Student achievement
Student success is a top priority at VCU, as evidenced by the university's strategic plan, Quest 2028. Uniquely, the plan outlines VCU's commitment to provide an exceptional academic experience for its students through a combination of academic rigor AND access for all students.
To that end, VCU has established a range of student achievement metrics, with targets for its undergraduate, graduate and professional students. These metrics provide the university and the general public with evidence of VCU's progress towards its strategic goals.
VCU publishes its performance indicators and target outcomes for student achievement below.
The university will reassess and update the information in the tables below by April 1 each year.
Goal 1: Undergraduate retention rates
VCU monitors undergraduate retention rates overall and across key student populations. The table below highlights trends in one, two, and three year retention rates for first-time students who enter in the fall.
| Fall cohort | One year retention | Two year retention | Three year retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 85% | 75% | 70% |
| 2012 | 87% | 78% | 73% |
| 2013 | 87% | 77% | 72% |
| 2014 | 86% | 76% | 70% |
| 2015 | 86% | 77% | 71% |
| 2016 | 83% | 74% | 66% |
| 2017 | 85% | 75% | 68% |
| 2018 | 83% | 73% | 66% |
| 2019 | 83% | 75% | 66% |
| 2020 | 84% | 74% | 67% |
| 2021 | 85% | 75% | 67% |
| 2022 | 86% | 76% | 68% |
| 2023 | 86% | 76% | --- |
| 2024 | 85% | --- | --- |
| target: 90% | target: 84% | target: 80% |
Disaggregated data
In addition to overall retention, VCU monitors disaggregated data for underrepresented minorities, Pell grant recipients and first-generation students, with the goal of identifying and reducing achievement gaps. Expand the header below to view data for each group.
| Fall cohort | One year retention | Two year retention | Three year retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 85% | 74% | 69% |
| 2012 | 87% | 77% | 72% |
| 2013 | 85% | 76% | 70% |
| 2014 | 85% | 75% | 68% |
| 2015 | 86% | 76% | 69% |
| 2016 | 81% | 72% | 64% |
| 2017 | 85% | 74% | 68% |
| 2018 | 83% | 71% | 65% |
| 2019 | 81% | 71% | 63% |
| 2020 | 83% | 72% | 65% |
| 2021 | 83% | 71% | 65% |
| 2022 | 84% | 72% | 65% |
| 2023 | 85% | 73% | --- |
| Fall cohort | One year retention | Two year retention | Three year retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 86% | 74% | 68% |
| 2012 | 87% | 78% | 71% |
| 2013 | 85% | 75% | 70% |
| 2014 | 84% | 73% | 66% |
| 2015 | 85% | 74% | 68% |
| 2016 | 80% | 70% | 61% |
| 2017 | 84% | 72% | 65% |
| 2018 | 81% | 70% | 63% |
| 2019 | 82% | 72% | 62% |
| 2020 | 82% | 70% | 63% |
| 2021 | 82% | 72% | 63% |
| 2022 | 84% | 72% | 64% |
| 2023 | 85% | 72% | --- |
| Fall cohort | One year retention | Two year retention | Three year retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 86% | 75% | 69% |
| 2016 | 78% | 68% | 61% |
| 2017 | 81% | 71% | 63% |
| 2018 | 80% | 68% | 62% |
| 2019 | 80% | 70% | 60% |
| 2020 | 79% | 67% | 61% |
| 2021 | 82% | 71% | 64% |
| 2022 | 82% | 70% | 62% |
| 2023 | 82% | 70% | --- |
*First-generation student data unavailable prior to 2015
Goal 2: Undergraduate graduation rates
VCU monitors graduation performance overall and across key student populations. The table below outlines recent graduation trends for first-time freshmen, Pell Grant recipients, underrepresented minorities, and transfer students relative to university goals.
