The University of Richmond is a private liberal arts research university in Richmond, Virginia, founded in 1830. It is ranked #22 among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition and has held a top-25 spot for nine consecutive years.
The University of Richmond enrols 3,055 undergraduates and 667 graduate students across five schools, including the Robins School of Business, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and the School of Law. Every programme is taught in English, and Indian applicants may enter through Early Decision I, Early Action, Early Decision II or Regular Decision for the primary Fall intake. Popular MS universities in USA like Richmond also welcome direct-entry Indian bachelor holders.
- Ranking: #22 in US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges 2026
- Acceptance Rate: 24% (estimated) for the most recent class
- Intakes: Fall primary intake with Early Decision I, Early Action, Early Decision II and Regular Decision plans
- Undergraduate 2026-27 Total Cost of Attendance: USD 92,320 (INR 81.7 lakh)
- International Undergraduates: 12% of the class from 72 countries
- Median Early-Career Salary: USD 66,200 (INR 58.6 lakh)
Also Check: MS in USA: Top Universities, Fees and Job Outcomes
Non-US citizens face a need-aware admission policy but remain eligible for the Richmond Scholars Program, which covers full tuition, housing and food. Admitted graduates access the standard 12-month OPT and a 24-month STEM OPT extension after completing eligible degrees under study in USA visa rules.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 88.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Early Decision I and Early Action applications close 1 November 2026, followed by the Richmond Scholars merit deadline on 1 December 2026. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications close 1 January 2027. Indian applicants applying for merit consideration should target the 1 December 2026 date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at University of Richmond 2027
- University of Richmond Admission 2027
- University of Richmond Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of Richmond Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of Richmond Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of Richmond Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of Richmond Scholarships 2027
- University of Richmond Rankings 2027
- University of Richmond Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of Richmond vs Peer Universities
- University of Richmond FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at University of Richmond 2027
The University of Richmond offers 60+ undergraduate majors and a compact set of graduate options spanning the MBA, Master of Science in Management, Juris Doctor, LLM and Master of Education tracks. Undergraduate tuition is charged per academic year and graduate rates are set per credit hour or per semester, depending on the school.
University of Richmond Popular Postgraduate Programs and Fees
Graduate tuition is fixed by admit term. The MBA rate multiplied by the 48-credit degree plan gives the indicative total below, while Law and MScM totals reflect the published semester figures.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration [MBA], Robins School | 83,136 (48 credits at 1,732 per credit) | 73.6 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GMAT/GRE optional |
| Master of Science in Management [MScM], Robins School | 97,536 (per year, at 48,768 per semester) | 86.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); non-business background welcome |
| Juris Doctor [JD], School of Law | 59,900 per year (3-year programme) | 53.0 lakh per year | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); LSAT required |
| Master of Laws [LLM] | Confirm on the official fee schedule | Confirm on the official fee schedule | Bachelor of Laws with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 100 |
| Master of Education [M.Ed] Educational Leadership | 23,400 (30 credits at 780 per credit) | 20.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); teaching experience preferred |
| Master of Education [M.Ed] Curriculum and Instruction | 23,400 (30 credits at 780 per credit) | 20.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
University of Richmond Popular Undergraduate Programs and Fees
All undergraduate majors share the same 2026-27 tuition of USD 70,725 per academic year for a four-year duration. Entry requirements reflect the holistic review Richmond runs on Class 12 transcripts.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science | 282,900 (4 years at 70,725 per year) | 250.4 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended); calculus and computer science coursework preferred |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Business Administration, Robins School | 282,900 (4 years at 70,725 per year) | 250.4 lakh | Class 12 with 80% or above (recommended); mathematics required |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Economics | 282,900 (4 years at 70,725 per year) | 250.4 lakh | Class 12 with 75% or above (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Biology | 282,900 (4 years at 70,725 per year) | 250.4 lakh | Class 12 with 80% or above (recommended); biology and chemistry required |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Political Science | 282,900 (4 years at 70,725 per year) | 250.4 lakh | Class 12 with 75% or above (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants concentrate in the Robins School (Business Administration, MScM and MBA) and Computer Science, since these deliver the strongest OPT and STEM OPT pathways under current US work-visa rules.
University of Richmond Admission 2027
The University of Richmond runs one primary Fall intake for undergraduate applicants and a rolling cycle for the Robins School graduate programmes. Indian applicants can pick between four undergraduate deadline plans covering both binding and non-binding options.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I and Early Action deadline | 1 November 2026 | Fastest merit and admissions decision; Early Decision is binding. |
| Richmond Scholars merit deadline | 1 December 2026 | Compulsory date for full merit consideration, including Richmond Scholars. |
| Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadline | 1 January 2027 | Standard January close for both the binding ED II and non-binding RD plans. |
| Credential verification (WES ICAP) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Order sealed transcripts from your Indian board or university early. |
| Programme start | August 2027 | Fall semester orientation for international students starts one week earlier. |
Planning note: Because the University of Richmond is need-aware for non-US citizens, Indian applicants who apply for financial aid are reviewed against a limited aid budget; those able to demonstrate full self-funding are read in a separate, less competitive queue.
