At VCU, you'll find PIONEERING research,

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TRAILBLAZING innovation,

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CHAMPIONSHIP athletics,

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and UNPARALLELED creativity.

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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

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A top 50 public research institution

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A Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity

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A top 20 most innovative public university

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A university unlike any other

Discover what makes VCU a place of unlimited possibilities.

Chapter---Learning

We’re not interested in outdated traditions or conventional thinking.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.

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Explore our programs

200+ degrees and certificates to choose from.

Your future is unlimited.

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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.  

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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.

A place for everyone.

Unwavering in our commitment to equity.

Chapter---Place

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.

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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

Ashanti Howard, VCU

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

Joseph Howell, VCU

UNderstanding. Because i feel like they really care about their students and their community.

Angela Guiterrez
Health, physical education and exercise science major

Angela Guiterrez, VCU
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WE’RE  28,408 STUDENTS STRONG

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NEARLY 50% OF STUDENTS ARE FROM MINORITY BACKGROUNDS

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34% OF FALL 2022 FRESHMEN WERE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

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Champion of DIVERSITY

In 2022, VCU was recognized by Insight Into Diversity Magazine as a diversity champion for the fourth year in a row.

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In the heart of Richmond

An UNbeatable location.

Chapter---Richmond

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:

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  •  No. 9 of U.S. cities with highest hiring rates and open jobsLinkedIn-Logo.png
  • One of the best U.S. cities for creativesThrillist-Logo.png

LEADING the pack

We have the highest concentration — 8 — of fortune 500 companies of any urban area in Virginia.

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  • 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.

Support at every turn

UNrivaled advocacy

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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Participant in the MOC Initiative

YouFirst at VCU

Provides mentorship, resources and events to first-generation college students and connects them with other first-gen students and faculty. 
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YouFirst at VCU participant

Career-ready grads

Chapter---Career

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. 

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VCU student inside an aircraft: A scene from the VCU Real hands-on-learning program with NASA

Notable alums

Pamela El
Chief marketing officer, NBA (retired)

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Marilyn Tavenner
President/CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans

Marilyn Travenner

Tyler Fauntleroy
Actor

Tyler Fauntleroy

David Baldacci
Author

David Baldacci

Boris Kodjoe
Actor

Boris Kodjoe

Donwan Harrell
Fashion designer

Donwan Harrell

Mo Alie-Cox
Indianapolis Colts player

Mo Alie-Cox

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

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VCU generates nearly $9.5 BILLION in economic activity in Virginia

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VCU is in the TOP 20% of universities worldwide.

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