VCU ranks in Forbes top 10 of Best Online Colleges with a High Acceptance Rate

By Brian McNeill

Forbes has listed Virginia Commonwealth University among its top 10 Best Online Colleges with a High Acceptance Rate, which recognizes colleges and universities with excellent online programs that offer accessibility, flexibility and academic challenge.

“VCU’s recognition by Forbes as one of the top 10 online colleges among access institutions underscores our strategic commitment to expanding opportunity without compromising academic rigor,” said Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., vice president for strategic enrollment management and student success. “It reflects our investment in innovative, high-quality online programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s digital learners.”

For prospective students, he added, the recognition signals that “VCU is not only accessible, but purposefully positioned to empower their success in a competitive, digital-first world.”

Since 2022, VCU has seen over 100% growth in fully online student enrollment, Bucheli noted, calling it “a testament to the rising demand for flexible, high-quality education and our ability to meet this demand.”

In compiling its list, Forbes considered acceptance rates as well as affordability, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio and socioeconomic diversity. Online colleges, Forbes noted, are often considered a great option for many students, including those who may have struggled in high school or may have a nontraditional academic background.

“Based in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a state school that offers more than 50 online programs, including bachelor’s degrees in fields like accounting, health services, marketing, and human and organizational development,” according to Forbes. “VCU supports its distance learners through academic advising, affordable laptops and tutorials on how to use the Canvas platform that houses online coursework. Students can also access counseling and a writing center.”

Forbes additionally highlighted that VCU scored highly for its high graduation rates and low loan default rates among alums.

Courtney Borton, associate vice president for online operations, said the recognition follows a strong focus on online learning at VCU. In just the last year, she noted, VCU has hired dedicated support staff for online students, launched a VCU Online website to enhance the online student experience, invested in technology to better serve online students, and introduced new programs and concentrations to meet student and employer demand.

To learn more about VCU’s online offerings, including undergraduate and master’s degree programs, visit VCU Online.