Read More: University of Richmond Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of Richmond Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The University of Richmond runs a holistic review, so Indian applicants should treat published thresholds as the entry floor, not the target.
Undergraduate requirements:
- Class 12 from CBSE, ICSE or a state board with 80% or above overall (recommended); STEM majors expect subject scores in mathematics and sciences at 85% or above.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 5.5 (1-6 scale) or 100 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo English Test 135, as per the official English Proficiency Policy.
- SAT or ACT is optional for the Fall 2027 cycle; strong scores still help merit review.
- Certification of Financial Responsibility and CSS Profile (for need-based aid applicants).
Postgraduate requirements:
- Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) from a recognised Indian university; the JD track expects a strong LSAT.
- Credential evaluation from Global Credential Evaluators or an equivalent NACES member establishing US four-year bachelor equivalence.
- Graduate English minimums: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 125.
The University of Richmond waives the application fee for applicants living abroad, so Indian applicants pay nothing at submission.
Key insight: IELTS and TOEFL requirements can be waived if you complete four or more years at an academically rigorous English-medium secondary school; most CBSE and ICSE candidates qualify, though the Office of Admission still reserves the right to request a test score.
University of Richmond Acceptance Rate 2027
The University of Richmond reported a 24% (estimated) acceptance rate for the most recent first-year class, with an early admit rate close to 23% (estimated). Both figures place Richmond firmly in the selective liberal arts tier.
| Class | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Class of 2029 (Fall 2025 entry) | 24% (estimated) | Stable |
| Class of 2028 (Fall 2024 entry) | 23% (estimated) | Slightly tighter |
| Class of 2027 (Fall 2023 entry) | 22% (estimated) | Historical low |
The rate for full-pay international students who do not request need-based aid mirrors the general 24% rate. Aid applicants face a lower admit rate under the need-aware policy for non-US citizens.
Reality check: A 24% acceptance rate is misleading in isolation. Indian applicants aiming for the Richmond Scholars merit award are competing at closer to a 3% cut, since Richmond funds only 25 full-tuition scholars per class.
Read More: University of Richmond Acceptance Rate Analysis
University of Richmond Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The total 2026-27 published Cost of Attendance for undergraduates at the University of Richmond reaches USD 92,320 (INR 81.7 lakh). This bundles tuition of USD 70,725 (INR 62.6 lakh) with housing, food, books and personal expenses on campus.
University of Richmond Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
Tuition is charged at the same annual rate for all undergraduate majors and adjusted per credit or per semester for the graduate schools.
| Programme Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (all majors) | 70,725 | 62.6 lakh |
| MBA (48-credit programme, indicative annual) | 41,568 | 36.8 lakh |
| MScM (Robins) | 97,536 | 86.3 lakh |
| JD (School of Law) | 59,900 | 53.0 lakh |
| M.Ed programmes (30 credits total, indicative annual) | 15,600 | 13.8 lakh |
[Source: University of Richmond official 2026-27 fee schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in Richmond for Indian Students
The published on-campus cost of attendance breaks down as follows, based on the official 2026-27 undergraduate estimate. Off-campus rents in the Richmond, Virginia metro area sit below the campus housing rate for shared apartments.
| Category | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR lakh) | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (on-campus) | 8,705 | 7.7 lakh | 967 |
| Food (Spider Unlimited plan) | 10,110 | 8.9 lakh | 1,123 |
| Books and supplies | 1,000 | 0.9 lakh | 111 |
| Personal and transport | 1,710 | 1.5 lakh | 190 |
| Loan fees (if applicable) | 70 | 0.1 lakh | Included |
| Total living cost | 21,595 | 19.1 lakh | 2,391 |
[Source: University of Richmond official 2026-27 Cost of Attendance]
Insider note: Off-campus shared apartments in Richmond, Virginia rent for USD 700 to USD 1,100 per bedroom per month, undercutting the campus housing rate; upper-year Indian students often move off campus after year one to save USD 3,000 (INR 2.7 lakh) annually.
Read More: Cost of Living for Indian Students in USA
University of Richmond Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The University of Richmond sits on a 378-acre suburban campus in the west end of Richmond, Virginia, built in Collegiate Gothic style around Westhampton Lake.
- Location and transport: The campus is 15 minutes from downtown Richmond and 90 minutes by train from Washington, D.C.; a free campus shuttle links to the city bus network.
- Housing: Housing is guaranteed for all four undergraduate years, and 92% of undergraduates live on campus.
