There are more than 3,500 colleges and universities in the US. So what makes VCU different?
We are the only urban university to be named a top 50 public research institution by the National Science Foundation, a Diversity Champion (5 years in a row!) by INSIGHT into Diversity, a top 20 “most innovative public university” by U.S. News and World Report, and one of 64 public R1 universities with the Carnegie Classification’s community engagement designation.
Welcome to VCU. A world unlike any other.
- 50%
- of students are from minority backgrounds
- 28,594
- students
UNCOMMON by design
We aren’t here to conform. Instead, we are prepared to undo the status quo in higher education and health care in order to pursue a future built by us. There is nowhere like this and no one like us.
UNLEASHING innovation
U.S. News ranks VCU as one of the 20 “most innovative” public universities in the country.
Read more
![](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unleashing-innovation-968x700.jpg)
![VCU Medicines4All scientist working in the lab featuring the US News & World Report badge for Most Innovative in 2024](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unleashing-innovation-968x700.jpg)
UNLIMITED opportunity
Our vibrant urban location, and everything it offers, is woven into the fabric of the VCU experience.
Read more
![](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unlimited-opportunity-968x700.jpg)
![A wide aerial view of Richmond Virginia in the daytime](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unlimited-opportunity-968x700.jpg)
UNTRADITIONAL access
VCU turns access into excellence by connecting different perspectives and experiences to prepare students for a global world.
Read more
![](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/untraditional-access-968x700.jpg)
![A VCU parade of students walking down Franklin Street](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/untraditional-access-968x700.jpg)
UNEQUALED support
Student well-being starts on day one and empowers our graduates to take on challenges that others can’t or won’t.
Read more
![](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unequaled-support-968x700.jpg)
![Students riding a tandem bicycle in front of VCU Cabell Library](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unequaled-support-968x700.jpg)
UNSTOPPABLE alums
Experiential learning is built into our curriculum and prepares our graduates to lead industries — or disrupt them.
Read more
![](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unstoppable-alums-968x700.jpg)
![VCU students kayaking as they do research for the Footprints on the James program](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unstoppable-alums-968x700.jpg)
UNMATCHED care
The VCU Medical Center is the region’s No. 1 hospital 13 years in a row.
Read more
![](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unmatched-care-968x700.jpg)
![A first responder vehicle pulling into VCU Medical Center at night](/media/vcu-homepage/assets/uncommon-page/unmatched-care-968x700.jpg)
- 85.6%
- first-year retention rate
- 37%
- of freshman are first-generation college students
UNEQUALED in excellence
Driven by inclusion and creativity. Inspired by our city and community. We are unlike any university you’ve ever seen.