Choosing the right college can be a challenging decision with various factors to consider. In this guide, we will compare two universities: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Rollins College. We will delve into each school’s overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
VCU Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1838, it has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state, offering over 200 degree programs through 13 schools and colleges. VCU is well-known for its arts, health sciences, and research programs, and its vibrant urban campus is home to over 31,000 students.
VCU Costs & Tuition
VCU’s tuition differs for in-state and out-of-state students. In-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $14,710 per year, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $35,798 per year. Additional fees, including room and board, books, and supplies, can add up to an estimated total cost of attendance of around $28,286 for in-state and $49,374 for out-of-state students.
VCU Admissions
VCU has an acceptance rate of approximately 86%, making it a moderately competitive school. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is between 1090 and 1260, while the middle 50% ACT range is between 21 and 27. VCU requires a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 for admission, and students should also submit their standardized test scores, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
VCU Degrees Offered
VCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. The university’s most popular majors include arts, biology, business, engineering, and health sciences. Some of VCU’s notable programs are its School of the Arts, which ranks among the top art schools in the country, and its School of Medicine, which is renowned for its research and clinical care.
VCU Academics
VCU focuses on providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education to its students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, students have access to small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members. The university offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and experiential learning programs to help students gain practical experience and develop critical thinking skills.
VCU Diversity
VCU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university has a diverse student body, with students representing various ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. VCU also offers numerous resources and programs to support underrepresented students and foster a diverse learning environment.
VCU Students
VCU has a vibrant and active student community, with over 31,000 students and 450 student organizations. Students have ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and community service. VCU’s urban campus also offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options for students to enjoy.
VCU Campus
VCU’s campus is located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, offering students an urban college experience. The campus is divided into two main areas: the Monroe Park Campus, which houses most of the university’s academic buildings and student services, and the MCV Campus, which is home to the health sciences programs. VCU’s campus features modern facilities, green spaces, and a variety of dining and housing options.
VCU Alumni
VCU has a large and active alumni network, with over 190,000 alumni worldwide. The university offers numerous resources and events for alumni, including career services, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs. Some notable VCU alumni include actor Boris Kodjoe, artist Kehinde Wiley, and former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
VCU Rankings
VCU is consistently ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also recognized for its research, art programs, and health sciences programs. In the 2021 U.S. News rankings, VCU was ranked 157th in National Universities, 77th in Top Public Schools, and 4th in Top Public Art Schools.
VCU Outcomes
VCU has a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers after graduation. The university boasts a six-year graduation rate of 63%, and 85% of its graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. VCU alumni report an average starting salary of around $42,000.
Rollins Overview
Rollins College is a private liberal arts college located in Winter Park, Florida. Founded in 1885, it is the oldest college in the state of Florida. Rollins offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as various graduate programs. Known for its picturesque campus, small class sizes, and personalized education, Rollins has an enrollment of around 3,200 students.
Rollins Costs & Tuition
As a private institution, Rollins College has a higher tuition than VCU. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students are $51,700. Room and board, books, and supplies add an estimated $16,380, making the total cost of attendance approximately $68,080 per year.
Rollins Admissions
Rollins College is a selective institution, with an acceptance rate of around 67%. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is between 1190 and 1330, while the middle 50% ACT range is between 25 and 30. Applicants should submit their standardized test scores, high school transcripts, an essay, and letters of recommendation. Rollins also offers an optional interview for applicants to further demonstrate their interest and qualifications.
Rollins Degrees Offered
Rollins offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across different disciplines. Popular majors at Rollins include business administration, international relations, and psychology. The college also offers interdisciplinary programs, such as environmental studies and social entrepreneurship, which reflect its commitment to addressing global challenges.
Rollins Academics
Rollins College emphasizes a personalized, hands-on approach to education. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students benefit from small class sizes and direct interaction with faculty members. The college’s curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills to prepare students for success in their careers and personal lives.
Rollins Diversity
Rollins College is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion on its campus. The college has a diverse student body, representing various ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Rollins offers numerous resources and programs to support underrepresented students and promote a diverse learning environment.
Rollins Students
Rollins College has a close-knit and active student community, with around 3,200 students and over 100 student organizations. Students have ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and community service. The college’s scenic campus, located just outside of Orlando, offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options.
Rollins Campus
Rollins College’s campus is situated on the shores of Lake Virginia in Winter Park, Florida. The campus is known for its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and lush landscaping, creating a picturesque and serene learning environment. The college offers modern facilities, plenty of green spaces, and a variety of dining and housing options for students.
Rollins Alumni
Rollins College has a strong alumni network, with more than 34,000 alumni worldwide. The college offers various resources and events for alumni, including career services, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs. Notable Rollins alumni include television personality Fred Rogers, author Rex Beach, and former U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins.
Rollins Rankings
Rollins College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 U.S. News rankings, Rollins was ranked 1st in Regional Universities South, 1st in Best Colleges for Veterans, and 2nd in Best Value Schools.
Rollins Outcome
Rollins College has a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers after graduation. The college has a six-year graduation rate of 73%, and 93% of its graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. Rollins alumni report an average starting salary of around $45,000.
VCU vs Rollins Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance at VCU and Rollins, tuition and fees are higher at Rollins due to its private status. The estimated total cost of attendance at VCU is $28,286 for in-state and $49,374 for out-of-state students, while the cost at Rollins is approximately $68,080. It’s essential to consider your financial situation and available financial aid options when making a decision.
VCU vs Rollins Admissions Difficulty
Rollins College has a lower acceptance rate (67%) compared to VCU (86%), making it a more selective institution. The middle 50% SAT and ACT ranges for admitted students also tend to be higher at Rollins than at VCU. While both schools require similar application materials, Rollins offers an optional interview for applicants to showcase their qualifications further.
VCU vs Rollins Academic Difficulty
Both VCU and Rollins focus on providing a comprehensive and personalized education to their students. However, the student-to-faculty ratio at Rollins (10:1) is lower than that of VCU (18:1), offering smaller class sizes and more direct interaction with faculty members. Additionally, Rollins is a liberal arts college, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills across various disciplines, while VCU is a research university with specialized programs in arts, health sciences, and research.
VCU vs Rollins Outcome Comparison
Rollins College has a higher six-year graduation rate (73%) compared to VCU (63%). Moreover, a higher percentage of Rollins graduates (93%) find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation, compared to VCU graduates (85%). The average starting salary reported by Rollins alumni is also slightly higher at $45,000, compared to VCU alumni reporting an average starting salary of $42,000.
