Randolph College vs Virginia Commonwealth University
Randolph College is a private college in Lynchburg, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants and Randolph College about 94%, making Virginia Commonwealth University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,921 a year at Randolph College after aid, and about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 64% of students graduate at Virginia Commonwealth University, compared with 49% at Randolph College. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn a median of about $58,128, against $53,409 for Randolph College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
658
20,753
Acceptance rate
94%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1210
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,921
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$45,040
$38,954
In-state tuition
$30,310
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$30,310
$40,109
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,048
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$13,709
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$16,290
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$18,260
$24,691
Over $110k
$19,590
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
64%
Freshman retention
75%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,122
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,409
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$26,950
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
31%
First-generation students
26%
28%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Jan 15
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Randolph College or Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
- Virginia Commonwealth University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 94% at Randolph College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Randolph College or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Randolph College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,921 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Randolph College and Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Before aid, Virginia Commonwealth University costs about $38,954 a year and Randolph College about $45,040. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Randolph College or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Randolph College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,048 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Randolph College or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Virginia Commonwealth University is the larger of the two, with about 20,753 undergraduates against 658 at Randolph College.
- Does Randolph College or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
- Virginia Commonwealth University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 49% at Randolph College.
- Do graduates of Randolph College or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
- Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,128 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,409 for Randolph College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Randolph College and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Randolph College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Randolph College and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1210 at Randolph College and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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