| Fall cohort | Freshman six-year graduation rates | Freshmen Pell recipients six-year graduation rates | Freshmen URM six-year graduation rates | Transfer student four-year graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 59% | 60% | 57% | 59% |
| 2009 | 62% | 59% | 61% | 56% |
| 2010 | 62% | 56% | 58% | 57% |
| 2011 | 63% | 60% | 60% | 62% |
| 2012 | 67% | 63% | 63% | 63% |
| 2013 | 68% | 63% | 64% | 63% |
| 2014 | 67% | 62% | 63% | 63% |
| 2015 | 68% | 63% | 63% | 68% |
| 2016 | 65% | 61% | 61% | 66% |
| 2017 | 66% | 61% | 63% | 68% |
| 2018 | 63% | 59% | 61% | 67% |
| 2019 | 65% | 59% | 59% | 70% |
| 2020 | --- | --- | --- | 69% |
| 2021 | --- | --- | --- | 71% |
| target: 78% | target: 77% | target: 78% | target: 72% |
Goal 3: Graduate student achievement
VCU monitors graduate student achievement through metrics including doctoral enrollment and degree completion. The table below shows recent enrollment trends for research and scholarship doctoral students.*
*Excludes professional practice doctorates (e.g., M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D.).
| Degree year | Fall enrollment - Doctoral students | Doctoral degree production |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 1,370 | 282 |
| 2015-16 | 1,427 | 306 |
| 2016-17 | 1,491 | 306 |
| 2017-18 | 1,576 | 326 |
| 2018-19 | 1,640 | 353 |
| 2019-20 | 1,731 | 374 |
| 2020-21 | 1,741 | 370 |
| 2021-22 | 1,784 | 374 |
| 2022-23 | 1,846 | 400 |
| 2023-24 | 1,911 | 434 |
| 2024-25 | 1,996 | 436 |
| 2025-26 | 2103 | --- |
| target: 1,725 | target: 355 |
Goal 4: Licensure/Certification Pass Rates
In alignment with its mission to advance the health sciences, VCU monitors licensure exam rates in its health sciences schools/colleges as an indicator of student achievement. Expand the header below to view data licensure pass rates by program.
The following tables outline the first-time pass rates for the licensure or certification exams administered to students within the College of Health Professions. Target and threshold scores for each exam are set by the specialized accrediting body.
Medical Laboratory Sciences: ASCP Board of Certification
| Year | Benchmark | VCU first-time pass rate | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 80% | 97% | 100% |
| 2017-18 | 80% | 97% | 100% |
| 2018-19 | 80% | 90% | 100% |
| 2019-20 | 80% | 89% | 100% |
| 2020-21 | 75% | 95% | 100% |
| 2021-22 | 75% | 93% | 100% |
| 2022-23 | 75% | 93% | 100% |
| 2023-24 | 75% | 89% | 100% |
| 2024-25 | 75% | 75% | 75% |
Radiation Sciences
| Year | Benchmark (all exams) | VCU first-time pass rate (Radiation therapy) | VCU first-time pass rate (Radiography) | Target (all exams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 80% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2015 | 80% | 100% | 93% | 100% |
| 2016 | 80% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2017 | 80% | 100% | 94% | 100% |
| 2018 | 80% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2019 | 85% | 89% | 83% | 100% |
| 2020 | 80% | 100% | 92% | 100% |
| 2021 | 75% | 80% | 93% | 100% |
| 2022 | 75% | 82% | 93% | 100% |
| 2023 | 75% | 77% | 55% | 100% |
| 2024 | 75% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2025 | 75% | 67% | 89% | 90% |
B.S in Clinical Radiation Sciences, concentration in Nuclear Medicine Technology: NMTCB
| Year | Benchmark | VCU first-time pass rate | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| 2015 | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016 | 80% | 80% | 100% |
| 2017 | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| 2018 | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| 2019 | 85% | 75% | 100% |
| 2020 | 80% | 89% | 100% |
| 2021 | 80% | 91% | 100% |
| 2022 | 75% | 57% | 100% |
| 2023 | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| 2024 | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| 2025 | 75% | No graduating class | 90% |
Nurse Anesthesia: NCE Exam
| Year | Threshold | VCU first-time pass rate | National average | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 80% | 95% | 88% | 100% |
| 2015 | 80% | 91% | 85% | 100% |
| 2016 | 80% | 92% | 85% | 100% |
| 2017 | 80% | 83% | 83% | 100% |
| 2018 | 80% | 100% | 84% | 100% |
| 2019 | 80% | 94% | 84% | 100% |
| 2020 | 80% | 90% | 85% | 100% |
| 2021 | 80% | 91% | 84% | 100% |
| 2022 | 80% | 82% | 83% | 100% |
| 2023 | 80% | 85% | 83% | 100% |
| 2024 | 80% | 98% | 89% | 100% |
| 2025 | 80% | 100% | 89% | 89% |
Physical Therapy, D.P.T.: NPTE
| Year | Threshold | VCU first-time pass rate | National average | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 90% | 98% | 93% | 100% |
| 2017 | 90% | 98% | 92% | 100% |
| 2018 | 90% | 98% | 90% | 100% |
| 2019 | 90% | 95% | 90% | 100% |
| 2020 | 90% | 98% | 91% | 100% |
| 2021 | 90% | 91% | 89% | 100% |
| 2022 | 90% | 93% | 85% | 100% |
| 2023 | 90% | 98% | 86% | 100% |
| 2024 | 90% | 91% | 93% | 100% |
| 2025 | 90% | 93% | 87% | 100% |
Dentistry D.D.S.