- Signature facility: The Boatwright Memorial Library holds over 1.7 million volumes and runs 24-hour study spaces during exams.
- Indian community: The South Asian Student Alliance hosts Diwali, Holi and Republic Day events; Indian undergraduates sit within the 12% international cohort from 72 countries.
- Sports and wellness: 17 NCAA Division I varsity teams (the Spiders) and a fully equipped Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness are open to all students.
What Indian students say: Small class sizes (average 16 students) make faculty office hours genuinely useful, and the guaranteed on-campus housing removes the biggest first-year hassle Indian students face at larger US universities.
University of Richmond Scholarships 2027
The University of Richmond runs a single flagship merit programme for which Indian applicants are automatically considered, plus need-based aid awarded under a need-aware admission review.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Scholars Program | Merit | Full tuition plus housing and food (worth USD 89,540 or INR 79.2 lakh per year) | Any admitted first-year, including internationals; awarded to 25 students per class | 1 December 2026 |
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit | Confirm on the official scholarships page | Any admitted first-year, including internationals | 1 December 2026 |
| Need-based institutional aid | Need | Meets demonstrated financial need for admitted internationals | Requires CSS Profile; need-aware admission review | Aligned with the admission plan chosen |
[Source: University of Richmond Financial Aid Office]
Planning note: The Richmond Scholars pool is small at 25 seats per class, and non-scholars typically receive nothing beyond partial need-based aid. Indian families planning around the sticker cost should not assume a merit discount will materialise.
Read More: University of Richmond Scholarships Guide
University of Richmond Rankings 2027
The University of Richmond is a small liberal arts institution and is not profiled in QS World or Times Higher Education World rankings, which are structured for large research universities. Its strongest signal for Indian applicants is the US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges list, where Richmond has held a top-25 spot for nine consecutive years.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges | 2026: #22 | 2025: #22 | 2024: #24 |
| US News Most Innovative Schools | 2026: #8 | 2025: Top 10 | 2024: Top 10 |
| Princeton Review Best Career Services | 2026: #8 | Not published | Not published |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Princeton Review 2026]
The US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges ranking (2026 edition) also placed Richmond #71 for undergraduate business by peer review, and the School of Law tracks in the US News Best Law Schools top-tier band.
Key insight: Indian recruiters, US employers and STEM OPT visa officers all recognise US News ranking bands more readily than QS or THE for American liberal arts institutions, so the #22 spot carries genuine weight in placement conversations.
Read More: University of Richmond Rankings Analysis
University of Richmond Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
The University of Richmond posts strong post-graduation outcomes for a school of its size, driven by heavy career-services investment and the Robins School alumni network.
- Employment or graduate school within 6 months: 95% of undergraduate leavers, as per the official Outcomes report.
- Median earnings one year post-graduation: USD 52,666 (INR 46.6 lakh).
- Median early-career pay: USD 66,200 (INR 58.6 lakh); five-year median USD 67,927 (INR 60.1 lakh); ten-year median USD 76,178 (INR 67.4 lakh).
- MBA graduate median compensation: USD 110,000 (INR 97.4 lakh), market median.
- Recruiting sectors: Financial services, consulting, technology, healthcare and law dominate the recruiter mix; the Q-Camp career preparation programme is unique to Richmond.
Career support is centralised in the Q-Camp model, which every Richmond undergraduate cycles through in the first year to prepare for internships and full-time roles. Indian graduates on F-1 visas access 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible degrees, giving up to 36 months of US work authorisation.
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates from Computer Science or the quantitative business tracks capture the highest offer rates, since the STEM OPT extension makes them viable long-term hires for US employers hesitant about H-1B sponsorship.
University of Richmond vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants comparing the University of Richmond typically weigh it against other selective private US universities with similar size, cost and outcomes profiles.
| University | US News Rank 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Richmond | #22 Liberal Arts | 70,725 / 62.6 lakh (UG) | Richmond Scholars covers full tuition, housing and food for 25 admits |
| Colgate University | #18 Liberal Arts | 72,000 / 63.7 lakh (UG, estimated) | Rural upstate campus with strong economics and geology programmes |
| Bucknell University | #33 Liberal Arts | 68,000 / 60.2 lakh (UG, estimated) | Combined engineering plus liberal arts pathway |
| Wake Forest University | #47 National | 68,500 / 60.6 lakh (UG, estimated) | Larger doctoral research programmes and strong business school |
| Villanova University | #67 National | 67,000 / 59.3 lakh (UG, estimated) | Larger Catholic university with big finance placement pipeline |
| Boston College | #39 National | 72,500 / 64.2 lakh (UG, estimated) | Urban Boston location and larger international cohort |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Richmond stands out among liberal arts peers on two counts: a merit programme that meets full cost of attendance for the top 25 admits and one of the highest study-abroad participation rates in the US (ranked #1 in the Open Doors Report 2025).
