Lori Meadows
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded in 1838 and currently offers 37 undergraduate and 67 postgraduate courses. In 2022, more than 28,000 students were enrolled in VCU's 11 schools and three colleges. The university has a high retention rate of 86% for full-time undergraduates and offers a wide range of degree programs, including popular majors such as General Psychology, General Biological Sciences, and Health Teacher Education. With a strong focus on research, VCU received over $400 million in sponsored research funding in 2022 and was designated a top 50 university by the National Science Foundation.
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What You'll Learn
Student demographics and enrolment numbers
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded in 1838 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in Virginia. During the tenure of VCU President Eugene Trani, the university's enrolment increased from 21,764 in 1990 to 32,284 at the time of his retirement. In 2013, VCU became the first university in Virginia to enrol over 30,000 students.
According to the latest data from 2022, more than 28,000 students were enrolled in VCU's 11 schools and three colleges, pursuing 217 degree and certificate programs. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with international students able to choose from 37 undergraduate and 67 postgraduate courses. The average time to complete a bachelor's degree is four years, while master's courses typically take between 12 and 16 months.
In terms of demographics, VCU has a diverse student body, with students from 46 states, Washington, D.C., and 138 countries worldwide. The university also has a strong international presence, with international students able to study in 15 streams and 38 specialisations. The most common Bachelor's Degree concentrations at VCU in 2023 were General Psychology (490 degrees awarded), General Biological Sciences (339 degrees), and Health Teacher Education (318 degrees).
The university is also home to a vibrant Greek life community, with 36 international fraternities and sororities and over 1,700 students participating. Approximately 6.3% of women join a sorority, while 8% of men join a fraternity.
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Tuition fees and financial aid
The tuition fees for Virginia Commonwealth University differ for in-state and out-of-state students. Undergraduate students residing in Virginia pay $12,850 per year, whereas out-of-state students pay $34,744. Room and board charges total $16,119 per year, with additional costs for books and supplies ($1,240), administrative or academic fees ($3,608), and other miscellaneous expenses ($6,150). Thus, the total annual cost for in-state students is $39,967, and for out-of-state students, it is $61,861.
Tuition is charged at a per-credit-hour rate, and students may have additional fees based on their selected major or program. New first-year students add a $250 transition fee, and new transfer students add $175 for their first semester of enrollment. The university also offers various scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help with the cost of attendance.
The average reported annual net price for students receiving grants or scholarship aid was $22,852 in 2019-2020. This net price includes tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other expenses. The net price will vary based on factors such as family income, assets, and individual financial need.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, fellowships, and loans. In the 2019/2020 school year, 99% of full-time undergraduate students received financial aid, averaging $12,433 per student. This included Pell Grants from the U.S. Federal Government, with an average award of $5,355. Need-based aid is determined by the student or their family's ability to pay, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Virginia Commonwealth University was $16,917, with 67% of first-year students receiving this type of aid in the fall of 2022. Merit-based aid is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements.
Students can use the Net Price Calculator on the university's website to estimate their potential costs and financial aid opportunities.
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Popular degree concentrations
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a wide range of degree concentrations for its students. The most popular degree concentrations at the university vary depending on the degree type.
Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
The most common bachelor's degree concentrations at Virginia Commonwealth University are General Psychology, General Biological Sciences, and Health Teacher Education. In 2023, 490 degrees were awarded in General Psychology, 339 in General Biological Sciences, and 318 in Health Teacher Education. Other popular bachelor's degree concentrations include Visual and Performing Arts, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, and Homeland Security.
Specialized Degree Concentrations
The most specialized degree majors across all types at Virginia Commonwealth University are Public Administration and Social Service, Visual and Performing Arts, Cultural and Gender Studies, Protective Services, and Interdisciplinary Studies. These majors have significantly more degrees awarded compared to the national average.
Graduate Certificate Concentrations
Virginia Commonwealth University also offers a range of graduate certificate programs. Some popular concentrations include Addiction Studies, with options for advanced and intermediate international addiction studies, and Adult Learning with a concentration in instructional design and technology. The university also offers post-baccalaureate undergraduate certificates, such as Advanced Media Production Technology.
Master's Degree Concentrations
At the master's level, Virginia Commonwealth University offers degrees in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on regional planning, and Integrative Life Sciences with a concentration in bioinformatics and genome sciences.
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Student life and extracurriculars
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a large, public university located in Richmond, Virginia. With a total undergraduate enrollment of over 21,000, it offers a vibrant student life with a diverse range of extracurricular activities.
Diversity and Inclusion
VCU receives top marks for overall diversity compared to other colleges and universities across the nation. The student body includes individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those seeking a career in the armed forces.
Campus Life
VCU blends seamlessly with the city of Richmond, offering a nice urban environment for students who enjoy the fast-paced city life. The campus features modern housing, impressive engineering facilities, and various food options. While 28% of students live in college-owned housing, many choose to move off-campus after their first year.
Student Organizations and Activities
VCU boasts over 200 student organizations, ranging from academic groups like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to Greek life, with fraternities and sororities. One of the most popular organizations is the Activities Programming Board (APB), which hosts free events for students, including movie screenings, stress relief programs, and homecoming celebrations.
Athletics and Sports
VCU has a strong athletics program, with 373 student athletes competing in intercollegiate sports. Intramural sports are also popular, and the university is part of the NCAA I. Additionally, VCU offers a “study abroad" program for students seeking international experiences.
Community Engagement
VCU is known for its community engagement, with thousands of students actively involved in community service each year. The university provides a holistic college experience, encouraging students to connect, learn, explore, and thrive in a global society.
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Campus facilities and locations
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, US. The university is spread across two main campuses in the city, the Monroe Park Campus and the MCV Campus, located a mile apart in downtown Richmond. The Monroe Park Campus, covering 7.5 acres, is home to most undergraduate students and their classes. It also includes the Commons, a central hub for students to socialise, eat, play games, and watch movies. The MCV Campus, covering 52.3 acres, is an integral part of Richmond's old Court End district, adjacent to the city's business and financial district.
The MCV Campus houses the VCU Medical Center, comprising the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, and the College of Health Professions, overseen by the VCU Health System Authority. It also includes the Massey Cancer Center and the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. The Monroe Park Campus features a campus green, an arts building, dormitories, and general student facilities. The MCV Campus offers the Larrick Student Center, a combination gym and student centre, where students can work out, swim, socialise, or grab a coffee.
VCU provides on-campus accommodation for approximately 6,000 students across 11 residence halls, equipped with amenities such as community lounges and study rooms. The university has a diverse student body, with a prominent female population (57%) and a growing number of out-of-state students (15% as of fall 2011). The campus is easily accessible via various transportation options, including GRTC buses, shuttle services, and bike-friendly initiatives like RamBikes. The nearest airport, Richmond International Airport, is just 12 km away, offering free shuttle services to the university.
In addition to its Richmond campuses, VCU has a branch campus in Qatar, established in partnership with the Qatar Foundation. VCUarts Qatar, located in Education City, offers Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees.
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Frequently asked questions
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) had an enrollment of over 30,000 students in 2013, making it the first university in the state to achieve this number. In 2022, more than 28,000 students were enrolled in 217 degree and certificate programs.
The most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2023 were General Psychology, General Biological Sciences, and Health Teacher Education.
The highest-paying jobs for graduates with degrees in the five most specialized majors from Virginia Commonwealth University are Surgeon, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Podiatrist, Cardiovascular Technologist, and Media and Communication Worker.
