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Virginia State University

Petersburg, Virginia

5,500 Students on Campus
Petersburg Location
1,225,626 Metro Population
5,500 Students on Campus
Petersburg Location
1,225,626 Metro Population

About This Campus

Virginia State University was founded in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, making it the first fully supported, four-year institution of higher learning for Blacks in America. Today, Virginia State University is one of Virginia's two land-grant institutions. VSU students live and learn on a 236-acre main campus, with more than 50 buildings, including 16 dormitories and 17 classroom buildings, and a 416-acre agricutural research facility. Virginia Sate University offers 52 baccalaureate, master's, doctorate and certificates of advanced study programs. These programs are within the Colleges of Engineering and Technology, Natural and Health Sciences, Agriculture, Humanities and Social Sciences, Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, and Individualized Studies. Through a challenging academic progam, diverse student organizations and exciting extracurricular activities, Virginia State University encourages students to Build A Better World.

Criminal Justice, Biology, and Psychology are the three largest majors on campus.

Homecoming is a week-long celebration of VSU and HBCU history and culture.

VSU has continued to add varsity sports, most recently men's and women's soccer.

Helpful Information

VSU accepts most students with a 2.7 GPA. Residence hall spaces are reserved for NSE students. Please include more courses than needed on advising form from home institution in case of conflicts or closed classes.

Location Information

Virginia State University is approximately 125 miles south of Washington, DC and 20 miles south of Richmond, VA via I-95. It is approximately 30 miles from the Richmond International Airport.

Academics

TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/17/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/08/2026

Spring Start Date: 01/19/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/14/2027

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

https://www.vsu.edu/academics/academic-catalog.php

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Some departments have higher GPA requirements. Music Department may require audition and recommendation from home campus. Visual Arts and Design Department may require sample of work. Please contact NSE Coordinator for details.

OPTIONS:

Honors Access: Yes

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:
Limited Closed

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
  • Summer Exchange: Not Available
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)? Will accept on Home
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Not Participating
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/16/2025
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Not Available
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 18
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Parking Fee
$85
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
Housing Fee
$300
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
IMPORTANT NOTES:

NSE incoming students are only required to pay housing deposit and parking fee (if vehicle is on campus). Amounts are listed above. Admissions fees are not required for NSE students.

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 02/16/2026
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? Yes
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 4
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $3756
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

NSE students are assigned to Quad 1 in double rooms. Cost per double occupancy is $4100 per semester.

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus?
Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Direct Placement for Spring 2027

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Limited

Direct placement is available for Spring 2027! Apply now and receive an immediate decision.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

Direct placement is not available for this payment plan during Spring 2027.

Priority Placements for Academic Year 27/28

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: