Students at Virginia State University consistently earn more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's ability to help students from challenging backgrounds achieve meaningful economic advancement.
The combination of exceptional access and earnings that exceed expectations makes VSU a powerful engine for upward mobility in Virginia and beyond.
Virginia State University ranks among public four-year institutions with a distinctive mission focused on access and opportunity for underserved students. Located in Petersburg, Virginia, VSU serves as a historically black public university that opens its doors widely to students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. With 71% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 34% being first-generation college students, the university demonstrates a strong commitment to educational equity and social mobility.
While VSU's graduates earn a median of $45,543 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes, the university provides something equally valuable: a $7,337 earnings advantage compared with what similar students achieve at other institutions. This means VSU students consistently outperform expectations, earning significantly more than their backgrounds and academic preparation might predict.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in the mobility framework, VSU combines exceptional access with outcomes that, while modest in absolute terms, represent meaningful upward mobility for the students it serves. The university's 49% eight-year graduation rate and strong financial aid packages create pathways for students who often face significant barriers to college completion elsewhere.
Virginia State University's program portfolio reflects its mission of preparing students for careers in public service and community-focused fields. Corrections Administration stands out as the university's highest-impact program, combining substantial enrollment of 67 graduates with solid career outcomes that lead to median earnings of $28,816. This program exemplifies VSU's strength in criminal justice and public safety fields, where graduates often find stable employment with state and local government agencies.
Psychology, the university's most popular major with 61 graduates, prepares students for careers in social services, counseling, and human services with median earnings around $25,967. While these earnings are modest, they represent meaningful career opportunities for students interested in helping professions and community service. General Studies, with 23 graduates earning $37,424, provides flexibility for students who need interdisciplinary preparation or are exploring multiple career paths.
The program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than high-earning professional fields. Agricultural Teacher Education, with 51 graduates earning $24,035, reflects VSU's historical mission in agricultural and technical education, preparing teachers who serve rural and underserved communities. These programs may not generate the highest salaries, but they provide stable, meaningful careers that allow graduates to serve their communities while achieving economic stability and upward mobility.
Virginia State University graduates achieve earnings that exceed expectations given their starting points and backgrounds. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $45,543, with the university delivering a substantial $7,337 earnings advantage compared with what similar students earn at other institutions. This earnings boost reflects VSU's ability to help students from challenging backgrounds achieve meaningful career advancement and financial stability.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. General Studies graduates see some of the strongest early earnings at $37,424, while Corrections Administration majors, the university's largest program by total economic impact with 67 graduates, earn around $28,816. Psychology, VSU's most popular major with 61 graduates, leads to median earnings of $25,967, typical for graduates entering social services, counseling, and related helping professions. Agricultural Teacher Education, with 51 graduates, shows earnings around $24,035, reflecting the public service nature of education careers.
While absolute earnings levels are modest compared with research universities, VSU's strength lies in helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve stable, middle-class careers. The university's focus on education, criminal justice, psychology, and public service fields aligns with its mission of preparing graduates for meaningful work that serves their communities, even when those careers don't command the highest salaries.
Virginia State University delivers exceptional affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families who make up the majority of its student body. Low-income students pay just $12,432 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $17,511 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $22,390, making VSU accessible across income levels. These prices represent strong value given the comprehensive support services and small class sizes that characterize the VSU experience.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses on keeping costs manageable rather than creating debt burdens that could derail students' long-term financial stability. With 71% of students receiving Pell Grants, VSU has structured its pricing and aid to serve students who often have limited family resources to draw upon. The predictable, transparent pricing helps families plan effectively over four years without worrying about dramatic cost increases.
VSU's approach to affordability reflects its understanding that many students are balancing college costs with family financial responsibilities and work obligations. The university's commitment to keeping education accessible ensures that financial barriers don't prevent capable students from completing their degrees and achieving the upward mobility that higher education can provide.
Virginia State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
