levels. The SAT range indicates that most admitted students score between the 25th and 75th percentiles of enrolled students, though students scoring outside this range are regularly admitted. Students scoring below 800 on the SAT should expect to be at an academic disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. The 250-point spread between the 25th and 75th percentiles demonstrates that Virginia State University evaluates applicants holistically rather than relying solely on standardized test performance. For prospective students, scores within or above the middle 50% range indicate strong academic competitiveness, while scores below suggest the need for stronger performance in other application areas. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, treating Virginia State University as accessible for students seeking supportive academic environments.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Virginia State University enrolls a predominantly low-income and diverse student population that reflects its access mission. The university enrolls 71.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating that nearly three-quarters of enrolled students come from families with household incomes typically below $50,000 annually. First-generation students comprise 34.2% of enrollment, representing more than one in three students who are the first in their families to attend college. Transfer students account for 12.8% of enrollment, suggesting that Virginia State University provides pathways for students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges or other institutions. This student composition indicates that Virginia State University prioritizes access for underrepresented populations while maintaining academic standards appropriate for student success. The high Pell share positions Virginia State University well above typical four-year institutions, reflecting intentional enrollment of students who might face financial barriers to higher education. First-generation students should know that more than one-third of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive community for navigating college experiences. Students from lower-income families will find that Virginia State University serves predominantly similar populations, potentially easing social and cultural transitions to college life.
Given Virginia State University's 89.1% acceptance rate, admission is likely for most qualified applicants. However, students seeking alternatives may want options with different characteristics or outcomes.
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Virginia State University demonstrates mixed outcomes in student retention and completion, with particular attention needed for degree completion rates. The university retains 71.2% of freshmen for sophomore year, falling below the peer median of 73.2% by 2.1 percentage points. This retention rate indicates that roughly 3 in 10 students do not return after their first year, suggesting challenges in the transition to college-level academics or campus life. The six-year graduation rate stands at 40.7%, significantly below the peer median of 49.3% by 8.6 percentage points. Pell-eligible students graduate at 39.5%, creating a 1.2 percentage point gap compared to the overall student population. This small Pell gap indicates relatively equitable outcomes for low-income students, which is notable given the university's high Pell enrollment. Students who gain admission should expect an environment that serves many first-generation and low-income students but should prepare for academic challenges that may require additional support services. The retention and completion rates suggest that students who persist through their first year and engage with available support systems are more likely to complete their degrees successfully. Prospective students should consider their academic readiness and commitment level when evaluating fit, as degree completion requires sustained effort in a challenging academic environment.
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