VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (VCU)

  • 910 W Franklin St
  • Richmond, VA 23284
  • OPEID College Code: 00373500
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  • GET MORE INFORMATION
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  • General Phone: (804) 828-0100
  • President: Dr. Michael Rao
  • Type: Public, 4-Year or Above
  • Calendar System: Semester
  • Highest Degree: Doctoral - Research & Professional
  • Local Area: Midsized City
  • Student Enrollment: 32,172
  • College Alias: VCU
  • College Mascot: Rams
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  • *Not all of the programs above may be offered
Virginia Commonwealth University - Details
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Tuition and Fees
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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is one of the top research universities in the United States.  It is an urban university, with its two campuses located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.  The two main campuses for VCU are Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus.  Additionally, the university has the VCU Medical Center, along with its health sciences schools and a Level 1 Trauma Center, providing health care in 200 specialties.

 

In addition to advancing research and providing health care, VCU offers more than 200 academic degree programs and educates the community work force.

 

VCU receives more than $200 million in sponsored research funding, and offers academic research in many departments and disciplines including the VCU Center for Clinical & Translational Research, several VCU Centers and Institutes, as well as several VCU Core Laboratories.

 

History

Virginia Commonwealth University was founded in 1838 with the creation of the Medical College of Virginia, as a medical department of Hampden-Sydney College.  In 1854 the Medical College of Virginia became independent.  In 1860 it became state affiliated. 

 

In 1939, the university's school of social work and public health became the Richmond Professional Institute, which became an independent state institution in 1962.  In 1968, there was a merging of the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia to form what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

Academics

 

Virginia Commonwealth University offers fall, spring and summer sessions and students may enroll for classes throughout the year.

 

Colleges and Schools

 

Virginia Commonwealth University has many Centers and Institutes that serve as its colleges and schools for study and research, and also provide health care and student resources.

 

  • Center for the Study of Biological Complexity
  • Brand Center
  • Evans-Haynes Burn Center
  • Campus Learning Center
  • Business and Engineering Career Center
  • University Career Center
  • Center for Biobehavioral Clinical Research
  • Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention
  • Center for Environmental Studies
  • Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety
  • Center for Human-Animal Interaction
  • Center for Public Policy
  • Center for Teaching Excellence
  • Center on Health Disparities
  • Center on Human Needs
  • Child Development Center
  • Clark Hill Institute
  • Center for Clinical and Translational Research
  • Clinical Research Center
  • Clinical Research Center for Periodontal Diseases
  • Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute
  • Commonwealth Poll
  • Center for Corporate Education
  • Center for Craniofacial Care
  • Curriculum Innovation Resource Center (CIRC)
  • Da Vinci Center for Innovation in Product Design and Development
  • Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies
  • Center for Drug Studies
  • Virginia Council for Economic Education
  • Employment Support Institute
  • Goodwin Research Laboratory
  • Virginia Area Health Education Centers Program
  • Pauley Heart Center
  • Inger and Walter Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences
  • Center for Institutional Effectiveness
  • Center for Judaic Studies
  • Mass Spectrometry Resource for the Study of Biological Complexity
  • Massey Cancer Center
  • Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery Center
  • Molecular Imaging Center
  • Mood Disorders Institute
  • Department of Neurosurgery
  • Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center
  • Obesity Surgery Center
  • Philips Institute of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology
  • Partnership for People with Disabilities
  • Center for Psychological Services and Development
  • Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
  • Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences
  • Risk and Insurance Studies Center
  • Center for Sports Leadership
  • Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery
  • Student Media Center
  • Training and Technical Assistance Center
  • Hume-Lee Transplant Center
  • Transportation Safety Training Center
  • Virginia Center for Urban Development
  • VCU Injury & Violence Prevention Program
  • Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
  • Virginia Center on Aging
  • Virginia Family Business Forum
  • Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics
  • Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities
  • C. Kenneth and Dianne Harris Wright Virginia Microelectronics Center
  • Virginia Real Estate Center
  • Virginia Treatment Center for Children
  • Wellness Resource Center
  • Williamson Institute for Health Studies
  • Institute for Women's Health
  • Writing Center

 

Student Life

 

There are more than 400 student organizations at VCU, ranging from student government to professional development, leadership, volunteer service opportunities, political involvement, and more. There are many activities and events offered to students throughout the year through the University Student Commons and Activities (USC&A).  The USC&A also accommodates events and meeting planning, among many other student services.  Student Affairs provides many resources and amenities to students on the VCU campuses.

The Break Point is a games room located in the University Student Commons where students can enjoy many recreational activities.

 

Fraternities and Sororities

 

There are 35 different chapters of fraternities and sororities offered at VCU, all governed by four governing councils.  The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at VCU provides overall direction of the Greek community.

