School Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, Virginia. Abbreviated VCU, it is a research institution with a classification of “very high activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. Among other fields, VCU is known for active research in health care, medicine and biotechnology. It is also home to VCU Medical Center, which includes multiple hospitals and five schools.
With 13 total schools, as well as VCU Health System and the College of Humanities and Sciences, VCU enrolls more than 31,000 students in over 200 degree and certification programs. U.S. News & World Report has named 28 of VCU’s graduate and first-professional programs among the highest rated in the nation.
Virginia Commonwealth offers various online, hybrid, and distance learning (via video conferencing) degree, course and certificate programs for students looking to complete their degree remotely. Not all degrees and certificates are offered online so you’ll need to consult with a school enrollment counselor to determine if an online learning option is available in your field of study.
What is now Virginia Commonwealth was first established as the medical department of Hampden-Sydney College in 1838. In 1854 it became the Medical College of Virginia, and finally adopted its current name in 1968, when it combined with the Richmond Professional Institute.
Virginia Commonwealth’s athletic mascot is the Ram. The VCU Rams compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference in the NCAA’s Division 1.
General Information
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Admission Office Box 842526 821 West Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23284-2526 (804) 828-1222 (800) 841-3638 Fax: (804) 828-1899 [email protected] Contact: Sybil Halloran Director of Admissions |
Main Address 821 West Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23284 (804) 828-0100 www.vcu.edu |
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Size Total undergrads: 22,792 First-time degree-seeking freshmen: 3,724 Degree-seeking undergrads: 20,993 Graduate enrollment: 7,869 Setting | Degrees offered: |
Admissions Information
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Application Fee College has an application fee: Yes Regular application fee: $40 Online application fee: Reduced fee (not specified) |
Enrollment Rates Percent applicants admitted: 58% Percent students who return sophomore year: 85% |
Tuition & Fees
| Estimated Expenses for Academic Year | 2008-’09 | 2009-’10 | 2010-’11 | 2011-’12 | % change 2010-’12 |
| Tuition and fees | $6,196 | $6,779 | $7,117 | $8,817 | +23.89% |
| Books and Supplies | $2,240 | $2,400 | $2,474 | $2,224 | -10.11% |
| Living Arrangement – On Campus | |||||
| Room and Board | $8,162 | $9,430 | $10,960 | $9,670 | -11.77% |
| Other | $2,700 | $3,200 | $3,180 | $2,701 | -15.06% |
| Living Arrangement – Off Campus | |||||
| Room and Board | $8,162 | $9,430 | $10,960 | $9,670 | -11.77% |
| Other | $2,700 | $3,200 | $3,180 | $2,701 | -15.06% |
| Total Expenses | 2008-’09 | 2009-’10 | 2010-’11 | 2011-’12 | % change 2010-’12 |
| In-state On Campus | $19,298 | $21,809 | $23,731 | $23,412 | -1.34% |
| In-state Off Campus | $19,298 | $21,809 | $23,731 | $23,412 | -1.34% |
| In-state with Family | $8,436 | $9,179 | $9,591 | $11,041 | +15.12% |
| Average Graduate Student Tuition & Fees | |
| Tuition for In-state Students | $8,684 |
| In-state Student Fees | $1,830 |
| Tuition for Out-of-state Students | $17,951 |
| Out-of-state Fees | $2,243 |
Financial Aid
| Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students | ||||
| Type of Aid | Students | Percent | Amount | Average Per Student |
| All students financial aid | 2,574 | 71% | ||
| Grant or scholarship aid | 1,760 | 48% | $10,115,255 | $5,747 |
| • Federal grants | 782 | 21% | $3,324,034 | $4,251 |
| • Pell grants | 764 | 21% | $2,572,073 | $3,367 |
| • Other federal grants | 576 | 16% | $751,961 | $1,305 |
| State/local government grant or scholarships | 892 | 24% | $2,867,768 | $3,215 |
| Institutional grants or scholarships | 1,060 | 29% | $3,923,453 | $3,701 |
