Virginia State University
Campus Identity
Virginia State University is a mid-size public university in Petersburg, VA. Approximately 5,074 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 89% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Chesdin, just 6 miles from the water. Virginia State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 37/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
Virginia State University is a mid-size public university in Petersburg, VA. Approximately 5,074 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 89% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Chesdin, just 6 miles from the water. Virginia State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 37/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Virginia State University is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 96 miles from Wintergreen Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
53°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Virginia State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Wintergreen Resort, 96 miles away with 5 lifts and 129 skiable acres. All are within 108 miles of campus.
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia
Lake Life Campus
Lake Chesdin is 6 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Virginia State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Chesdin
Lake access within 5.9 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Petersburg, VA
Petersburg has a mild climate, with winters averaging 39°F in Jan and summers peaking around 79°F in Jul.
Station: PETERSBURG · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Virginia State University in VA earns a composite safety score of 37/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,043 | $22,650 |
| Fees | $3,614 | $4,367 |
| Room & Board | $13,355 | $13,355 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $27,012 | $40,372 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
67 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Virginia State University located?
Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA. The main campus address is 1 Hayden Drive, Petersburg, VA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia State University?
Virginia State University has an acceptance rate of 89%, making it accessible. Out of 11,775 applicants, 10,436 were admitted in the most recent year. 5,074 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Virginia State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Virginia State University scored between 14 and 20 on the ACT, with a median of 18. About 1% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Virginia State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Virginia State University charges $10,043/year for in-state students and $22,650/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($13,355/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $20,909/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,840/year — what students actually pay. Use Virginia State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does Virginia State University have college sports?
Yes — Virginia State University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is Virginia State University an HBCU?
Yes, Virginia State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). HBCUs were established primarily to serve Black Americans and have a rich history of academic excellence, cultural significance, and community impact. Virginia State University remains an important institution for higher education and Black culture.
Is Virginia State University the right fit for me?
Whether Virginia State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (89% admit rate), avg net price ($15,840/year after aid), campus culture in Petersburg, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Virginia State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Virginia State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Petersburg, VA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- HBCU
- Yes
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 53°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 37/100
- Nearest Airport
- Richmond, VA (RIC) · 20 mialso FAF (45 mi), PHF (52 mi)
Location
Petersburg, VA