 

Athletics

 

Many "Rams" athletes who studied and trained at VCU have gone on to play professional sports. The VCU "Rams" teams compete in several intercollegiate sports to include:

Men's Sports

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field

 

Women's Sports

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

 

Community Life

 

The VCU Department of Residential Life & Housing assists students in finding on-campus housing or off-campus accommodations.

 

There are many ways to become involved in community programs at VCU, as well as many ways to enjoy arts, culture and local attractions.  The Anderson Gallery has many art shows throughout the year, and the Singleton Center offers musical and theatrical performances.  The annual international festivals held on campus provide intercultural experiences to VCU students.

 

There are also many things to do in and around Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, which is listed as one of the "best places to live and work in America."  There are many parks around the city, some along the James River.

 

The city is rich in arts and culture, and one of its most popular attractions is the "First Fridays Art Walk."  This program showcases more than 40 art galleries and venues in the downtown Richmond area on the first Friday of each month.  The downtown area also boasts many top restaurants and venues for shopping and entertainment. 

 
    Student Services
  • Academic or Career Counseling Services Offered
  • Employment Services Offered
  • Placement Services For Graduates Offered
  • On-Campus Day Care Available
    Special Learning Opportunities
  • Study Abroad Opportunities
  • Weekend / Evening Classes Available
  • Teaching K-12 Certification Offered
  • Must Complete Preparation at Another Institution Can Complete Preparation With Specialization State Approved for Certification
  • ROTC
  • Army
Accreditation
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
    Facilities and Programs Offered
  • Library Available
  • Hospital Services Available
  • Grants Medical Degree
    College Carnegie Classifications
  • Basic Classification
  • Research Universities (High Research Activity)
  • Undergraduate Classification
  • Balanced Arts & Sciences/Professions, High Graduate Coexistence
  • Graduate Classification
  • Comprehensive Doctoral with Medical/Veterinary
  • Undergraduate Profile Classification
  • Full-Time Four-Year, Selective, Higher Transfer-In
  • Enrollment Classification
  • Majority Undergraduate
  • Size Classification
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential
 
 
 
Virginia Commonwealth University Campus Map
Photos

  • research-ctsa-test-monitor-brain-wave-activity

  • Carlos Fuentes y yo

  • P.R.I.S.M.

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

  • VCU School of Engineering's Health and Life Sciences Building

  • The Cathedral And The Library II

  • The Cathedral And The Library III

  • Cristina Dominguez Rodriguez

  • VCU Library

  • Rhymes with Rabble
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    Admission Fees Fall 2009
  • Undergraduate Application Fee: $50.00
  • Graduate Application Fee: $50.00
 
    College Credits Accepted
  • Dual Credit
  • AP Credit
    Applicant Considerations
  • High School or Secondary School GPA
  • Required
  • High School or Secondary School Rank
  • Recommended
  • High School or Secondary School Record
  • Required
  • College Preparatory Program Completion
  • Required
  • Recommendation Consideration
  • Recommended
  • Formal Demonstration of Competencies
  • Required
  • Admission Test Scores (SAT ®, ACT ®, ...)
  • Required
  • TOEFL
  • Recommended
 
Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2009
 MaleFemaleTotal
Number of Applicants5,9058,38714,292
Number Granted Admission (%)4,188 (71%)5,861 (70%)10,049 (70%)
Number Admitted Who Enrolled (%)1,516 (36%)2,138 (36%)3,654 (36%)
 
Enrolled Students Submitting Test Scores Fall 2009
 NumberPercent (%)
SAT ® Exam3,41693%
ACT ® Exam72520%
 
Enrolled Students Test Scores Fall 2009
 25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT ® Critical Reading490600
SAT ® Math490590
SAT ® Writing480580
 
ACT ® Composite2025
ACT ® English2026
ACT ® Math1825
Note:
The following figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future financial aid details. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
 
Financial Aid Breakdown 2008-09
 LoanFederal GrantState/Local GrantInstitutional Grant
(%) of Students Receiving51%21%24%29%
Avg Amount Receiving$6,163$4,251$3,215$3,701
 
Federal Loan Default Rates
 200820072006
Default Rate (%)2.3%2.7%2.6%
Number in Default115129124
Number in Repayment4,9984,6634,644
Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2009
Undergraduate Student Expenses
Note:
The following figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition or fees. Please contact this school directly to get a current and accurate tuition and fee schedule.
GET MORE INFORMATION
2009-102008-092007-08
Tuition, Fees and Other Expenses
In-District Tuition and Fees$7,117$6,779$6,196
In-State Tuition and Fees$7,117$6,779$6,196
Out of State Tuition and Fees$20,751$19,724$18,740
Books and Supplies$2,474$2,400$2,240
 
