University of Richmond
Source: u_richmond.md
University of Richmond
Admissions (Class of 2029 / Fall 2025)
- Total applicants: ~13,000
- Overall acceptance rate: 23%
- Early round: ED I & ED II — ~40% ED rate vs ~20% RD rate (estimated)
- Class size: ~800
- Yield: ~26%
Academics
- SAT middle 50%: 1450–1520
- ACT middle 50%: 33–35
- Avg unweighted GPA: 3.82–4.00 (middle 50%)
- Top 10% of HS class: ~60%
- Testing policy: Test-optional (through 2026 admission cycle)
Demographics
- Women: 58%, Asian: 7%, Black: 7%, Hispanic: 10%, White: 58%, International: 11%
Financial Aid / Net Cost
| Income Bracket |
Net Price |
| $0–$30,000 |
$9,112 |
| $30,001–$48,000 |
$9,131 |
| $48,001–$75,000 |
$12,923 |
| $75,001–$110,000 |
$24,206 |
| Over $110,000 |
$46,570 |
Athletics
~350 varsity athletes (~11% of undergrads). NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10 Conference (Football in CAA).
Notable
Exceptionally generous financial aid — families under $48K pay under $10K, making Richmond one of the most affordable selective privates for low-income students. High academic profile (SAT 1450-1520) rivals some Ivy+ schools. Small undergraduate enrollment (~3,161). 17 varsity sports. Only 17.5% Pell Grant recipients despite generous aid, suggesting a wealthy student body.
Admissions Strategy
- ED boost is meaningful — estimated ~40% ED rate vs ~20% RD (2x multiplier). Offers EDI and EDII. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships.
- High academic profile (SAT 1450-1520) rivals some Ivy+ schools, making Richmond a "hidden gem" in forum discussions. Students with near-Ivy stats who want a smaller school often consider Richmond.
- Need-blind admission with 100% demonstrated need met — one of few schools in this tier with both policies.
Campus Culture & Fit
- Greek life is prominent (~50% participation), creating a social scene that can feel exclusive. Fraternities have lodges; sororities are getting cottages. Spring rush for freshmen.
- Students praise small class sizes, dedicated professors, and a supportive academic environment. The "Richmond guarantee" of experiential learning opportunities is well-regarded.
- Campus is beautiful (350 acres, lake, Gothic architecture) in suburban Richmond, VA. The city of Richmond has a growing food/arts scene that students enjoy.
- Socioeconomic homogeneity is a common criticism — only 17.5% Pell Grant recipients despite generous aid. The student body skews wealthy and white (58%).
- Strong pre-professional orientation, especially for business (Robins School) and leadership studies (Jepson School, the only such school in the US).
Financial Aid Reputation
- Exceptionally generous — families under $48K pay under $10K, making Richmond one of the most affordable selective privates for low-income students.
- Meets 100% of demonstrated need. The average need-based aid package is $66,590.
- Despite generous policies, few low-income students actually attend (low Pell percentage), suggesting the school primarily enrolls wealthy families who don't need aid.
Simulation-Relevant Takeaways
- ED multiplier of ~2x is moderate. Need-blind + full need met makes Richmond attractive for price-sensitive high-stat students.
- Very generous aid at low income levels ($9K net price) should boost yield from low-income archetypes — but in practice, few low-income students apply.
- High Greek participation (~50%) and wealthy student body affect social fit modeling.
Sources
- University of Richmond Admissions Student Profile
- Richmond Common Data Set 2024-2025
- CollegeSimply, College Factual (net price data)
- IPEDS/College Navigator
- Niche: University of Richmond student reviews
- QuestBridge: University of Richmond financial aid profile
- Unigo: University of Richmond student opinions