To obtain a license to practice dentistry a student must fulfill three criteria. These include: 1) a diploma from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental school, 2) documentation from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) verifying successful completion of Part I and Part II of the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE), where Part I assesses student’s knowledge of biomedical sciences and Part II assesses the clinical disciplines, and 3) documentation from a clinical testing agency verifying successful completion of a clinical examination accepted be the State Board of Dentistry. In 2022, the JCNDE combined part I & II to create the new Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc. administered by the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (ADEX/CITA) administers the dental licensure examination most widely accepted among state dental boards, including Virginia. The percentage reported is the average of first time pass rate of all sections. Passing the clinical dental board examination (ADEX/CITA) and the INBDE are not required to obtain a degree.
| Year | Threshold (all exams) | First-time pass rate (NBDE I) | First-time pass rate (NBDE II) | First-time pass rate (INBDE) | First-time pass rate (ADEX-CITA) | Graduation rate | Target (all exams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 90% | 92% | 97% | N/A | 96% | 93% | 100% |
| 2015 | 90% | 97% | 97% | N/A | 97% | 96% | 100% |
| 2016 | 90% | 87% | 92% | N/A | 97% | 94% | 100% |
| 2017 | 90% | 91% | 96% | N/A | 98% | 95% | 100% |
| 2018 | 90% | 92% | 97% | N/A | 97% | 95% | 100% |
| 2019 | 90% | 98% | 94% | N/A | 96% | 94% | 100% |
| 2020 | 90% | 74% | 87% | N/A | 97% | 92% | 100% |
| 2021 | 90% | 86% | 96% | N/A | 94% | 97% | 100% |
| 2022 | 90% | Discontinued | Discontinued | 98% | 88% | 95% | 100% |
| 2023 | 90% | Discontinued | Discontinued | 100% | 94% | 94% | 100% |
| 2024 | 90% | Discontinued | Discontinued | 100% | 98% | 95% | 90% |
| 2025 | 90% | Discontinued | Discontinued | 99% | 97% | 95% | 100% |
Dental Hygiene B.S.
To obtain a license to practice dental hygiene from the State Board of Dentistry, a student must fulfill three criteria. These include: 1) a diploma from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene program, 2) documentation from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) verifying successful completion of National Board on Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and 3) documentation from a clinical testing agency verifying successful completion of a clinical examination accepted be the State Board of Dentistry. American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc. administered by the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (ADEX/CITA) administers the dental hygiene licensure examination most widely accepted among state dental boards, including Virginia. The percentage reported is the first time pass rate of all sections. Passing the clinical dental hygiene board examination (ADEX/CITA) and the (NBDHE) are not required to obtain a degree.
| Year | Threshold (all exams) | First-time pass rate (ADEX-CITA) | First-time pass rate (NBDHE) | Graduation rate | Target (all exams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 95% | 93% | 95% | 83% | 100% |
| 2015 | 95% | 91% | 91% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016 | 95% | 100% | 91% | 95% | 100% |
| 2017 | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 100% |
| 2018 | 95% | 95% | 100% | 92% | 100% |
| 2019 | 95% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2020 | 95% | 100% | 100% | 81% | 100% |
| 2021 | 95% | 100% | 93% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 95% | 100% | 88% | 100% | 100% |
| 2023 | 95% | 100% | 92% | 81% | 100% |
| 2024 | 95% | 94% | 94% | 100% | 95% |
| 2025 | 95% | 95% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Students pursuing an M.D. through the School of Medicine must pass the multi-step US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) for licensure in the United States. Step 1 assesses understanding of important concepts of science basic to the practice of medicine and must be passed in order to proceed with clinical training. Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) assesses students’ ability to apply medical knowledge essential for the provision of medical care, whereas Step 3 assesses whether the students can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings. Students in the School of Medicine must complete Step 1 in order to progress through the program and typically take Step 2 CK prior to graduation.
