
901 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284-9005, USA


Virginia Commonwealth University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. This regional accreditation is a key indicator that the institution meets established standards of quality and academic rigor.
The university also maintains specialized accreditation for several of its individual programs from recognized professional bodies. These programmatic accreditations cover areas such as business, education, health sciences, the arts, and engineering, ensuring that these specific fields comply with industry standards and best practices.
Prospective students can consider these accreditations as evidence of the university's commitment to maintaining academic excellence across its diverse curricula. This can have implications for credit transfer, eligibility for federal financial aid, and qualification recognition by employers and other educational institutions.
Virginia Commonwealth University requires applicants to have completed either a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must submit a secondary school record and demonstrate established competencies as part of the admission process. A secondary school GPA is also required for consideration.
Applicants must submit TOEFL scores to satisfy English language proficiency requirements, and submission of other standardized test scores is recommended but not mandatory. While the university does not operate on an open admission policy, it does accept transfer credits, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
The university's average admitted student has a mean SAT score of 1185, with a 580 in Math and 605 in Writing, placing them roughly in the top half of test-takers nationally. The average ACT composite score is 25, similarly reflecting an average level of performance.
Admission is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 93%, indicating a competitive but accessible admission climate. The university receives a large volume of applications, with more than 19,000 applicants annually.
Virginia Commonwealth University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee is a standardized charge designed to cover administrative costs associated with processing applications. The university also provides options for fee waivers to help eligible students who may face financial barriers.
Applicants can request a fee waiver if they meet certain income criteria or participate in specific programs designed to support low-income students. These waivers are intended to ensure that the application process remains accessible regardless of a student's economic background. Typically, proof of eligibility through documentation or participation in qualifying programs is necessary to receive the waiver.
It is important for prospective students to review the application instructions carefully to determine the exact fee amount and to identify the process for requesting a waiver. Early preparation can help applicants take advantage of fee waiver opportunities and avoid unnecessary financial burdens during the college application process.
Virginia Commonwealth University itself does not host an ROTC branch unit on its campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs typically do so through a cooperating host institution that maintains an ROTC branch unit. This arrangement allows prospective students to pursue military training and education without the program being directly located at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia Commonwealth University welcomes transfer students across all main academic terms, including fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions, providing flexibility for those seeking to continue their education at different points throughout the year.
The university accepts transfer credits, which can streamline the path toward degree completion for students coming from other institutions. Prospective transfer students should note that Virginia Commonwealth University also recognizes credits earned through certain standardized examinations, specifically accepting CLEP Subject exams and DANTES credits, allowing students to receive credit for prior learning and reduce the number of courses needed.
Additionally, the university considers recommendations as part of the transfer application process, which may play a role in admissions decisions or placement.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enhance students' educational experiences through international exposure. These opportunities include faculty-led short-term programs typically spanning a few weeks, allowing students to travel with university professors while earning academic credit. Additionally, the university supports semester and year-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide, enabling students to immerse themselves in diverse academic and cultural environments.
Students can also participate in global internships that provide hands-on professional experiences abroad, enriching their practical skills alongside cultural understanding. The programs cover numerous disciplines, ensuring a broad range of fields are represented to fit different academic interests and career goals.
The university assists students in selecting programs that align with their majors and personal objectives, while also offering resources such as scholarships, advising, and preparatory workshops to support a successful study abroad experience.
Median composite SAT score
1185Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
3.5%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
34.5%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer