2025 admissions data

Virginia State University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 89.1% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 89 actually get in. No guessing. Virginia State University is a UNIV institution located in Petersburg, VA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Virginia State University caters well to students seeking a close-knit community with a strong focus on education, particularly those who thrive in smaller class environments. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and small class sizes, students can expect personal attention and support. However, this setting may not be suitable for those who prefer the vibrant atmosphere of larger research universities or a wider range of extracurricular activities. Another trade-off is the availability of resources; while the university has a balanced program offering, the range of majors is limited compared to larger institutions, potentially restricting students wanting to explore niche fields. The good fit here lies in the hands-on educational approach, particularly in disciplines aligned with their land-grant roots, while those looking for a bustling campus life with extensive networking opportunities may find VSU lacking in that department. Ultimately, VSU serves those eager for support and a focused education over a wider, less personalized experience.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

86.2%

Acceptance Rate

Women

90.5%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

10,577

Admitted

9,424

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Virginia State University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math380–510

Reading420–540

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

What Students Miss When Looking at the Virginia State University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Virginia State University is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 89.1% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.

Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior

Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.

At Virginia State University, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.

How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately

Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.

Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at Virginia State University becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.

Admissions Insight

One crucial factor influencing student outcomes at Virginia State University is the accessibility of academic advising. The university's commitment to maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio allows for more personalized interactions between students and advisors. This setting facilitates an environment where students can receive sage advice tailored to their academic and career aspirations. In smaller universities like VSU, advisors often have the bandwidth to interact with students on a more frequent basis, fostering relationships that are not only professional but also supportive. This kind of engagement is critical, especially when students are exploring their major choices or navigating their academic journey. Students at VSU benefit from the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with faculty and staff who can advocate for them, whether it's for internships or graduate programs. On the flip side, the relatively low volume of extracurricular offerings and research opportunities may hinder students who thrive in environments rich with varied experiences. Fewer major programs can lead to a less comprehensive academic offering compared to larger universities. While VSU's focused disciplines promote depth of knowledge, students shouldn’t overlook the importance of diverse learning opportunities that can enrich their academic careers. Balancing these positives and negatives is essential for potential students, as the accessibility of advising at VSU could significantly sway their academic success. By weighing the support they can receive at VSU against their personal aspirations and desired learning environment, students can make a more informed decision about whether they will thrive here. Overall, the accessibility to supportive advisors at VSU can enhance the student experience considerably, but students must also consider if this environment meets all their educational and career aspirations.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $25

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: www.vsu.edu/admissions/apply/freshman-apply/index.php

Your Chances of Getting Into Virginia State University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Virginia State University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What This Means If You’re Considering Applying to Virginia State University

Once you’ve looked through admissions data, the next step isn’t finding more numbers — it’s deciding what they mean for you. Many students reach this stage feeling unsure, especially when outcomes seem hard to predict.

The reality is that universities like Virginia State University don’t admit students in a vacuum. Applications are evaluated within context, and that context includes academic preparation, intended area of study, and how well an applicant’s goals align with what the institution offers.

How Applicants Should Think About Their Chances

Rather than asking, “Will I get in?”, a more productive question is, “Does applying here make sense for my profile?” Students who approach admissions this way tend to build stronger, more balanced college lists.

If your academic background matches the expectations of your intended program, the admissions process may feel far less intimidating than it looks on paper. On the other hand, students applying to high-demand majors or with less preparation should plan accordingly — not avoid applying, but approach it strategically.

In the end, admissions data is meant to guide decision-making, not discourage it. Used correctly, it helps applicants apply with confidence rather than guesswork.

Should You Apply to Virginia State University?

If 89.1% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Virginia State University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Virginia State University Acceptance Rate

What is Virginia State University's acceptance rate and what are the average test scores?

Virginia State University has an acceptance rate of 89-90%. The average SAT composite score is around 925, with an average GPA of 2.9 for admitted students.

How much does it cost to attend Virginia State University?

The average net price for attending Virginia State University ranges from $16,184 to $18,332 per year, depending on various factors including financial aid and residency status.

What are the most popular majors at Virginia State University?

While specific data on popular majors is unknown, Virginia State University offers various bachelor's degrees across diverse fields such as Agriculture, Business, Education, and Engineering.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio and typical class size at VSU?

Virginia State University boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, with many classes consisting of 2 to 19 students, promoting personalized learning experiences.

What is the graduation rate at Virginia State University?

At Virginia State University, approximately 46% of students graduate within six years, while around 28% complete their degrees within four years.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Virginia State University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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