Virginia Commonwealth University

Boosting success and social mobility
At Virginia Commonwealth University, inclusion and excellence don’t compete. We graduate more Pell-eligible and first-generation students than all our counterparts in the commonwealth combined. And all VCU students graduate at similar rates, regardless of where they come from. With more than 20 nationally ranked programs and 200+ degrees and certificates, we help people from every background realize their dreams.
- 34% Increase in six-year graduation rates from 2009 to 2019.
- 67.2% Our six-year graduation rate is 4.8 percentage points above the national average.
An epicenter for innovation.
Our urban university is integrated with the world around us. With a university-record $363 million in sponsored research in 2020, one of the country’s top health systems, and a thriving creative scene, the work we do can’t be contained to the classroom. And neither can our results. See all the ways we’re making a difference.

Breaking stereotypes
We develop and implement innovative programs to lead higher education in diversity and inclusion. Read more

Leading Higher Education
President Michael Rao is a national leader in creating equitable, healthy and prosperous outcomes for all communities. Read more

Top Research. Top Solutions.
Powered by a $25 million grant from the Gates Foundation, the Medicines for All Institute is transforming an industry. Read more

Impacting healthcare
VCU Health is a top health system, working with leaders around the world to make cutting-edge treatments available to all patients. Read more
- 63.5% Underrepresented minorities’ six-year graduation rate
- 62.1% Pell recipients’ six-year graduation rate
We sweat the big stuff.
At VCU, everyone has a chance to do amazing things. Instead of being more selective, we move the needle by increasing access and graduation rates at the same time. No matter where you come from, we can help you go further.