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Virginia Commonwealth University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants. It is a public university in Richmond, Virginia, with about 20,753 undergraduates. The sticker price is $37,352 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $25,037.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for VCU?
Most Virginia residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.2 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Virginia Commonwealth University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1185, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Virginia resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 67% Target | 38% Target |
| 2.7 | 67% Target | 38% Target |
| 3.0 | 74% Target | 45% Target |
| 3.3 | 88% Likely | 68% Target |
| 3.5 | 93% Likely | 80% Target |
| 3.7 | 96% Likely | 88% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 93% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 95% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Virginia Commonwealth University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $37,352 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $18,900 | $38,600 |
| $50k – $100k | $20,400 | $40,100 |
| $100k – $150k | $27,100 | $46,800 |
| $150k – $250k | $37,352 | $60,500 |
| Over $250k | $37,352 | $60,500 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Virginia Commonwealth University
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University admits 93% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Virginia Commonwealth University?
Most Virginia residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.2 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Virginia Commonwealth University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1010–1270 on the SAT and 22–30 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Virginia Commonwealth University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $37,352 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $25,037 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $18,900 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Commonwealth University?
65% of students finish their degree, and 85% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Virginia Commonwealth University
- George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · admits 87%
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA · admits 72%
- Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA · admits 55%
- University of KentuckyLexington, KY · admits 93%
- University of ToledoToledo, OH · admits 92%
- Cal State NorthridgeNorthridge, CA · admits 93%