
1 Hayden Drive, Petersburg, VA 23806, USA


Virginia State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes it to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation is a key factor for students considering the legitimacy and recognition of their academic credentials post-graduation.
In addition to institutional accreditation, several of the university's specific programs have received specialized accreditation from various professional bodies. These accreditations ensure that the programs meet industry standards and prepare students effectively for their careers. For prospective students, such programmatic accreditations can be crucial when seeking professional certification or licensure after completing their studies.
Virginia State University maintains selective admission standards while offering opportunities for a wide range of applicants. Prospective students must present a completed secondary school record and maintain a required grade point average. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted in lieu of a traditional high school diploma. Letters of recommendation are also necessary to support the application, and submission of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores is mandatory for non-native English speakers.
Although the university recommends additional competencies and other test scores, these are not required components of the application. The institution does not follow an open admission policy, emphasizing certain academic credentials for acceptance. Dual credit options are not available; however, the university does grant credit for Advanced Placement examinations.
Regarding standardized testing, a small percentage of enrolled students submitted SAT and ACT scores. The average SAT composite score is 935, with both math and writing sections falling within the lower 10th percentile nationally. The mean ACT score is 18, also placing Virginia State University in the bottom 10% compared to other institutions.
The acceptance rate is high, at 89%, indicating a relatively accessible admission process. The applicant pool totals over 10,500, with women comprising the majority. Enrollment figures reflect an average level of matriculation, with approximately 1,450 students enrolling each year.
Virginia State University requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of their admissions process. The fee amount is clearly stated by the university and applies to all applicants unless they qualify for a waiver. Fee waivers are available for eligible students who demonstrate financial need, thereby easing the burden of the application cost. These waivers help promote accessibility and encourage a diverse pool of applicants by removing financial barriers.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver must typically provide appropriate documentation or meet specified criteria as outlined by the admissions office. This process ensures that students who cannot afford the application fee are not excluded from consideration. It is advisable for prospective students to inquire directly with Virginia State University's admissions department concerning the specific qualifications, required documentation, and how to apply for these waivers.
The existence of fee waivers reflects Virginia State University's commitment to supporting students from various economic backgrounds, ensuring that the application process remains equitable and inclusive.
Virginia State University hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students with the opportunity to participate in military training and leadership development alongside their academic studies. This presence allows prospective students interested in commissioning as officers to pursue ROTC programs within the university environment.
Virginia State University allows transfer applications for fall and spring semesters, providing flexibility for students planning to continue their education there. The admissions process for transfer students is considered minimally difficult, indicating a relatively straightforward evaluation compared to more selective institutions.
The university accepts transfer credits, which facilitates smoother transitions for students who have completed relevant coursework elsewhere. In addition, Virginia State University recognizes CLEP subject exams for credit, supporting students who have earned college-level knowledge through examinations.
Virginia State University offers study abroad opportunities designed to enhance global learning experiences for its students. The programs include short-term faculty-led trips, which typically last a few weeks and align with specific courses, allowing students to earn academic credit while exploring new cultures. Additionally, there are semester-long exchanges and partnerships with international institutions that enable students to immerse themselves more deeply in foreign academic environments.
The university encourages participation in these programs to develop cross-cultural competencies and global awareness, which are increasingly valuable in today's interconnected world. Though the variety of destinations may vary annually, students can expect to engage in programs that cover diverse regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These experiences are integrated with academic objectives, ensuring that students not only travel but also gain knowledge relevant to their fields of study.
Virginia State University also provides pre-departure orientations and support services to help students prepare for the challenges of studying abroad. This preparation includes cultural sensitivity training and guidance on travel logistics, safety, and academic expectations. By combining academic rigor with international exposure, the university aims to broaden students' perspectives and contribute to their personal and professional growth.
Median composite SAT score
935Median composite ACT score
18Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
14%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission 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
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy 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
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring