Virginia Union University

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.