Virginia State University maintains moderate costs that support access for predominantly low-income students. The published cost of attendance reaches $24,173 annually, composed of $9,755 in-state tuition, $22,006 out-of-state tuition, $12,966 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,173 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,006 |
| Room and Board | $12,966 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,620 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,553 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,432 |
| $30–48k | $13,665 |
| $48–75k | $17,511 |
| $75–110k | $19,774 |
| $110k+ | $22,390 |
Virginia State University maintains moderate costs that support access for predominantly low-income students. The published cost of attendance reaches $24,173 annually, composed of $9,755 in-state tuition, $22,006 out-of-state tuition, $12,966 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $14,553 after financial aid, representing $9,620 in aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price falls $460 below the peer median of $14,093, positioning Virginia State University as slightly more affordable than similar institutions. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for students across all income levels, with particularly strong support for lower-income families. Net prices range from $12,432 for families earning under $30,000 to $22,390 for those earning over $110,000, creating a progressive pricing structure that aligns with family financial capacity.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
Virginia State University graduates carry median debt of $26,500, with debt levels ranging from $8,675 at the 25th percentile to $31,000 at the 75th percentile. This median debt level ranks in the 17th percentile nationally, indicating debt loads above typical institutions.
However, the debt level sits $5,395 above the peer median of $21,105, suggesting higher borrowing relative to similar institutions serving comparable student populations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 indicates that graduates typically owe approximately 58% of their first-year post-graduation earnings, representing a moderate repayment burden.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $18,200 with monthly payments of $240, adding to family financial obligations. The debt distribution shows that one-quarter of graduates carry relatively low debt below $8,675, while another quarter exceed $31,000, reflecting varied borrowing patterns based on family financial circumstances and program length.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Virginia State University delivers moderate return on educational investment through strong earnings beyond expectations performance. Graduates earn $7,337 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking in the 80.5th percentile nationally for this uplift measure.
This performance indicates meaningful value creation despite median earnings of $45,543 that fall $4,573 below the peer median of $50,116. The combination of below-peer earnings with above-peer debt levels creates mixed investment outcomes, with the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 suggesting manageable but not optimal repayment conditions.
Students should weigh the university's demonstrated capacity for economic mobility against moderate debt levels when evaluating financial return. The institution's strength in serving low-income and first-generation students may justify the investment for populations seeking educational access, particularly given the $7,337 earnings premium relative to expected outcomes for similar student demographics and academic preparation.
Virginia State University's financial aid system effectively supports its predominantly low-income student population. With 71.0% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves well above the national average for low-income enrollment, indicating strong commitment to educational access.
The $9,620 average financial aid savings represents nearly 40% of the total cost of attendance, demonstrating substantial institutional and federal support for student affordability. Net prices by income tier show progressive aid distribution, with the lowest-income students paying roughly half of what the highest-income families contribute annually.
This aid structure aligns with the university's mission to serve underrepresented populations while maintaining educational quality and campus resources necessary for student success.
