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Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA·Private nonprofit·1,153 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. 51% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

98%
Accept
1,153
Students
$19,580
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$34,200
Earnings
10 yr
$22,500
Debt

About This School

Virginia Union University is a private nonprofit institution located in Richmond, Virginia with approximately 1,153 undergraduate students enrolled. Virginia Union University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,580 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $34,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Virginia Union University is a private historically black university in Richmond, Virginia.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while the HBCU community, affordable net price of $19,580/year, and Richmond location offer real value, a 41% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention rate suggest many students aren't finishing — and that's worth taking seriously before enrolling. Median earnings of $34,200 a decade out are modest, so students should have a clear career plan and lean heavily on internships and networking in the city. Worth considering if you're drawn to a tight-knit HBCU environment and have a strong support system, but come in with eyes open about the academic completion challenges.

Founded
1865
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Social Sciences10%
Biological Sciences9%
Psychology9%
Education8%
Communications8%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Physical Sciences6%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ben WallaceCharles OakleyDouglas WilderZulu SofolaJeremiah WrightVirgilLarry DobyWill DowningA. Donald McEachin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite860
Reading 75th %ile510
Math 75th %ile500

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite16

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,880
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,880
Avg Net Price
$19,580
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants51%
Median debt at graduation$22,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
62%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$23,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black89%
Hispanic/Latino2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,153 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Virginia Union University

1500 N Lombardy St

Richmond, VA 23220

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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