By the numbers

The numbers tell an important story

From record research awards to rising graduation rates to top honors in hospital safety and quality care, VCU is one of the nation’s top urban, public research universities. We are anchored and vibrant. And we are inextricably linked to the region we serve. Through talent, innovation, stewardship and culture, we produce a tremendous economic value and contribute in every conceivable way to the betterment and enhancement of the community. The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs released a report in 2017, finding VCU’s economic impact on the Richmond region and on the commonwealth of Virginia is significant.

Image background: City of Richmond skyline with James River in foreground

Impact on Richmond

$4 billion
total economic impact

47,000
jobs

For every dollar that VCU spends in the metropolitan area, the region experiences a total economic impact of $3.70.

Impact on Virginia

$5.9 billion
total economic impact

63,000
jobs

For every dollar that VCU spends in the state, the commonwealth experiences a total economic impact of $3.20.

Make it Real Campaign for VCU

VCU launched in 2016 the public phase of the $750 million Make It Real Campaign for VCU, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. It will touch every aspect of the university — the people, innovations and environments. It will transform VCU and help us continue to transform lives in Richmond and beyond. Since the silent phase began in 2012, the campaign has raised $543.6 million.

New philanthropic commitments, 2016-17:
$78.8 million

Student dressed in light blue sequined gown seated in theater — Ciara McMillian received the Richard and William Newdick Scholarship to continue her studies in theater at VCU.

Alan Dow with four other individuals from different health professions posing in front of the Egyptian Building at VCU Medical Center — Alan Dow brings together students training to be doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals in innovative ways to improve patient care.

Portrait of VCU basketball player holding a basketball with hoop in the background — VCU basketball player Mo Alie-Cox benefited from the new basketball practice facility, a $25 million building funded in part by private support.

Our students, faculty and alumni

Enrollment:
31,231

Virginia residents: 85%
Full time: 82%
Minority students: 41%
Underrepresented minority students: 27%
Enrolled in STEM programs: 25%
6-year graduation rates: 62.4%
First-year retention rates: 86.4%

Degrees and certificates awarded:
7,728

Baccalaureate: 5,207
Master’s: 1,455
Doctorate: 306
First-professional: 437
Postbaccalaureate undergraduate certificate: 138
Postbaccalaureate graduate certificate: 165
Post-master’s certificate: 20
The number of students graduating with a bachelor’s degree from VCU increased 56 percent over the last 10 year.

VCU named a top producer of Fulbright student scholars for 2016-17, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Fulbright student scholars:
11

Teaching and research faculty:
2,274

Term and tenure-eligible faculty hired: 234

22% of T&R faculty are minority

Total living alumni:
188,745

83% of alumni employed or enrolled in graduate school in Virginia