Why VCU?
We are the UNcommon.
We are the UNCOMMON
That change commonplace
VCU is the ONLY urban university to be named:
One of 69 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We’re not interested in outdated traditions or conventional thinking.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.
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
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.
Champion of DIVERSITY
In 2024, VCU was recognized by Insight Into Diversity Magazine as a diversity champion for the sixth 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. 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.
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 2023:
- 58% Increase in scholarship funding for students
- 19% 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
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
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
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.