Overview
Founded in 1838 as the medical department of Hampden-Sydney College, VCU School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States and traces its roots to the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), which merged with Richmond Professional Institute in 1968 to form Virginia Commonwealth University. The school has grown into a major academic medical center recognized for its research in cancer, transplantation, trauma care, and neuroscience, and it operates alongside the VCU Medical Center, a Level I trauma center and major regional referral hospital. It consistently ranks among top public medical schools for research funding and is particularly noted for its pioneering work in organ transplantation and its highly regarded MD/PhD and physician-scientist training programs.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Richmond, Virginia |
| Founded | 1838 |
| Total students | 1,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 3:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 10% |
| Graduation rate | 97% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $41,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,000 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.70 |
| Regular deadline | October 15 (AMCAS) |
Top Programs
- Internal Medicine
- Transplant Surgery
- Neuroscience
- Cancer Research
- Physician Assistant Studies
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.