| Student loan aid | 1,868 | 51% | $11,513,340 | $6,163 |
| • Federal student loans | 1,824 | 50% | $9,108,968 | $4,994 |
| Other student loans | 227 | 6% | $2,404,372 | $10,592 |
All Degrees and Programs
| Program Completions for Most Recent Year | BA/BS | MA/MS | Doctor | AA/AS | CERT |
| Total of All Education Programs | 4035 | 1721 | 687 | – | 303 |
| Area, Gender, Cultural, Ethnic, and Group Studies | 117 | – | – | – | – |
| African-American/Black Studies | 7 | – | – | – | – |
| Area Studies, Other | 88 | – | – | – | – |
| Women’s Studies | 22 | – | – | – | – |
| Biology and Biomedical Sciences | 265 | 71 | 51 | – | 78 |
| Anatomy | – | 4 | 5 | – | 2 |
| Biochemistry | – | 9 | 5 | – | 2 |
| Bioinformatics | 21 | 7 | – | – | – |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | – | – | – | – | 69 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences, General | 244 | 18 | – | – | – |
| Biostatistics | – | 7 | 3 | – | – |
| Epidemiology | – | – | 1 | – | – |
| Exercise Physiology | – | – | 4 | – | – |
| Human/Medical Genetics | – | 6 | 8 | – | 1 |
| Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology | – | 1 | 10 | – | – |
| Pathology/Experimental Pathology | – | – | 4 | – | – |
| Pharmacology | – | 2 | 7 | – | – |
| Physiology | – | 17 | 4 | – | 4 |
| Business, Administration, Management, Marketing, etc. | 615 | 190 | – | – | 56 |
| Accounting | 95 | 24 | – | – | 37 |
| Business Administration and Management | – | 134 | – | – | 5 |
| Business/Commerce | 354 | 18 | – | – | – |
| Business/Managerial Economics | 46 | 12 | – | – | – |
| Finance and Financial Management Services, Other | 4 | – | – | – | – |
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Marketing/Marketing Management | 98 | – | – | – | – |
| Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management | – | – | – | – | 9 |
| Real Estate | 18 | – | – | – | 1 |
| Taxation | – | 2 | – | – | – |
| Communication and Journalism Programs | 222 | 120 | – | – | – |
| Mass Communication/Media Studies | 222 | 120 | – | – | – |
| Computing and Information Sciences | 84 | 53 | – | – | 12 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 28 | 15 | – | – | – |
| Information Science/Studies | 56 | 38 | – | – | 12 |
| Education | 102 | 354 | 29 | – | 70 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching | – | 10 | – | – | – |
| Art Teacher Education | 14 | 4 | – | – | – |
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services | – | 35 | – | – | – |
| Curriculum and Instruction | – | 18 | – | – | – |
| Education | – | 130 | 29 | – | – |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | – | 106 | – | – | 60 |
| Educational/Instructional Technology | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Health Teacher Education | 88 | – | – | – | – |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | – | 9 | – | – | – |
| Reading Teacher Education | – | 12 | – | – | 4 |
| Special Education and Teaching | – | 30 | – | – | – |
| Engineering | 171 | 36 | 19 | – | – |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering | 33 | 11 | 4 | – | – |
| Chemical Engineering | 19 | – | – | – | – |
| Computer Engineering | 9 | – | – | – | – |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 40 | – | – | – | – |
| Engineering | – | 24 | 15 | – | – |
| Engineering, Other | – | 1 | – | – | – |
| Mechanical Engineering | 70 | – | – | – | – |
| English Language, Composition and Literature/Letters | 125 | 25 | – | – | – |
| Creative Writing | – | 8 | – | – | – |
| English Language and Literature | 125 | 17 | – | – | – |
| Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 46 | – | – | – | 2 |
| Foreign Languages and Literatures | 46 | – | – | – | – |
| Language Interpretation and Translation | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Health Services and Allied Health Sciences | 323 | 306 | 543 | – | 6 |
| Athletic Training/Trainer | – | 2 | – | – | – |
| Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist | 24 | 4 | – | – | – |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling | – | 7 | – | – | – |
| Dental Clinical Sciences | – | 14 | – | – | – |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist | 22 | – | – | – | – |
| Dentistry | – | – | 90 | – | – |
| Genetic Counseling/Counselor | – | 5 | – | – | – |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | – | – | 5 | – | – |
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management | – | 47 | 5 | – | – |
| Medicine | – | – | 187 | – | – |
| Nurse Anesthetist | – | 35 | 25 | – | – |
| Nursing Science | – | – | 7 | – | – |
| Occupational Therapy/Therapist | – | 35 | 1 | – | – |
| Pharmacy | – | – | 130 | – | – |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, Other | – | 9 | 11 | – | – |
| Physical Therapy/Therapist | – | – | 82 | – | – |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other | – | 86 | – | – | 3 |
| Public Health | – | 25 | – | – | – |
| Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer | 34 | – | – | – | – |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 243 | – | – | – | – |
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling | – | 7 | – | – | – |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor | – | 30 | – | – | 3 |
| History | 90 | 8 | – | – | – |
| History | 90 | 8 | – | – | – |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services | 344 | 58 | – | – | 15 |
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration | 224 | 26 | – | – | 5 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 57 | 20 | – | – | – |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other | 63 | 12 | – | – | 10 |
| Human Services | 60 | 265 | 18 | – | 6 |
| Public Administration | – | 37 | 13 | – | 6 |
| Social Work | 60 | 228 | 5 | – | – |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 29 | 14 | – | – | – |
| Mathematics | 29 | 14 | – | – | – |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies | 175 | 29 | 4 | – | 7 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 41 | – | – | – | – |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 134 | 29 | 1 | – | – |
| Natural Sciences | – | – | 3 | – | 7 |
| Natural Resources and Conservation | 33 | 13 | – | – | – |
| Environmental Studies | 33 | 13 | – | – | – |
| Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies | 4 | 42 | – | – | – |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | 4 | 22 | – | – | – |
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management | – | 20 | – | – | – |
| Physical Sciences | 99 | 11 | 5 | – | – |
| Chemistry | 80 | 2 | 4 | – | – |
| Physics | 19 | 5 | – | – | – |
| Physics, Other | – | 4 | 1 | – | – |
| Psychology | 380 | 14 | 14 | – | – |
| Clinical Psychology | – | 2 | 2 | – | – |
| Counseling Psychology | – | 2 | 8 | – | – |
| Psychology | 380 | 10 | 4 | – | – |
| Social Sciences | 205 | 38 | – | – | 46 |
| Anthropology | 11 | – | – | – | – |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography | – | – | – | – | 25 |
| Political Science and Government | 108 | – | – | – | – |
| Social Sciences, Other | – | – | – | – | 14 |
| Sociology | 58 | 12 | – | – | 2 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs | 28 | 26 | – | – | 5 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 546 | 66 | 4 | – | – |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation | 30 | 6 | 4 | – | – |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry | 41 | – | – | – | – |
| Dance | 12 | – | – | – | – |
| Design and Applied Arts, Other | 38 | – | – | – | – |
| Design and Visual Communications | – | 18 | – | – | – |
| Drama and Dramatics/Theater Arts | 56 | 13 | – | – | – |
| Fashion/Apparel Design | 77 | – | – | – | – |
| Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other | – | 21 | – | – | – |
| Graphic Design | 50 | – | – | – | – |
| Illustration | 48 | – | – | – | – |
| Interior Design | 36 | – | – | – | – |
| Music Performance | 48 | 8 | – | – | – |
| Painting | 45 | – | – | – | – |
| Photography | 43 | – | – | – | – |
| Sculpture | 22 | – | – | – | – |
| Work and Family Studies | – | 8 | – | – | 5 |
| Adult Development and Aging | – | 8 | – | – | 5 |
Above data represent first majors only.
(-) Indicates that program is not offered at this award level.
Undergraduate Majors
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies African-American Studies B Arts, Visual & Performing Art History/Criticism/Conservation B Biological & Biomedical Sciences Bioinformatics B Business, Management, & Marketing Accounting B Communications & Journalism Mass Communications/Media Studies B Computer & Information Sciences Computer/Information Sciences – General B Education Art Teacher Education B Engineering Biomedical Engineering B English Language & Literature English Language & Literature – General B Foreign Language & Literature Foreign Language & Literature – General B Health Professions & Clinical Sciences Clinical Laboratory Science B History History – General B Mathematics Mathematics – General B Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Biological/Physical Sciences B Natural Resources & Conservation Environmental Studies B Parks, Recreation & Fitness Parks, Recreation & Fitness – General B Philosophy & Religion Philosophy B Physical Sciences Chemistry B Psychology Psychology – General B Public Administration & Services Social Work B Security & Protective Services Emergency Management/Homeland Security B Social Sciences Anthropology B | Degree levels for each major are designated by the following letters:
B = Bachelor’s degree C = Certificate or diploma |
*We do not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All information is subject to change. You should confirm all information with a college admissions officer.
Virginia Commonwealth University Highlights
School Information
| Phone Number: | (804) 828-0100 |
| Website: | www.vcu.edu/ |
| Type of School: | 4-year, Public |
| Apply Online: | www.ugrad.vcu.edu/index.html |
| Address: | 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23284-2512 |
| Setting: | Rural: Remote |
| Campus Housing: | Yes |
Students & Programs
| Student Population: | 30,872 |
| 6-yr Graduation Rate (Bachelor's): | 57% |
| Student-to-faculty Ratio: | 18 to 1 |
| Distance Learning Programs: | Yes |
| Distance Learning Students*: | 23,613 (76% of total students) |
| Degree Levels Offered: | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate |
* Students taking at least 1 distance learning course
Tuition & Financial Aid*
| In-state Tuition: | $13,130 |
| Out-of-state Tuition: | $32,287 |
| % of Students Receiving Financial Aid: | 82% |
| Avg. Amount of Grant or Scholarship Aid Awarded: | $9,207 |
* Full-time beginning undergraduate students
Virginia Commonwealth University Programs
See the degree programs that are offered at Virginia Commonwealth University.
| Degree Name | Cert | Assoc | Bach | Mast | Doct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies | 1 | 3 | |||
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 1 | 2 | 10 | 12 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services | 6 | 6 | 6 | 1 | |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs | 1 | 1 | |||
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Education | 9 | 2 | 9 | 2 | |
| Engineering | 5 | 3 | 3 | ||
| English Language and Literature/Letters | 1 | 2 | |||
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences | 1 | 1 | |||
| Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 1 | 1 | |||
| Health Professions and Related Programs | 4 | 5 | 14 | 10 | |
| History | 1 | 1 | |||
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Service | 2 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Mathematics and Statistics | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Natural Resources and Conservation | 1 | 1 | |||
| Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 1 | 2 | |||
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 2 | ||||
| Physical Sciences | 2 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Psychology | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Social Sciences | 4 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Transportation and Materials Moving | 1 | ||||
| Visual and Performing Arts | 14 | 5 | 1 | ||
| Grand total | 37 | 61 | 72 | 42 |
* Based on programs that produced 2016-2017 graduates
Online Programs & Distance Learning
See the distance education degree programs that are offered at Virginia Commonwealth University.
| Degree Name | Cert | Assoc | Bach | Mast | Doct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 1 | 2 | |||
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences | 1 | 1 | |||
| Health Professions and Related Programs | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Service | 1 | 1 | |||
| Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 1 | ||||
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions | 1 | ||||
| Grand total | 4 | 2 | 11 | 2 |
* Based on programs that produced 2016-2017 graduates
Tuition & Financial Aid
See what it costs to enroll at Virginia Commonwealth University and how many students are receiving scholarships, grants, or loans as financial aid to help cover the costs of tuition.
Undergraduate Student Tuition
Average tuition and fees for academic year:
| Tuition and Fees | 2016-2017 |
|---|---|
| In-state | $13,130 |
| Out-of-state | $32,287 |
| Books and supplies | $2,804 |
Graduate Student Tuition
Average tuition and fees for academic year:
| Tuition and Fees | 2016-2017 |
|---|---|
| In-state | $13,143 |
| Out-of-state | $25,271 |
Undergraduate Student Financial Aid, 2015-2016
Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students
| Type of Aid | Number Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Avg. Amt. of Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any student financial aid | 3,285 | 82% | – |
| Grant or scholarship aid | 2,760 | 69% | $9,207 |
| Student loan aid | 2,273 | 57% | $7,696 |
All Undergraduate Students
| Type of Aid | Number Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Avg. Amt. of Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant or scholarship aid | 13,016 | 55% | $8,996 |
| Federal student loans | 11,969 | 50% | $7,150 |
Admissions & Enrollment
See the admission requirements for Virginia Commonwealth University. Find out how many students apply and how many are accepted. View a graphical breakdown of the gender, age, and ethnicity of currently enrolled Virginia Commonwealth University students.
Undergraduate Admissions, Fall 2017
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of applicants | 15,629 | 5,953 | 9,676 | Percent admitted | 100% | 80% | 82% |
| Percent admitted who enrolled | 27% | 26% | 27% |
Admissions Considerations
| Required | Recommended | Optional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary school GPA | |||
| Secondary school rank | |||
| Secondary school record | |||
| Completion of college-preparatory program | |||
| Recommendations | |||
| Formal demonstration of competencies | |||
| Admission test scores | |||
| Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) | |||
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Virginia Commonwealth University Enrollment, Fall 2017
| Total Enrollment | 30,872 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,865 |
| Graduate enrollment | 7,007 |
Undergraduate Attendance
Undergraduate Gender
Undergraduate Age
Undergraduate Race/Ethnicity
Undergraduate Distance Education
Undergraduates taking 100%, Some, or No Distance Education
Graduate Distance Education
Graduate students taking 100%, Some, or No Distance Education
Virginia Commonwealth University Accreditation
This institution is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Specialized institution accreditations:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
- Nursing (MNUR) - Master's program
- Nursing (NUR) - Baccalaureate program
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- Pharmacy (PHAR) - Professional degree programs
- Pharmacy (PHAR) - Professional degree programs
- Pharmacy (PHAR) - Professional degree programs
- American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Dental Hygiene (DH)
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS)
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics (including maxillofacial prosthetics and combined prosthodontics/maxillofacial prosthetics)
- American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- Occupational Therapy (OT) - Professional Programs
- Occupational Therapy (OTM) - Programs leading to a Master's Degree
- American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Physical Therapy (PT) - Professional programs for the physical therapist
- American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
- Clinical Psychology (CLPSY) - PhD Doctoral programs
- Counseling Psychology (COPSY) - PhD Doctoral programs
- Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Accreditation Commission
- (SCPE) - Clinical pastoral education (CPE) centers offering CPE and supervisory CPE programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nursing (CNDNP) - Nursing education programs at the doctorate degree levels
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levels
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levels
- Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
- English Language (English Language Program)
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Nurse Anesthesia (ANEST) - Institutions and programs at the master's degree, post master's certificate or doctoral degree levels
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Public Health Programs (PHPG) - Graduate level program offered outside a school of public health
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- Radiologic Technology (RAD) - Programs for radiographers
- Radiologic Technology (RADTT) - Programs for radiation therapists
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- Medicine (MED) - Programs leading to the M.D. degree
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Art and Design (ART) - Degree-granting schools and departments and non-degree-granting programs
- National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on Accreditation
- Dance (DANCE) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and non-degree-granting programs
- National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
- Music (MUS) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and/or non-degree-granting programs
- National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation
- Theatre (THEA) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and/or non-degree-granting programs
*General information for this school has been gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) database, a service provided by the U.S. Department of Education. CollegeAtlas.org does not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All information is subject to change. You should confirm all information with a college admissions officer.
If you work for a school and would like to update your data please contact us.