The University of Richmond suits Indian students who want small classes, guaranteed housing and a strong liberal arts brand within a total four-year budget of INR 3.27 crore. Median early-career pay of USD 66,200 (INR 58.6 lakh) frames a realistic payback horizon of five to seven years, and the Richmond Scholars route offers a rare full-cost merit lifeline.
It is not the right fit for applicants set on a pure engineering degree, a research doctorate or a low-cost pathway; state flagships such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst and other public research campuses offer better sticker economics for engineering-focused Indian students.
University of Richmond FAQs
Ques. What is the application fee for Indian students at the University of Richmond?
Ans. The University of Richmond waives the undergraduate application fee for all applicants living abroad, so Indian students pay nothing at submission through the Common Application or Coalition Application. The MBA and graduate schools charge a nominal processing fee that varies by programme, and this fee can also be waived on request in cases of demonstrated financial hardship. Verify the current graduate fee schedule on the relevant Robins School or Law School admissions page before applying.
Ques. How does the University of Richmond’s need-aware policy affect Indian applicants?
Ans. Richmond is need-aware for non-US citizens, meaning your requested aid is factored into the admission decision. Indian applicants who can demonstrate full self-funding for the four-year cost of attendance are reviewed in a separate, less competitive queue. Those requesting need-based aid enter a smaller aid budget with a lower effective admit rate. The full-pay admit rate mirrors the general 24% figure, while aid-seekers face tighter competition against a limited institutional aid pool.
Ques. Can Indian students qualify for an IELTS waiver at Richmond?
Ans. Yes. The University of Richmond waives the English proficiency test requirement if you complete four or more years at an academically rigorous English-medium secondary school, which covers most CBSE, ICSE and IB Indian students. You can also waive by scoring 660 or higher on SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing or 28 or higher on ACT English. The Office of Admission still reserves the right to request a test score during holistic review.
Ques. How long does OPT last for University of Richmond graduates?
Ans. All F-1 visa holders graduating from the University of Richmond qualify for 12 months of standard Optional Practical Training (OPT) in a role related to their major. Graduates of designated STEM degrees, including Computer Science, Data Science and the quantitative economics tracks, can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after the initial OPT period, giving up to 36 months of US work authorisation before an H-1B or alternative visa is required.
Ques. Which credential evaluator does the University of Richmond require for Indian applicants?
Ans. Graduate applicants must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from Global Credential Evaluators or another NACES member such as WES, ECE or SpanTran. The evaluation must establish that your Indian bachelor’s is equivalent to a US four-year undergraduate degree. Three-year Indian bachelor’s degrees are typically evaluated as equivalent to a US three-year degree, so applicants should plan on adding a one-year master’s or postgraduate diploma before applying to Richmond graduate programmes.
Ques. Does the University of Richmond require GMAT or GRE scores for MBA admission?
Ans. The Robins School of Business MBA programme is test-optional for the 2027 cycle, meaning Indian applicants can submit an application without GMAT or GRE scores. Strong scores still strengthen a candidate profile, particularly for scholarship consideration or where undergraduate CGPA is below 6.5/10. The Robins admissions team also accepts GMAT Focus and Executive Assessment scores, and a strong analytical writing sample can help offset a waived test.
Ques. What education loan partners recognise the University of Richmond?
Ans. Indian applicants regularly finance the University of Richmond through HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Avanse, Auxilo and Prodigy Finance, all of which list Richmond on their approved US university lists. HDFC Credila and Prodigy Finance typically offer no-collateral loans up to INR 80 lakh, while ICICI and Auxilo can go higher against collateral. Always confirm the current sanction limit, interest rate and processing time directly with the lender before applying.
Ques. Does the University of Richmond offer a January intake for graduate programmes?
Ans. The University of Richmond’s undergraduate admissions cycle is single-intake, admitting only for Fall entry each year. The Robins School MBA, MScM and School of Professional and Continuing Studies programmes run on rolling admissions that can accommodate January or summer starts on a programme-by-programme basis. Indian applicants targeting a spring or January start should contact the relevant graduate office directly to confirm cohort availability before finalising visa and travel plans.
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University of Richmond comparison
| University Name | University of Richmond | University of Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.5 Out of 10 |
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| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 23.0 % | 17.0 % |
| Exam Score | ||
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| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 1884 out of 1994 in Global Ranking
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University of Richmond Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of Richmond Admissions
Application Portal: https://admissions.richmond.edu/process/index.html
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Richmond Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9711 | 6526 | 3185 | 1 |



















Comments
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The University of Richmond offers master level programs in various academic disciplines. However, the university does not offer Medical Microbiology program at the master’s level.