Why VCU?
We are the UNcommon.
At VCU, you'll find PIONEERING research,
TRAILBLAZING innovation,
CHAMPIONSHIP athletics,
and UNPARALLELED creativity.
We are the UNCOMMON
That change commonplace
One of 84 public R1 universities with the Carnegie Classification’s community engagement designation
A top 50 public research institution
A Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity
Ranked in top 20% of universities worldwide
Learning without limits
Unafraid to challenge the status quo
We’re not interested in outdated traditions or conventional thinking. Together, we’re pursuing a future that’s built by us.
VCU offers GUARANTEED UNIVERSITY ADMISSION to first-year applicants who are among the top 10% of their class or have a GPA of 3.5 or above.
That means an admissions process without the stress and uncertainty that comes with the typical college selection process.
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.
When research TAKES FLIGHT
NASA and VCU’s Rice Rivers Center deliver an immersive summer experience for undergraduates.
My first solo article was featured in the Washington Post. I was like, ‘This is amazing.’ I felt like I was making a change.
Tarazha Jenkins
B.A. in Political Science and B.S. in Mass Communications
Class of 2023
A Place for Everyone
Unwavering in our commitment to equity
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.
This is us.
And this is how we describe VCU.
“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 Howell, 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
“UNTRADITIONAL. Because we’re seeing a lot of other people like us who are not traditional students, who are adult learners and transfer students like us.” – Corinne Rapp, interdisciplinary studies major
“UNEXPECTED. There’s people from every walk of life, every creed, every nationality, every age. It’s definitely not what you expect from a four-year university – in all the best ways.” – Steph Cull, health psychology Ph.D. student
WE’RE 28,831 STUDENTS STRONG
MORE THAN 50% OF STUDENTS ARE FROM MINORITY BACKGROUNDS
37% OF FALL 2024 FRESHMEN WERE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
Champion of DIVERSITY
In 2024, VCU was recognized by Insight Into Diversity Magazine as a diversity champion for the sixth year in a row.
In the Heart of Richmond
An Unbeatable location
Where you go to college matters
VCU is at the center of a vibrant community of 1.3 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. 11 of U.S. cities with the hottest job markets
- 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.
Support at Every Turn
Unrivaled advocacy
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.
In THEIR words
Hear from students who’ve found support through VCU's Men of Color Initiative in this short documentary, created by students to honor program founder Carlton Goode, Ed.D.
Dollars and Sense
VCU provides holistic support to students, and we know how much finances matter. From FY 2020 to FY 2024:
- 86% Increase in scholarship funding for students
- 26% Increase in grant funding
- 6% 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 has access to financial counselors who can work with you to help you navigate paying for college and coordinate with your academic advisor to help keep you on track.
We’ve got your back
Programs to help you navigate college life
Featured resources and additional support services at VCU.
TRiO
Provides additional support services to first-generation college students, students who are low-income and students with disabilities.
READ MORE
Military Student Services
Works with veterans, active service members, spouses and dependents to ease the transition from military life to academics.
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
Career Ready Grads
Unstoppable alums
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 a survey of May 2023 graduates, 32% of them 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
Matthew Ramsey
Country musician
Tony Cokes
Artist and MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” recipient
Sesha Joi Moon
Chief Diversity Officer, U.S. House of Representatives, 117th & 118th Congresses
Aaron Gilchrest
NBC News White House correspondent
Camille Schrier
Pharmacist, STEM advocate and Miss America 2020
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I ended up working as an office assistant in VCU College of Engineering’s Career Services, and was able to get an inside view of how job postings, mock interviews, résumé reviews, career fairs, post-career fair interviews and other events worked. It has proven to be a great help to this day.
Jalen Harrison
B.S. in Information Systems
Class of 2023
In a survey of May 2023 graduates
- 82% reported they were employed, continuing their education or seeking to continue it within six months of graduation
- 93% 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.
There’s no one like you, and no place like VCU. Experience a world UNLIKE any other.