Virginia University of Lynchburg logo

Virginia University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA Private ยท Urban www.vul.edu
Grad Rate
58.5%
Enrollment
170
Tuition
$9,248
Median Salary
$28,396
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Virginia University of Lynchburg offers an intimate, close-knit campus atmosphere where students are not just a number but part of a family. With a tiny enrollment of just 170 students, the environment feels deeply personal, supportive, and community-oriented, fostering strong bonds between peers and professors.

Academics & Majors

The university focuses on liberal arts and professional studies, with notable strengths in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Philosophy & Religion. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship from faculty, though research opportunities may be more limited compared to larger institutions.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
40%
Social Sciences
10%
Philosophy & Religion
10%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

58.5%
Graduation Rate
75%
Retention Rate
170
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$9,248
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,184
After financial aid
Total Cost
$25,548
Cost of attendance/year
78.5%
Receive Pell Grants
74.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lynchburg

Lynchburg is a mid-sized city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a mix of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking alongside a growing downtown scene with cafes, breweries, and music venues. Students can explore historic sites, local parks, and a variety of community events throughout the year.

Local Rent Check

$966 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lynchburg
Explore Lynchburg

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$36,992
$0Est. 4 Years: $36,992

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($28,396):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in an urban setting of Lynchburg, which generally has standard safety protocols for a small private university. Students should always be aware of their surroundings, but the campus itself is known for its community feel.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely low tuition for a private university, making it financially accessible.
  • โœ“ Very small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
  • โœ“ High Pell Grant rate indicates a commitment to serving students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on community and faith-based values, creating a supportive environment.

Cons

  • โœ— Very low enrollment (170 students) may limit campus vibrancy and diverse social opportunities.
  • โœ— Graduation rate (58.5%) and median earnings ($28,396) are below national averages.
  • โœ— Limited academic offerings compared to larger universities, with only a few top majors highlighted.

Notable Alumni

Dr. L. Douglas Wilder
First African American elected as governor of Virginia and a notable alumnus of the university's law school program.
Dr. William H. Gray Jr.
A prominent Baptist minister and former U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania, who attended the university.
Dr. James A. Dunn
An influential educator and former president of the university, contributing to its legacy and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia University of Lynchburg is a private, historically black Christian university known for its focus on liberal arts and professional studies. It is particularly recognized for its programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Philosophy & Religion, and its commitment to serving a diverse student body in a faith-based, close-knit community.

Virginia University of Lynchburg has an open admissions policy, meaning it generally accepts all applicants who meet basic requirements. With an enrollment of only 170 students, the acceptance rate is not formally calculated, but the process is typically not highly selective. Prospective students should focus on submitting a complete application, including personal statements that highlight their fit with the university's mission.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to the very small enrollment of 170 students. Students can expect a supportive environment with close interactions with peers and faculty. While the range of student organizations may be more limited than at larger schools, there is a strong emphasis on faith-based activities, community service, and personal development. The urban setting of Lynchburg provides access to city amenities and outdoor recreation.

With tuition at $9,248 for both in-state and out-of-state students, VUL is one of the most affordable private universities. The net price of $18,184 is manageable for many, especially with high Pell Grant eligibility (78.5%). However, the 10-year median earnings of $28,396 are below the national average, so the value depends heavily on the student's major and career outcomes. For those seeking a low-cost, personalized education in a supportive environment, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Lynchburg City Schools Centra Health BWX Technologies Liberty University Local Lynchburg businesses
Smart Start Score
53

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 480
  • In-State Tuition $9,248
  • Zip Code 24501

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 90% โ™€ 10%

The Money Talk

With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of $9,248, VUL is significantly more affordable than many private institutions. However, the 10-year median earnings of $28,396 are below the national average, so prospective students should carefully consider their chosen field of study and potential career paths to ensure a positive return on investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $9,248
Housing (12 mo) $11,592
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $28,040
With avg financial aid:
$18,184/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.