Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Total Enrollment

28,238

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

285

285 programs

Full-Time Students

18,595

2,610 part-time

Total FTE

24,263

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

286
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
7409
Total Recent Graduates

With 28,238 students, Virginia Commonwealth University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 285 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 18,595 (87.7%)
87.7%
Part-Time Students 2,610 (12.3%)
Total Students 21,205

Predominantly full-time students (87.7%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (65.9%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
64.5%
18,220 students
Men
35.5%
10,018 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
42.3%
11,938 students
White
42.3% (11,938)
Black/African American
19.5% (5,498)
Asian
13.1% (3,709)
Hispanic/Latino
10.3% (2,904)
Two or More Races
7.0% (1,964)
International Students
3.6% (1,026)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (55)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (33)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (65%) across 28,238 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 42% of the student body (11,938 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 65% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

21,205 students

37% Men, 63% Women
18,595 Full-time 2,610 Part-time
Diversity Index: 75% • Minority Students: 47%

Graduate students

7,033 students

32% Men, 68% Women
4,817 Full-time 2,216 Part-time
Diversity Index: 72% • Minority Students: 31%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

23,412
All full-time students
8,337 men, 15,075 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Undergraduate

18,595
Full-time undergraduate
6,716 men, 11,879 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Degree-Seeking

18,537
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
6,695 men, 11,842 women
Diversity: 75%

FT First-Time

4,487
Full-time first-time students
1,633 men, 2,854 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Continuing

14,050
Full-time continuing students
5,062 men, 8,988 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Transfer

1,166
Full-time transfer students
504 men, 662 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

12,884
Full-time other continuing
4,558 men, 8,326 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Non-Degree

58
Full-time non-degree seeking
21 men, 37 women
Diversity: 33%

FT Graduate

4,817
Full-time graduate students
1,621 men, 3,196 women
Diversity: 75%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

4,826
All part-time students
1,681 men, 3,145 women
Diversity: 70%

PT Undergraduate

2,610
Part-time undergraduate
1,025 men, 1,585 women
Diversity: 74%

PT Degree-Seeking

2,260
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
868 men, 1,392 women
Diversity: 73%

PT First-Time

32
Part-time first-time students
12 men, 20 women
Diversity: 75%

PT Continuing

2,228
Part-time continuing students
856 men, 1,372 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Transfer

251
Part-time transfer students
70 men, 181 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Continuing

1,977
Part-time other continuing
786 men, 1,191 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Non-Degree

350
Part-time non-degree seeking
157 men, 193 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Graduate

2,216
Part-time graduate students
656 men, 1,560 women
Diversity: 64%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

8,596
White
4,532
Black/African American
2,432
Hispanic/Latino
2,989
Asian
475
International
Diversity Index: 75% Minority Students: 47%

Graduate students

3,342
White
966
Black/African American
472
Hispanic/Latino
720
Asian
551
International
Diversity Index: 72% Minority Students: 31%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 28,238 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (65.9%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 24,263 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 61% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

910 W Franklin St

Richmond, VA 23284-2512

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now