The Trojans are making history! Virginia State University is reaching new heights after recording the largest student enrollment in its history, marking a major milestone for the Petersburg HBCU. With more than 6,350 students enrolled for the 2026–27 academic year, Virginia State has officially surpassed its previous enrollment record of more than 6,200 students, set in 2012.
The achievement highlights the university's continued growth and its ability to attract a new generation of students seeking the HBCU experience. As colleges and universities across the country work to recruit and retain students, Virginia State is celebrating a milestone that reflects its growing appeal.
Adding to the excitement, the university also welcomed 1,725 first-time freshmen, the largest incoming freshman class in its history.
For university leadership, the achievement represents more than record-breaking numbers. It also reflects the trust students and families have placed in Virginia State to help them reach their educational goals.
“Virginia State University has never served more students or welcomed a larger entering freshman class than we have this year. That is a powerful statement about the confidence students and families are placing in this institution,” said Dr. Alexis Brooks-Walter, Vice President for Student Success and Administration, in a university news release.
“Every one of these students arrived with a goal and entrusted VSU with helping them achieve it. Our responsibility is to match this historic enrollment with an equally strong commitment to their success, from the moment they arrive through the day they earn their degrees.”
The milestone is the latest in a period of sustained enrollment growth for Virginia State. According to the university, enrollment has climbed from 4,020 students in fall 2020 to 5,754 in fall 2025, before surpassing 6,350 for the current academic year.
Virginia State University President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah also celebrated the accomplishment, emphasizing what the growing student population means for the institution's future.
Article Continues Below“This historic milestone reflects the extraordinary momentum of Virginia State University,” Abdullah said in the university's announcement. “Students are choosing VSU in record numbers, and that choice matters. It affirms the value of what we are building here and challenges us to continue raising the bar.”
“We are growing, we are advancing, and we are demonstrating every day that Greater Happens Here.”
As Virginia State celebrates this historic achievement, the university's growing enrollment marks another chapter in its legacy of providing educational opportunities and preparing generations of students for success.