Acceptance Rate
98%
Avg. SAT
885
75th percentile
“Richmond's pioneering HBCU, blending theology, leadership, and urban energy since 1865.”
Richmond, VA
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Virginia Union University traces its roots to 1865, when the American Baptist Home Mission Society established it amid Reconstruction to educate newly freed African Americans, evolving through mergers of seminaries into a comprehensive HBCU. Students who thrive here often seek a close-knit community where faith, service, and Black excellence shape daily life, drawn to professors who mentor like family and peers who push for activism. The campus sits in Richmond's historic heart, offering easy walks to museums and the James River, though the urban bustle means navigating city traffic and higher living costs compared to rural colleges. Small enrollment around 1,300 undergraduates fosters personal connections but limits course variety and facilities found at larger schools.
Photo Gallery
+5
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms buzz with discussion in programs like the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, business administration, and social work, where faculty emphasize practical skills alongside liberal arts foundations. You'll join seminars capped at 20 students in upper levels, but introductory classes can draw 50 or more from the region's commuters. Research leans toward community projects rather than massive labs, suiting students who want hands-on impact over big grants; competitive entry into theology reflects its legacy draw.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,205 undergrad • 441 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
1%
Black / African American
89%
Hispanic / Latino
2%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Richmond, VA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week mixes chapel services, step shows by Divine Nine Greeks, and study groups in bustling dorm lounges, with weekends spilling into Richmond's breweries and food trucks. Housing guarantees spots for freshmen in traditional residence halls, though upperclassmen often seek off-campus apartments amid rising rents. The vibe pulses with pride during homecoming parades, but the compact urban campus means social life extends into the city, trading quiet quads for vibrant street festivals.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$16,318
$30K – $48K
$18,117
$48K – $75K
$20,745
$75K – $110K
$21,930
$110K+
$21,685
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
67%
4 Years Graduation Rate
48%
6 Years Graduation Rate
50%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$38,275
67% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Virginia Union University and return in the fall. 48% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 50% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
48%
4-5 years
2%
6-8 years
3%
Non-grad
47%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$10,530
Acceptance
98%
Undergrads
1,205
4-Year Grad Rate
48%
Endowment
$51M
Richmond, VA 23220
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