About VCU

Way back — we’re talking more than 175 years ago — in 1838, VCU was known by another name. We were the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney, later becoming the Medical College of Virginia. It wasn’t until 1968, when we merged with Richmond Professional Institute, that we were given the name Virginia Commonwealth University. But one thing is for sure: We have never stopped making history.

VCU believes discovery and creativity go hand in hand. We believe in creating good ideas that really help people. We believe in the students we educate and the more than 200 programs we offer them. And we believe our grit, our relationship with the city, and our commitment to diversity and access set us apart from your average college. Here are some stats and facts that tell you who we are.

Why VCU

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work. VCU is a great place to work!

Diversity and Inclusion

“Diversity is among our greatest assets at VCU, and our effort to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment is the best approach toward leveraging this asset into universal excellence and success.” - Dr. Aashir Nasim, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

• VCU is listed among the nation’s top institutions of higher learning for boosting graduation rates and closing the graduation rate gap for both black and Hispanic students.
• VCU received the 2017 Minority Access Role Models Award from Minority Access Inc. for its commitment to recruit, retain and advance students and employees from a diverse applicant pool.
• The school received the inaugural Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for its exemplary initiatives on all aspects of diversity, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT community.

Greater Richmond Community

First things first. We fondly refer to Richmond as RVA. People love this city. Because it’s awesome. And Virginia Commonwealth University is in the middle of it all.

VCU’s downtown Richmond location provides loads of unique educational opportunities for our students. From service-learning projects to internships at local businesses to visits to state government offices, our students are constantly learning from the city they call home. Richmond, VA, is the capital of Virginia and the third-largest city in the state.

University Rankings and Recognition

Rankings and awards don’t define VCU, but they do illuminate our status as one of the nation’s premier urban, public research universities.