Virginia Commonwealth University

Overview

Acronyms: VCU

Founded: 1838

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #350

Rank in United States: #79

Motto: Make it real

Colours: Black and gold

Mascot: Rodney the Ram

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Established in 1838, the Virginia Commonwealth University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Richmond (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Virginia.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 186-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

VCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

The geographic and contact details below cover where Virginia Commonwealth University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.

Academic Details

Virginia Commonwealth University's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.

Academic Structures

Each constituent academic unit at Virginia Commonwealth University is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Virginia Commonwealth University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

How to apply to Virginia Commonwealth University

Five steps that capture how most applications to Virginia Commonwealth University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

1. 1
   Research programmes at Virginia Commonwealth University

   Virginia Commonwealth University's catalogue includes 214 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

2. 2
   Review admissions criteria

   Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Virginia Commonwealth University's admissions process.

3. 3
   Gather supporting documents

   Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

4. 4
   Lodge your application

   Submit your completed application through Virginia Commonwealth University's official website at www.vcu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

5. 5
   Confirm receipt and track progress

   Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (804) 828 0100. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Commonwealth University

A short Q&A covering Virginia Commonwealth University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Virginia Commonwealth University, helpful for calibrating where Virginia Commonwealth University sits in the broader landscape.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Membership renewal cycles for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Beyond Virginia Commonwealth University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.

University of Richmond

Richmond · Private · Rank #3494

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond · Public · Rank #4636

Earlham College

Richmond · Private · Est. 1847

Indiana University East

Richmond · Public · Est. 1971

Virginia Union University

Richmond · Private · Est. 1865

Where Else to Study Biological Sciences

Programme-level scholarships for Biological Sciences students vary substantially across the United States institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

Universities Often Compared with Virginia Commonwealth University

Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Virginia Commonwealth University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.

University of California, Riverside

Riverside · Public · Rank #354

Georgetown University

Washington · Private · Rank #356

University of Kentucky

Lexington · Public · Rank #343

Tufts University

Medford · Private · Rank #362

University of Houston

Houston · Public · Rank #336