Quick Summary
Based in Richmond, United States, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university with roots dating back to 1838. Ranked #720 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28500 students including 4% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Art and Design, Nursing, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 91%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
VCU is a top-tier urban research university with the #1 ranked public art school in the United States and a prestigious academic medical center.
Subject Strengths
Art and DesignNursingEducationPharmacyPublic HealthMedicine
Founded1838
TypePublic Research University
Total Students28500
Intl Students4%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusUrban
Campus Size169 acres
Affiliated HospitalsVCU Medical Center (MCV Campus)
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#720
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401–500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
200+ programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels
Programs
44
PhD Programs
VCU Online offers 30+ degree and certificate programs
Online Programs
Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate91%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional for most graduate programs
GMATOptional for most MBA and business programs
SATTest-Optional
ACTTest-Optional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15 (Regular), November 1 (Scholarship Consideration)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Students applying to the School of the Arts must submit a portfolio; emphasis is placed on holistic review and extracurricular engagement.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$16,223/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$14,100/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$70
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$34,723/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$6,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 200+ programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Graphic Design | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Nursing | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biomedical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Forensic Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$56,000
Average Salary After Graduation
90%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Richmond-based Fortune 500 companies and government agencies
Industry Connections
AltriaDominion EnergyCarMaxCapital OneFederal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Notable Alumni
Eric Cantor, Patch Adams, David Baldacci, Sheryl Lee Ralph
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Cary Street Gym, Siegel Center, VCU Sports Medicine Center
Student Clubs
500
Library Resources
James Branch Cabell Library, Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available