Discover what makes VCU a place of unlimited possibilities.
Why VCU?
We are the UNcommon.
At VCU, you'll find PIONEERING research,
TRAILBLAZING innovation,
CHAMPIONSHIP athletics,
and UNPARALLELED creativity.
In an (Un)WORD
VCU students are one-of-a-kind
VCU is the ONLY urban university to be named:
One of 64 public R1 universities with the Carnegie Classification’s community engagement designation
A top 50 public research institution
A Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity
A top 20 most innovative public university
We’re not interested in outdated traditions or conventional thinking. Together, we’re pursuing a future that’s built by us.
Test Market
At the da Vinci Center’s Shift Retail Lab, students and alumni are testing products, services and ideas with real-world customers. The first-of-its-kind storefront was recognized as a World Changing Idea by Fast Company.
Explore our programs
200+ degrees and certificates to choose from.
Your future is unlimited.
A UNIQUE combination
Take our groundbreaking research, top-ranked arts programs, and world-class VCU Health System and what do you get? A place where patients from across Virginia and the nation come for care, and where students of all disciplines can solve some of the toughest problems in previously unthinkable ways.
Great minds DON’T think alike
Garret Westlake, executive director of VCU’s da Vinci Center, on ditching the “factory model” of traditional degree programs.
This is us
And this is how we describe VCU
VCU is a mix of styles, stories and attitude. Our students come from different places, backgrounds and lived experiences — and they’re all embraced for who they are and the perspective they bring.
UNlimited. Because it’s never limited to just one activity or one subject or one way of thinking. you’re always exposed to different points of view and things to do.
Ashanti Howard
Pre-nursing major
UNconventional. VCU has a very interesting way of accepting new people and just allowing everybody to be open and honest and have a cool meeting ground.
Joseph Howel
History major
UNderstanding. Because i feel like they really care about their students and their community.
Angela Guiterrez
Health, physical education and exercise science major
WE’RE 28,408 STUDENTS STRONG
NEARLY 50% OF STUDENTS ARE FROM MINORITY BACKGROUNDS
34% OF FALL 2022 FRESHMEN WERE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
Champion of DIVERSITY
In 2023, VCU was recognized by Insight Into Diversity Magazine as a diversity champion for the fifth year in a row.
Where you go to college matters
VCU is at the center of a vibrant community of 1.2 million people that is a top destination for creative thinkers and entrepreneurs, foodies and artists, and nonprofit and government leaders. Did you know? Richmond is:
- a culinary powerhouse
- No. 9 of U.S. cities with highest hiring rates and open jobs
- One of the best U.S. cities for creatives
LEADING the pack
With the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies of any urban area in Virginia, Richmond is a great place to work. Here are some well-known companies where our students have found employment.
- From campus,
it’s a - 5-minute bike ride to the river
- 2-hour drive to D.C.
- There’s so much to do in Richmond and beyond…
- 2-hour drive to the Mountains
- 2-hour drive to the beach
- Getting there
IS EASY.
Whether you need help mapping out your path, feedback on your latest paper, guidance on paying for college, or learning accommodations, we’re here to help every step of the way. It’s why our graduates go on to be game changers.
Dollars and Sense
VCU provides holistic support to students, and we know how much finances matter. From 2019 to 2022:
- 24% Increase in scholarship funding for students
- 12% Increase in grant funding
- 7% Decrease in student loan borrowing
THRIVE personally and academically
VCU cultivates an empowering environment that prioritizes student well-being, support systems and a sense of community.
FREE financial guidance
At VCU, every student is automatically assigned a financial counselor who works with you to help you navigate paying for college and coordinates with your academic adviser to help keep you on track.
We’ve got your back
Programs to help you navigate college life
TRiO
Provides additional support services to first-generation college students, students who are low-income and students with disabilities.
READ MORE
Men of Color Initiative
The MOC Initiative investigates the climate, experiences and non-cognitive and motivational needs of Black male and Latino students at VCU.
READ MORE
YouFirst at VCU
Provides mentorship, resources and events to first-generation college students and connects them with other first-gen students and faculty.
READ MORE
A VCU education will set you apart,
whether your future takes you to graduate school, a rewarding career or starting your own business. Get ready to blaze new trails and uplift your community.
VCU REAL
We know that hands-on learning leads to job offers and opportunities — in 2022, more than 25% of students told us it happened to them. That’s why we now require an experiential learning opportunity for every undergraduate.
Notable alums
Pamela El
Chief marketing officer, NBA (retired)
Marilyn Tavenner
President/CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans
Tyler Fauntleroy
Actor
David Baldacci
Author
Boris Kodjoe
Actor
Donwan Harrell
Fashion designer
Mo Alie-Cox
Indianapolis Colts player
In a survey of May 2022 GRADUATES
- 78% reported they were employed, continuing their education or seeking to continue it within six months of graduation
- 90% of those said their job was related to their career goals
VCU generates nearly $9.5 BILLION in economic activity in Virginia
VCU is in the TOP 20% of universities worldwide.