With respect to targets, the unit compares achievement rates of its students annually to the national average for Step 1 and Step 2. The table below displays the first-time pass rates for Step 1 and Step 2, as well as the national average for first-time pass rates from examinees attending U.S. and Canadian schools over the past nine years.
VCU School of Medicine First Time Pass Rates on USMLE
| Academic year | Step 1 | National Pass Rate for Step 1 | Step 2 CK | National Pass Rate for Step 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 98% | 94% | 96% | 96% |
| 2016-17 | 96% | 94% | 99% | 95% |
| 2017-18 | 93% | 95% | 97% | 96% |
| 2018-19 | 97% | 96% | 99% | 97% |
| 2019-20 | 95% | 97% | 98% | 98% |
| 2020-21 | 95% | 95% | 98% | 98% |
| 2021-22 | 96% | 93% | 99% | 99% |
| 2022-23 | 97% | 92% | 99% | 98% |
| 2023-24 | 95% | 91% | 98% | 98% |
| 2024-25 | 93% | 93% | 99% | 98% |
| Target: 96% Threshold: 90% |
Target: 96% Threshold: 90% |
Graduates from the School of Nursing take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the U.S. and Canada. The following tables outline the first-time pass rates for VCU graduates taking the NCLEX exam. Target and threshold scores for each exam are set by the specialized accrediting body.
| Year | Threshold | Pass rate (NCLEX) | National average | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 80% | 93% | 88% | 90% |
| 2017 | 80% | 97% | 90% | 90% |
| 2018 | 80% | 94% | 92% | 90% |
| 2019 | 80% | 89% | 91% | 90% |
| 2020 | 80% | 95% | 90% | 90% |
| 2021 | 80% | 87% | 86% | 90% |
| 2022 | 80% | 84% | 82% | 90% |
| 2023 | 80% | 93% | 90% | 90% |
| 2024 | 80% | 94% | 91% | 90% |
| 2025 | 80% | 95% | 87% | 95% |
*National average data taken from the NCSBN's NCLEX pass rates webpage (first-time, US-educated, baccalaureate degree holders)
Students in the Pharm.D. program of the School of Pharmacy take two tests for licensure. The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) measures one’s ability to measure pharmacotherapy and therapeutic outcomes, prepare and dispense medication, and implement and evaluate information for optimal health care. The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) assesses competency and knowledge of pharmacy law. The VCU School of Pharmacy sets target pass rates with the goal to equal or exceed the average pass rates among the top ten pharmacy schools in the U.S. The threshold is set as the national average for pass rates each year. The table below shows the first time pass rates for VCU School of Pharmacy graduates for the academic year identified, compared to the national average of first time pass rates as well as the NAPLEX and MPJE targets for the year.
| Academic year | NAPLEX target | NAPLEX pass rate | NAPLEX nat. average | MPJE target | MPJE pass rate | MPJE nat. average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 96% | 97% | 93% | NA* | NA* | 94% |
| 2015-16 | 94% | 90% | 86% | NA* | 48% | 85% |
| 2016-17 | 94% | 96% | 88% | 94% | 92% | 85% |
| 2017-18 | 94% | 98% | 89% | 94% | 92% | 84% |
| 2018-19 | 94% | 98% | 88% | 94% | 93% | 84% |
| 2019-20 | 94% | 95% | 88% | 94% | 81% | 85% |
| 2020-21 | 90% | 90% | 81% | 94% | 91% | 78% |
| 2021-22 | 90% | 91% | 77% | 94% | 78% | 74% |
| 2022-23 | 90% | 88% | 78% | 94% | 90% | 72% |
| 2023-24 | 90% | 77% | 78% | 90% | 89% | 78% |
| 2024-25 | 90% | 87% | 87% | 90% | 81% | 77% |