Housing Expenses
On Campus
Room and Board$10,960$9,430$8,162
Other Expenses$3,180$3,200$2,700
Off Campus
Room and Board$10,960$9,430$8,162
Other Expenses$3,180$3,200$2,700
Off Campus with Family
Other Expenses$3,180$3,200$2,700
 
Total Expenses
On Campus
In-District$23,731$21,809$19,298
In-State$23,731$21,809$19,298
Out of State$37,365$34,754$31,842
Off Campus
In-District$23,731$21,809$19,298
In-State$23,731$21,809$19,298
Out of State$37,365$34,754$31,842
Off Campus with Family
In-District$12,771$12,379$11,136
In-State$12,771$12,379$11,136
Out of State$26,405$25,324$23,680
Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2009
Awarded Student Degrees and Programs
Note:
The following list is not a comprehensive or current list of degrees or programs offered, please contact this school directly to learn more about what is currently being offered.
 CertificateBachelorMasterDoctor
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Anatomy18-43
Biochemistry12-107
Bioinformatics-27-
Biology-18524-
Biostatistics--31
Epidemiology---1
Exercise Physiology---1
Human Genetics3-23
Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology1-110
Pharmacology1-49
Physiology16-213
 
Business and Marketing Studies
Accounting268618-
Business Administration21124-
Business Economics-324-
Commerce-3331713
Finance and Financial Management Services, Other----
Human Resources6---
Marketing269--
Non-Profit, Public, Organizational Management12---
Real Estate4---
Taxation--5-
 
Communications and Journalism
Media Studies-20791-
 
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer12913-
Information Science Studies103636-
 
Education
Adult and Continuing Education--17-
Art Teacher Education-276-
Counseling and Guidance Services--34-
Curriculum and Instruction--2-
Education1-12318
Education Administration77-56-
Educational and Instructional Media Design4---
Health Teacher Education-73--
Physical Education--6-
Reading Teacher Education8-11-
Special Education Teaching--36-
 
Engineering
Biomedical and Medical Engineering-4053
Chemical Engineering-17--
Computer Engineering-10--
Electrical Engineering-40--
Engineering--155
Mechanical Engineering-47--
 
English Language and Literature
Creative Writing--10-
English Language and Literature-12420-
 
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
African-American Studies-4--
Area Studies, Other-70--
Womens Studies-15--
 
Family and Consumer Sciences
Adult Development and Aging13-4-
 
Foreign Languages and Literature
Foreign Languages and Literatures-39--
Language Interpretation and Translation4---
 
Health and Clinical Professions
Athletic Training--6-
Clinical Laboratory Science-315-
Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Patient Counseling--13-
Dental Clinical Sciences--12-
Dental Hygiene-18--
Dentistry---91
Genetic Counseling--5-
Health Care Administration--463
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other---5
Medicine---174
Nurse Anesthetist--316
Nursing-315--
Nursing Science---3
Nursing, Other4-66-
Occupational Therapy--295
Pharmacy---130
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration, Other--35
Physical Therapy---80
Public Health--25-
Radiologic Technology-39--
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling3-31-
 
History
History-9312-
 
Interdisciplinary Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences-59--
Historic Preservation and Conservation3---
Interdisciplinary Studies, Other-8322-
Natural Sciences9--3
 
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics-3714-
 
Natural Resources and Conservation
Environmental Studies-2724-
 
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Philosophy-16--
Religious Studies-36--
 
Physical Sciences
Chemistry-59-2
Physics-92-
Physics, Other---1
 
Psychology
Clinical Psychology--96
Counseling Psychology--76
Psychology-34385
 
Public Administration and Social Services
Public Administration5-3113
Social Work-712016
 
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Parks and Recreation-455-
 
Security and Protective Services
Criminal Justice28---
Forensic Science-6721-
Law Enforcement Administration819034-
Security and Protective Services, Other8347-
 
Social Sciences
Anthropology-14--
Cartography9---
Political Science-70--
Social Sciences, Other8---
Sociology-5111-
Urban Studies and Affairs12822-
 
Transportation and Materials Moving
Transportation and Materials Moving, Other1---
 
Visual and Performing Arts
Art History-2421
Dance-11--
Design and Applied Arts, Other-27--
Design and Visual Communications--19-
Drama-4823-
Fashion and Apparel Design-84--
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other--26-
Graphic Design-38--
Illustration-42--
Interior Design-31--
Music Performance-405-
Painting-51--
Photography-37--
Sculpture-38--
Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry-29--
 
