Virginia State University
Petersburg, United States • Founded 1882
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1882, the Virginia State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Petersburg (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Virginia State University (VSU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Virginia State University (VSU) 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 141-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 students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
VSU 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
Find Virginia State University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
Virginia State University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.
Academic Structures
Virginia State University's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.
Unit 5 items
- School of Agriculture
- School of Business
- School of Engineering, Science and Technology
- School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach
- School of Liberal Arts and Education
Programs Offered
The programme finder below covers every degree Virginia State University currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.
67 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Master's Degree 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Certificate 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes
How to apply to Virginia State University
Practical steps to apply to Virginia State University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Virginia State University's 67 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Virginia State University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Virginia State University processes applications through www.vsu.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (804) 524 5000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia State University
A short Q&A covering Virginia State University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When did Virginia State University open?
Virginia State University traces its founding to 1882 (approximately 144 years ago).
In which city is Virginia State University?
Virginia State University is based in Petersburg, United States.
What is Virginia State University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Virginia State University?
Virginia State University has approximately 4,000-4,999 students.
How many faculties does Virginia State University have?
Virginia State University is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Virginia State University?
Yes, Virginia State University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is Virginia State University's official website?
Virginia State University's official website is www.vsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Research output among the United States's top universities sets the publication-and-citation upper bound. Comparing Virginia State University's research output to this benchmark gives a fair institutional read.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Joint research grants among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Virginia State University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Virginia State University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Other universities in the United States that teach Education & Teaching appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Virginia State University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Compared with Virginia State University
Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Virginia State University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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