Virginia State University (VSU, VSU) History and Academics

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.

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Information Summary

Ranks 35th in Virginia and 1195th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	77.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$23,239
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	21 / 1010
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	66% / 58%
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,385

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.

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.

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.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Virginia State University accepts undergraduate applications through the summer prior to the fall term; students should check with the school to see if applications are still being accepted at a specific date. The application fee is $25. Applications can be submitted on-line. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office.

As part of their application, students should submit two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Students should have completed high school courses as follows: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 3 units of history and social studies, and 3 units of science. 2 units of a foreign language are recommended.

Transfer students and international students will have varying requirements depending upon their prior educational background.

Students applying to the graduate programs at Virginia State University should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying. Applications can be submitted on-line, and the application fee is $25. General requirements include the GRE or other appropriate test scores (such as the GMAT) and a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of 2.6. The recommended graduate application deadline is May 1 for the fall semester.

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.

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.

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.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2762nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Virginia.

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.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Virginia State University is an NCAA Division II School. Teams compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, football, tennis, golf, cross country, and track & field. Women’s sports include bowling, volleyball, tennis, softball basketball, cross country, and track & field. The team nick-name is the Trojans. Trojan athletes have competed in track & field at the NCAA division championships.

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.

Virginia State University