Founded in 1882, Virginia State University. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,165 full time undergraduate students, and 419 full time graduate students.
The Virginia State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 266 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Virginia State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
94%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
25
SAT Range
730-900
ACT Range
15-19
Admissions at VSU are considered Less Selective, with ,63% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
59% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 21% were in the top quarter, and 5% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Virginia State University.
7%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
11%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
31%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
11%
“I only go out in groups”
46%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
9%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
18%
“We bought the gear”
73%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
46%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
25%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
46%
“They keep regular office hours”
45%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
4%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
81%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
15%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
9%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
37%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
44%
“We only party on weekends”
11%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
23%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
48%
“There might be people who do”
21%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
7%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
11%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
31%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
11%
“I only go out in groups”
46%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
9%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
18%
“We bought the gear”
73%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
46%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
25%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
46%
“They keep regular office hours”
45%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
4%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
81%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
15%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
141 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
105 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
144 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
144 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
144 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
144 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
144 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
144 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
Virginia State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Virginia State University?
67 Students rated Virginia State University
Khristopher - 01/27/2025
For me, Virginia State University has been more than just an "African American" school for attending and studying at. VSU has been a school, despite some of its flaws I feel like can be improved upon given with proper support and time (such as power supply just to name a n example), has enough opportunities and extracurricular activities to make it stand out from other related schools in that area. I really feel honored and proud of myself for applying to this school.
Aura - 01/24/2025
My opinion on VSU is that it is an amazing university, truly. I wanted to come here all the way from New York; they just need some room for improvement and more promotion of campus events. The only way they promote is usually on social media, but not many people are on it, so they miss out on great events. They also need to fix the freshman housing; as we have dorms and every dorm will have its issues by far, the freshman dorms can have some of the most interesting issues. Also, I love the campus food here and there, but that's truly every college student experience. I think that this college is amazing, and I love the events and the students here; a majority of them are nice and social, and you will get notifications in your emails for opportunities, and much more. I believe that this college is great for opportunities and to make connections as you go but like I said, it does need some improvement.
janiyah - 07/19/2024
I love the campus it is huge and beautiful! They make you feel very safe to want to be there for the next couple years of your life. The communication and organizations on campus is perfect !
Nyoka - 12/31/2023
Virginia State University is a good university overall. It’s not perfect of course all universities have their ups and downs. On-campus housing is ok if you get placed in a good dormitory like Quads or Gateway for example. Off-campus there is the university apartments which are ok. Campus food is mid at best, the cafe has their good days every now and then. The 2022-2023 school year food was by far better than Fall 2023. We’ll see if the spring 2024 semester has improvements in a few weeks.
jakiyah - 05/03/2023
I love it here
Ryan - 10/07/2021
I think that Virginia State University is a good school to attend. The class sizes are one of my favorite things about this school. My average class size this semester is 14 students to 1 teacher. I come from a small hometown school so this is a must for me. The teachers here a well-educated and have a strong knowledge for what they are teaching. This makes for a good schooling and smooth school year. I am on the baseball team, and they work hard. This is important to me because if we did not work hard then we would not be good on the field. I do not like to lose so this will help to ensure that.
dominique - 07/02/2020
My opinion on my wonderful HBCU is we are a very intelligent group of people who give back
Elijah - 06/04/2020
Virginia State is the best school that gave me the best opportunity for me to succeed and launch my career. I can learn so much from networking with other individuals when I start my education there. I’m sure Virginia State University will sharpen my knowledge and skills to become successful. The amount of opportunities I can benefit from will be life changing.
J'Nai - 05/17/2020
Virginia State University just like any other university has its pros and cons. For starters, the campus is gated and security is on the gate twenty-four hours a day. The student life is also very supportive and very uplifting. You have some professors who are not the best but with each bad professor comes five excellent ones. It's definitely a life-changing experience and I would recommend for students to apply.
Jawaun - 05/15/2020
I knew I wanted to go to a historically black college or university ever since I learned what they had to offer and their history. The only problem was I never knew which one I would attend but during spring break when I went on a college tour with an organization I participate in called (Black Achievers). We went to about ten colleges and universities in Virginia and I can say I truly fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere. Everything about the campus was amazing the people, the food, the buildings I loved everything about it and I knew I would love to call Virginia State University my home for my four years in college. The thing I enjoyed the most while I was on campus was that everyone I spoke to mentioned the rich history the school holds and when I asked about my major everyone had something positive to report. Those are things that really stood out to me and impacted my college choice. After spring break was over I looked into the college the more and I realized that this was the place for me. I think when I found out about the ties Virginia State had with Alfred W. Harris really put things over the top for me. I thought it was extremely interesting when I was reading about this on the Virginia State website. I also am a huge fan of the Trojan Athletics with admirisions of competing for them in college. If I am blessed with the opportunity to get accepted into Virginia State University that would for sure the place I attend.
Rayneisha - 02/08/2020
I believe that Virginia State could be better. At first, I wasn't feeling it but once I started making friends, I started enjoying myself more. Sometimes the teachers get carried away in teaching rather than making sure the students get what they're talking about.
Jayniah - 08/22/2019
So far at Virginia State University it’s been a great experience. The teachers are so nice and understanding and their is always someone to help you. The campus is average and the dorms are very nice. The change from high school to college was great because of the fact the people here is very sweet.
Denae - 08/21/2019
The illustrious Virginia State University has been ranked as the #1 HBCU. You will truly feel at home on campus from all the love and support from peers and student organizations and the helping hand from staff it is guaranteed that someone will always have your best interest at heart . Hail State Hail State🔷🔶
JaNia - 07/30/2019
My overall opinion on Virginia State, is that it’s a very safe campus filled with joyful people who care for each other as well as each other’s education. I recommend this school to most.
Tylanda - 07/02/2019
I am an incoming Freshman to Virginia State University. I have visited the campus once in April for their open house. The students and staff that helped me out all seem incredibly nice. A current student walked me around the campus and showed me all the different halls and explained different things to me so I could get a feel of the school. I felt welcomed as soon as I stepped foot on the campus. I feel as if once I move into my dorm in the Fall that I will overall fall in love with VSU. I truly cannot wait to attend!
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Virginia State University is 94%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Dear Tierra,
I know you are about to embark on a new journey. This next phase of your life is very important as you will be growing into an adult and will no doubt encounter some obstacles. Be prepared to face them with a strong heart and always stay focused on your success. Make sure that all of the decisions that you make are ones that will benefit you now and in your future; ones that will get you to the next level in your life. Learn as much as you can learn, but remember that good grades aren't the only thing that you will need once you graduate. Be proactive before you graduate and really think about what direction you want your life to take post graduation. Get involved in as many things as possible and don't be afraid of anything. You are strong and extremely determined to do well, and you will, no matter how long it may take. But Tierra, as serious as life can be, college is not just about studying and straight A's. Remember to have fun, enjoy yourself and live your life.
With love always,
Your future self
What kind of person should not attend this school?
If you aren't a people's person you should not attend this school because everyone is actually very friendly. For example, when I first arrived here I felt kind of out of place one because of the weather and two because it was an HBCU and I never experiened anything like this before: My fellow classmates and professors made me feel real welcome.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about my school is the financial aid that they provide for students. The school offers little scholarships to students even if they recieve good grades at the university. Virginia State is a fairly expensive schoool to attend and unless you come from a low income family, the financial aid awarded is slim to none. The school does not offer additional help for students that can not afford to attend , which I feel is an important characteristic an university should obtain.
The best thing about Virginia State University is the feeling of having a home away from home. Whenever it feels as though you are alone there's a strong network of individuals to assist in making your day a little better or at least to the best of their ability. The environments one where one can be an individual and independent but is held responsible for their actions. The best thing though is the Trojan pride and history taught about the school, from its trials and tribulations being a historically black school to educating students on the successes of VSU.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
Virginia State University is a HBCU with many things to offer. The professors on this campus focus more on student needs than themselves. They strive for the best in the students. Also campus life is very exciting. Students get chances to get to know one another with the many socials that the school offers.
It is known for being an HBCU, a Historically Black College/University, which makes it rich in African-American culture. Many of the buildings the dormitories have been around since the school was founded.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
92% of students attending Virginia State University receive some sort of financial aid.
67% were awarded federal grants.90%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
