Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA

Total Enrollment

5,190

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

59

59 programs

Full-Time Students

4,578

251 part-time

Total FTE

2,366

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

13
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
748
Total Recent Graduates

With 5,190 students, Virginia State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 59 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,578 (94.8%)
94.8%
Part-Time Students 251 (5.2%)
Total Students 4,829

Predominantly full-time students (94.8%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (88.2%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.9%
3,107 students
Men
40.1%
2,083 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
92.6%
4,808 students
Black/African American
92.6% (4,808)
White
2.7% (138)
International Students
0.8% (41)
Asian
0.4% (22)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (13)
Hispanic/Latino
0.0% (1)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 5,190 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 93% of the student body (4,808 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

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

4,829 students

40% Men, 60% Women
4,578 Full-time 251 Part-time
Diversity Index: 14% • Minority Students: 93%

Graduate students

361 students

36% Men, 64% Women
232 Full-time 129 Part-time
Diversity Index: 16% • Minority Students: 93%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,810
All full-time students
1,938 men, 2,872 women
Diversity: 13%

FT Undergraduate

4,578
Full-time undergraduate
1,849 men, 2,729 women
Diversity: 13%

FT Degree-Seeking

4,578
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,849 men, 2,729 women
Diversity: 13%

FT First-Time

1,444
Full-time first-time students
576 men, 868 women
Diversity: 10%

FT Continuing

3,134
Full-time continuing students
1,273 men, 1,861 women
Diversity: 15%

FT Transfer

192
Full-time transfer students
87 men, 105 women
Diversity: 15%

FT Continuing

2,942
Full-time other continuing
1,186 men, 1,756 women
Diversity: 15%

FT Graduate

232
Full-time graduate students
89 men, 143 women
Diversity: 15%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

380
All part-time students
145 men, 235 women
Diversity: 22%

PT Undergraduate

251
Part-time undergraduate
104 men, 147 women
Diversity: 24%

PT Degree-Seeking

209
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
86 men, 123 women
Diversity: 18%

PT First-Time

4
Part-time first-time students
0
Diversity: 38%

PT Continuing

205
Part-time continuing students
86 men, 119 women
Diversity: 17%

PT Transfer

16
Part-time transfer students
4 men, 12 women
Diversity: 12%

PT Continuing

189
Part-time other continuing
82 men, 107 women
Diversity: 18%

PT Non-Degree

42
Part-time non-degree seeking
18 men, 24 women
Diversity: 49%

PT Graduate

129
Part-time graduate students
41 men, 88 women
Diversity: 19%

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

126
White
4,478
Black/African American
1
Hispanic/Latino
18
Asian
31
International
Diversity Index: 14% Minority Students: 93%

Graduate students

12
White
330
Black/African American
4
Asian
10
International
Diversity Index: 16% Minority Students: 93%

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 State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 5,190 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (88.2%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 2,366 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (13:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Diversity Focus: Serves a diverse student population with 93% Black/African American students, contributing to cultural diversity and inclusive learning environment.
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

1 Hayden Drive

Petersburg, VA 23806

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
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