
1500 North Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220-1170, USA


Virginia Union University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the university to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation is a significant indicator of the institution's adherence to rigorous academic standards and institutional effectiveness.
Additionally, specific programs at Virginia Union University have received specialized accreditation, reflecting their compliance with professional standards. For example, its School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring the quality and relevance of its social work education.
This combination of regional and programmatic accreditation assures prospective students that Virginia Union University meets nationally recognized criteria for educational quality and institutional integrity, which can be important for credit transfer, graduate study, and employment opportunities.
Virginia Union University requires applicants to have completed a high school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Submission of a secondary school record is mandatory, and the institution also requires a minimum secondary school grade point average as part of the evaluation process. Although specific admission test scores are not required, the university recommends submitting other standardized test results to support an application. Competencies beyond academic records are encouraged to demonstrate preparedness for college-level work.
Applicants do not need to provide evidence of computer ownership or leasing, as this is not required. The university has an open admission policy disallowed, meaning not all applicants are admitted automatically. While dual credit options are not available, the institution accepts transfer credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits toward degree programs.
Admissions data show that Virginia Union University maintains a high acceptance rate of approximately 98%, indicating a broadly accessible admissions process. However, the average SAT scores for enrolled students are quite low, averaging around 825 overall, with low scores in both math and writing sections. This reflects the university's willingness to admit students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Virginia Union University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay an application fee when submitting their materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing each application.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a fee waiver. To obtain one, students typically need to provide documentation verifying their economic circumstances or meet specific eligibility criteria as defined by the university's admissions office.
The university encourages candidates to inquire directly with admissions if the application fee presents a hardship, as accommodations may be made. This policy aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from applying.
Virginia Union University does not host its own ROTC program; instead, students interested in pursuing Reserve Officers' Training Corps training participate through a partnership with a cooperating host institution. This arrangement allows prospective cadets to engage in ROTC coursework and leadership development while enrolled at Virginia Union University, although the formal ROTC unit and instruction take place on the campus of the host school.
Virginia Union University allows transfer students to apply for admission primarily during the fall and spring terms. The university is open to accepting credits from other institutions, facilitating the transfer process for eligible students. Prospective transfers can make use of various credit options, as the university accepts both CLEP subject and CLEP general exams, which can help satisfy some course requirements.
The admission process for transfer students is considered minimally difficult, indicating a relatively accessible threshold for acceptance. The university also accepts recommendation letters as part of the application, which may enhance an applicant's admission prospects. Overall, the institution supports transfer students with flexible credit policies and periodic enrollment opportunities.
Virginia Union University offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs emphasize global learning and cross-cultural engagement, allowing students to study in diverse international settings while earning academic credit toward their degrees.
Participants can choose from short-term faculty-led trips, which typically focus on specific academic themes or service projects, as well as semester-long exchanges at partner institutions abroad. These experiences enable students to immerse themselves in new environments and gain valuable perspectives relevant to their fields of study.
The university supports study abroad endeavors through structured advising and preparatory sessions, ensuring students are well informed about academic expectations, travel logistics, and cultural adaptation. This support system aims to maximize the educational impact of each program while addressing students' safety and well-being.
Virginia Union University's commitment to global education reflects its broader mission to prepare graduates for leadership in a multicultural and interconnected world. By participating in these study abroad programs, students acquire not only academic knowledge but also enhanced intercultural communication skills and a broader worldview.
Median composite SAT score
825Median composite ACT score
16Percent of students submitting SAT scores
10%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
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther 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 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
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring