Virginia's first fully state-supported HBCU, a land-grant university leading transformative education since 1882.
Virginia State University organizes academics across seven colleges offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The institution holds Carnegie R2 research designation and emphasizes land-grant mission priorities including agricultural innovation, environmental stewardship, human nutrition, and youth development. VSU offers online programs and maintains partnerships including Peace Corps Prep. The university is accredited by SACS and holds membership in ORAU, SCHEV, TMCF, and VHTP.
The 236-acre main campus in Ettrick features 11 dormitories and 18 academic buildings, with an additional 412-acre agricultural research facility (Randolph Farm). Student life includes over 70 organizations, the nationally recognized Trojan Explosion marching band, the Woo Woos cheerleading squad, and a concert choir. Approximately 97% of students live on campus. The university supports student wellness through counseling services, fitness facilities, dining services, and career services.
Virginia State University welcomes prospective students through multiple pathways including regular admission, transfer, graduate, and military student programs. The university offers campus tours and open house events. Admissions information is available through the undergraduate and graduate offices. The institution serves both in-state (69.7%) and out-of-state (30.3%) students, with 70% of the student body qualifying as low-income.
VSU achieved a 12-spot jump to #11 in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 HBCU rankings—the largest gain nationally. The university ranks #5 among public HBCUs, #42 in Regional Universities (South), #20 in Top Public Schools (South), and #28 in Best Value Schools (South). VSU's elementary education program received an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for preparing future reading teachers. The institution has produced notable alumni including U.S. Congresswoman Lucy McBath, Federal Judge Roger L. Gregory, and mathematician Gladys West (GPS pioneer).