
1 Hayden Drive, Petersburg, VA 23806, USA


Virginia State University provides a variety of athletic programs for students interested in participating in collegiate sports. The university competes in NCAA Division II and is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), which is primarily composed of historically black colleges and universities. This affiliation offers student-athletes the opportunity to engage in competitive sports while also experiencing a supportive community environment.
The university sponsors several men's and women's varsity sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field. These programs are designed to develop athletic skills, promote teamwork, and encourage academic achievement among participants. Facilities supporting these sports include well-maintained fields and courts, providing student-athletes with the resources necessary for both practice and competition.
Beyond the varsity level, Virginia State University also encourages student involvement in recreational sports and intramural activities, promoting an active lifestyle on campus for a wider student body. Through these offerings, the university aims to foster a balanced college experience that combines athletic participation with educational goals.
Virginia State University offers a range of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and promote community engagement among students. Among the notable groups are AbstraKt Entertainment, Golden Key Honor Society, The Betterment of Brothers and Sisters, Diversified Virtue Entertainment, and Sankofa. These organizations provide platforms for leadership, cultural expression, academic recognition, and social development.
Virginia State University hosts a moderately sized student body, with a total enrollment of around 1,656 new students, including 1,448 freshmen and 208 transfer students. Freshman enrollment is relatively strong, placing the university in the top 40% nationally, while transfer numbers are more modest, ranking in the bottom 45%.
Most students are undergraduates, spanning a wide age range. The largest groups are young adults aged 18 to 19 (2,101 students) and 20 to 21 (1,484 students), followed by those aged 22 to 24 (815 students). There is also a notable presence of older students, including those aged 25 to 29 (181 students) and even some beyond 60 years old.
Graduate students make up a smaller portion of the population, with a total of about 361 students. These are distributed primarily within the 22-64 age ranges, reflecting a mature and diverse graduate community.
The university's student diversity is heavily characterized by a predominant African American population, with 4,449 students, an exceptionally high representation ranking in the top 5% nationally. Other ethnic groups include smaller numbers of Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and White students, each falling into average or below-average presence categories according to national percentiles.
Regarding residency status, Virginia State University has 66% of its students classified as in-state, which is average and ranks below the national median, while 33% are out-of-state students, a figure that places the university in the top 45% nationwide. The majority of the student body comprises U. S. citizens (99%), with international students and those of unknown status representing very small proportions.
Student life at Virginia State University offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities that contribute to a well-rounded college experience. Students can engage in the campus newspaper, drama activities, band, and chorus, providing numerous ways to participate in creative and performing arts. While there is no campus radio station, the presence of several arts programs supports a vibrant community atmosphere.
Health and wellness services are accessible on campus, including a health clinic and psychological counseling, aiming to support student well-being throughout their studies. Although there is no legal services office or women's center, these health-related resources demonstrate a commitment to addressing important aspects of student support.
The university's student-to-faculty ratio stands at 13: 1, offering an average level of access to professors and personalized learning experiences. The campus size and student population reflect a modest but active university environment, with approximately 5,190 enrolled students and a campus size totaling 236 units.
Virginia State University has a single main library, the Johnston Memorial Library, which supports the academic needs of its students. The university's library resources are relatively modest compared to other institutions, placing it in the lower range nationally for the number of libraries available to students.
Johnston Memorial Library provides both physical and digital materials, ensuring students have access to a variety of resources for research and study. Although the university does not offer multiple libraries or study rooms, it maintains established hours of operation totaling 82 service hours per week.
Students benefit from access to trained library staff and shared collections, which helps enhance the available materials and information despite the limited number of libraries on campus. While all-day access is not provided, digital access options are available to support remote research and study needs.
Total enrollment
5190Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1444Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
840 full time, 270 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Johnston Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes