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Randolph-Macon College vs Virginia State University

Randolph-Macon College is a private college in Ashland, VA, and Virginia State University is a public university in Petersburg, VA. Randolph-Macon College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 89% at Virginia State University. Virginia State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,840 a year against $27,866 at Randolph-Macon College. About 72% of students graduate at Randolph-Macon College, compared with 40% at Virginia State University. Ten years after enrolling, Randolph-Macon College alumni earn a median of about $58,448, against $45,543 for Virginia State University.

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ashland, VA
Petersburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,639
5,074
Acceptance rate
87%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1220
840–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
14–20
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,866
$15,840
Full cost / yr
$63,985
$27,661
In-state tuition
$49,466
$10,043
Out-of-state tuition
$49,466
$22,650
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,601
$13,220
$30k - $48k
$20,983
$14,758
$48k - $75k
$23,357
$19,463
$75k - $110k
$26,303
$22,223
Over $110k
$32,226
$25,508
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
40%
Freshman retention
84%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,067
$33,630
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,448
$45,543
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
72%
First-generation students
23%
34%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Oct 18
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Rolling

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Randolph-Macon College or Virginia State University harder to get into?
Randolph-Macon College is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 89% at Virginia State University. 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-Macon College or Virginia State University?
Virginia State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,840 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,866 at Randolph-Macon College. 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-Macon College and Virginia State University?
Before aid, Virginia State University costs about $27,661 a year and Randolph-Macon College about $63,985. 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-Macon College or Virginia State University?
Virginia State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,220 there, against about $16,601 at Randolph-Macon College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Randolph-Macon College or Virginia State University?
Virginia State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,074 undergraduates against 1,639 at Randolph-Macon College.
Does Randolph-Macon College or Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
Randolph-Macon College has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 40% at Virginia State University.
Do graduates of Randolph-Macon College or Virginia State University earn more?
Randolph-Macon College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,448 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,543 for Virginia State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Randolph-Macon College and Virginia State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Randolph-Macon College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Randolph-Macon College and Virginia State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1220 at Randolph-Macon College and 840–1070 at Virginia State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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