Virginia State University

Virginia State University History

Virginia State University was founded in 1882 as a normal school for African Americans and is now one of Virginia’s two land-grant institutions. It received university status in 1979. It is an historically black institution. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university defines its mission as “to promote and sustain academic programs that integrate instruction, research, and extension/public service in a design most responsive to the needs and endeavors of individuals and groups within its scope of influence.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

Virginia State University Academics

Virginia State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 4 colleges: the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology; the School of Agriculture; the School of Business; the School of Liberal Arts and Education; and the School of Graduate Studies, Research, and Outreach.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as agriculture, home economics, management, criminal justice, history, music, public administration, social work, biology, engineering, and mass communications.

p. Graduate programs are offered in 12 areas. These include master’s level programs in education, biology, counselor education, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, physics, and psychology. A doctoral degree is offered in educational administration and supervision.

Virginia State University Financial Aid

Tuition and required fees at Virginia State University are $2,417 per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs; the out-of-state undergraduate rate is almost three times as much, at $6,023.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for eligible students. Students can receive work-study positions tutoring in the local schools through the America Reads Program. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships are available and about the details of the application process. There are a few merit-based graduate fellowships available.

Virginia State University Students

Student life at Virginia State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are fraternities and sororities, academic and professional groups, religious organizations, and special interest groups such as Sista’ to Sista’ and the Orchesis Dance Theater.

Virginia State University Local Community

Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, Virginia, which has a population of approximately 33,000 and is near the state capitol of Richmond. It is located on the Appomattox River and is the site of various Revolutionary and Civil War events. There are three museums, a historical park, and a National Battlefield.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification