VCU Brandcenter
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Brandcenter students experience an intensive, immersive educational environment. The program is known for demanding workloads requiring significant time commitment. Students often work evenings and weekends on projects, particularly during pitch preparations and deadline periods. This intensity mirrors agency life and develops professional stamina. Despite the demands, strong community develops among students. Collaborative projects require building relationships across tracks. Social events, informal gatherings, and shared spaces in the Brandcenter building foster connection. Alumni relationships begin during school and extend throughout careers. Richmond provides an affordable and livable environment for graduate study. The city has grown into a creative hub with expanding design, technology, and cultural sectors. The cost of living is significantly lower than major advertising markets like New York or Los Angeles. Food, arts, and outdoor recreation scenes provide counterbalance to academic intensity.
Location & Surroundings
The VCU Brandcenter occupies a dedicated building in downtown Richmond, Virginia, near the Virginia Commonwealth University main campus. The facility includes studios, collaborative spaces, production resources, and industry-standard equipment. The downtown location places students in Richmond's growing creative district. Richmond is a mid-sized city of approximately 230,000 people (1.3 million metro) with growing creative economy. Historical significance as former Confederate capital has given way to progressive culture and diverse community. The arts scene includes major museums, galleries, and performance venues. Food and craft beverage scenes have gained national recognition. Richmond's location on the East Coast provides reasonable access to major advertising markets. Washington, D.C. is 100 miles north; New York City is accessible by train or flight. Major agencies in these cities recruit heavily from the Brandcenter, with many students completing internships during the program. The Richmond market itself has grown with several significant agencies.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the VCU Brandcenter is approximately $32,000 annually for Virginia residents and $42,000 for non-residents, with the two-year program costing $64,000-84,000 in tuition alone. Living costs in Richmond are moderate, adding approximately $20,000-25,000 annually. Total program costs range from $100,000-135,000. Financial aid includes scholarships, graduate assistantships, and federal loans. Industry scholarships from agencies and advertising organizations support some students. Many students take on significant debt, relying on strong career outcomes to manage repayment. Career placement is the Brandcenter's primary selling point. Employment rates approaching 100% within months of graduation are typical. Major agencies including Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, Ogilvy, and McCann regularly recruit on campus. Starting salaries vary by track and location but typically range $50,000-80,000, with creative tracks often at higher ranges in major markets. Career progression in advertising can be rapid for talented individuals.
Campus Location
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