 
    Overall Student Enrollment
  • Total Student Enrollment: 32,172
  • Undergraduate: 22,886 Graduate: 9,286
    Student Gender
  • Total Student Gender
  • Male: 13,574 Female: 18,598
  • Undergraduate Gender
  • Male: 10,039 Female: 12,847
  • Graduate Gender
  • Male: 3,535 Female: 5,751
    Student Attendance
  • Total Student Attendance
  • Full-Time: 24,100 Part-Time: 8,072
  • Undergraduate Attendance
  • Full-Time: 18,985 Part-Time: 3,901
  • Graduate Attendance
  • Full-Time: 5,115 Part-Time: 4,171
Student Race Breakdown
 NumberPercent
Non-Resident Alien1,5505%
American Indian1870.6%
Black5,32917%
Asian3,27010%
Hispanic1,1023%
White16,98853%
Unknown3,74612%
 
Student Age Breakdown
 NumberPercent
Age Under 18640.2%
Ages 18-195,47817%
Ages 20-217,21822%
Ages 22-247,24723%
Ages 25-295,54717%
Ages 30-342,6468%
Ages 35-391,3644%
Ages 40-491,3154%
Ages 50-651,0923%
Age Over 652010.6%
Employee Type Breakdown
 TotalFull-TimePart-Time
Total Employees6,5395,3521,187
Faculty Status3,5652,4051,160
Tenured Faculty7487444
Graduate Assistants903-903
Instruction, Research and/or Public Service3,2672,1211,146
Primarily Instruction1,130-1,130
Primarily Research2562551
Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial2552478
Other Professionals82080317
Technical and/or Paraprofessional2,1972,18116
Clerical And Secretarial6336276
Skilled Crafts147147-
Service and/or Maintenance2742731
 
Faculty Full-Time Average Salary Breakdown
 TotalMaleFemale
9/10 Month Contract
All Faculty$73,056 (653)$79,917 (363)$64,469 (290)
Professor$104,813 (134)$109,173 (97)$93,382 (37)
Associate Professor$78,177 (216)$80,742 (128)$74,446 (88)
Assistant Professor$59,468 (211)$62,089 (103)$56,967 (108)
Instructor$45,946 (92)$48,284 (35)$44,510 (57)
 
11/12 Month Contract
All Faculty$94,568 (443)$107,391 (195)$84,486 (248)
Professor$144,093 (92)$146,164 (63)$139,594 (29)
Associate Professor$101,889 (90)$104,422 (49)$98,862 (41)
Assistant Professor$84,544 (155)$86,607 (61)$83,206 (94)
Instructor$60,025 (106)$60,595 (22)$59,876 (84)
 
Equated 9 Month Contract
All Faculty$74,802 (1,096)$82,695 (558)$66,616 (538)
Professor$110,139 (226)$113,275 (160)$102,536 (66)
Associate Professor$79,703 (306)$82,042 (177)$76,494 (129)
Assistant Professor$63,578 (366)$65,352 (164)$62,138 (202)
Instructor$47,641 (198)$48,783 (57)$47,179 (141)
Overall Athletic Team Information
  • Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa)
 TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
Athlete Student Aid
Total Aid$3,047,597$1,424,034$1,623,563
Ratio (%)100%47%53%
 
Participants
All Athletes243139104
Unduplicated Athletes243139104
Baseball3333-
Basketball271413
All Track Combined845034
Field Hockey17-17
Golf88-
Soccer462521
Tennis1697
Volleyball12-12
 
Coaches Salaries
Head Coaches-$138,989$81,294
Assistant Coaches-$68,895$62,333
 
Coaches
All Coaches361719
Baseball33-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches22-
Basketball844
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches633
All Track Combined844
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches633
Field Hockey3-3
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches2-2
Golf11-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches---
Soccer633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
Tennis422
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches211
Volleyball3-3
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches2-2
    Retention Rates
  • Full-Time Entering Students Retained: 83%
  • Part-Time Entering Students Retained: 69%
Graduation Rates
 (%) of Entering Class
Overall
All Students50%
 
By Gender
Male44%
Female54%
 
By Race
Non-Resident Alien18%
American Indian53%
Black51%
Asian57%
Hispanic51%
White49%
 
By Years Prior to Graduation
4 Years or Less24%
5 Years44%
6 Years50%
Crime Statistics
 2007-082006-07
Arrests
Residence Hall
Weapons Related21
Drug Related2633
Liquor Related2831
On Campus
Weapons Related95
Drug Related6455
Liquor Related6847
 
Criminal Offenses
Residence Hall
Forcible Rape32
Aggravated Assault-3
Burglary1814
On Campus
Forcible Rape32
Robbery-1
Aggravated Assault-3
Burglary4673
Vehicle Theft22
Arson1-
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Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2009

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