About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University’s history dates back to 1838, shaping its identity as a driven and engaged institution. Since its founding over 175 years ago as the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney, the institution has made significant contributions to education and society. VCU’s mission centers on real-world learning, research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and health sciences to enhance human well-being. The university values diversity, inclusion, innovation, service, and integrity, fostering a supportive environment for exploration, creativity, and learning.
Virginia Commonwealth University Online stands as a leader in higher education, offering quality programs through diverse delivery methods such as fully online and hybrid formats. With a focus on flexibility, VCU Online empowers students to pursue their educational goals on their own terms. The university’s commitment to excellence, coupled with its flexible degree and certificate options, sets VCU Online apart as a distinguished choice for those seeking online education.
Accreditation & Licensing
Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 22,932 ; Graduate: 8,042Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 5% ; Graduate: 1%Graduation Rate:
63%Transfer Rate:
21%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$58,128Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
70%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$13,626Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Virginia Commonwealth University
All Programs
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Nursing
Filters
VCU can support steady progress when you plan early and stay organized. Its large size can affect your pace, especially in early classes with many students. In big sections, you may need to track deadlines and map your courses term by term.
A practical plus is transfer flexibility. VCU appears to accept Dual Enrollment credits, which can help save time. Cost can feel mixed for some families, with tuition increases part of the picture.
Overall, VCU can be a solid path to finish your degree. It tends to work best for students who are self-directed and comfortable in a large university system.
At VCU, support feels personal and practical. Faculty are known for being helpful, and many students feel backed by professors, advisors, and counselors once they get started. These contacts are usually easy to reach, so students have clear places to turn when they need help.
VCU is a large university, so support may feel less automatic in very big classes. Even so, the help system is in place and works well. Students tend to have the best day-to-day experience when they connect early and stay in touch with professors, advisors, and counseling staff.
VCU’s online fit is best for self-directed learners. The school has a rigorous pace. Classes can be large in some parts. That makes personal organization important week to week.
Support is available from professors and advisors. Students who reach out tend to do better. This setup fits adults who can manage deadlines. It also fits learners who want clear structure and challenge.
VCU classes are challenging in a good way. Students are expected to put in real effort from day one. Teaching is often strongest when learning is hands-on, especially in art courses where students build skills by doing the work.
Class size can shape the early experience. Intro courses may have 150 or more students, so class can feel less personal at first. As students move into higher-level classes, they often get more direct support from professors and advisors. That can make learning feel more connected, practical, and useful.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers broad opportunity and strong academics. Classes can be challenging in a good way. Many courses include hands-on work that connects learning to real practice.
Students can find support from professors, advisors, and counselors. The school is large, so intro classes may feel crowded at first. Some students may need time to feel known and settled.
Housing and campus space can feel tight, and tuition increases can strain some budgets. Students who take initiative early and stay involved often do well. For many, the result is solid support and many paths to grow in a busy university setting.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers broad opportunity and strong academics. Classes can be challenging in a good way. Many courses include hands-on work that connects learning to real practice.
Students can find support from professors, advisors, and counselors. The school is large, so intro classes may feel crowded at first. Some students may need time to feel known and settled.
Housing and campus space can feel tight, and tuition increases can strain some budgets. Students who take initiative early and stay involved often do well. For many, the result is solid support and many paths to grow in a busy university setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Commonwealth University
Is Virginia Commonwealth University accredited?
Yes. Virginia Commonwealth University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Virginia Commonwealth University offer?
Virginia Commonwealth University offers 20 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Virginia Commonwealth University offer?
Virginia Commonwealth University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Virginia Commonwealth University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Virginia Commonwealth University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Virginia Commonwealth University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Virginia Commonwealth University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Virginia Commonwealth University military friendly?
Virginia Commonwealth University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Virginia Commonwealth University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Virginia Commonwealth University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Virginia Commonwealth University accept life experience credit?
Virginia Commonwealth University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Virginia Commonwealth University programs fully online or mixed?
Virginia Commonwealth University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Virginia Commonwealth University offer?
Virginia Commonwealth University has online program options in areas such as Education, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Virginia Commonwealth University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Are any admission tests required for Virginia Commonwealth University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Virginia Commonwealth University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Virginia Commonwealth University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Virginia Commonwealth University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Virginia Commonwealth University is featured in 11 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Virginia
Virginia at a Glance:
Top Majors in Virginia:
Top Incentives in Virginia:
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $4,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Virginia:
- Entry Level: Security Analyst ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Security Engineer ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Security Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Cybersecurity
- Certifications: Security+, CISSP