University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas

What University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas does

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, land-grant, historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the only public baccalaureate institution in the U.S. Virgin Islands, chartered in 1962 as the College of the Virgin Islands. UVI operates two physical campuses — the Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas (headquarters) and the Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix — supplemented by the UVI Online platform (launched March 15, 2018 with 16 online degree programs in partnership with Level Playing Field). The institution offers 99 majors, minors, and certificate programs across six schools and colleges (Liberal Arts & Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Agriculture, Business, Education, Graduate Studies), plus a School of Nursing, serving approximately 1,741 students with 195 faculty at a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, and holds Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation.

UVI's revenue model combines tuition and fees (with 7% increases approved for Fall 2023 and Fall 2024), an FY2023-2024 government appropriation request of $43 million, research and program grants (including $2.9M from NTIA, ~$450K from the Sloan Foundation's Resilient Energy Economies initiative, $50K from the NEH, and the $2.3M Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program backing the Free Tuition Program), auxiliary services from housing, dining (Meal Plan A $6,530/semester, Meal Plan B $4,580/semester), bookstore and a $50/semester Wellness Center fee, plus donations and fundraising (e.g., Tropical Shipping, Thriving Charity Advocates, Digital Lending Innovation). Underlying technology comprises Brightspace (D2L) LMS, Ellucian Banner SIS via BanWeb, MyCampus portal, Zoom and Microsoft Teams for instruction and governance, the UVI Mobile App on Google Play and Apple Store, EBSCO research databases, and the Digital Library of the Caribbean.

UVI serves a multi-segment customer base: prospective undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. Virgin Islands and broader Caribbean (international applicants, transfer, and adult learners), K-12 youth via the Youth Ocean Explorers and Junior Ocean Explorers marine-science programs, the broader Virgin Islands community through UVI CELL workforce development, FAA-authorized aviation/drone certification, Medical Simulation Center EMT training, and VI SBDC small-business support (750+ clients, $3.9M capitalization facilitated), plus research partners including Columbia SIPA, Resources for the Future, the University of Notre Dame, Montana State University, and the University of Utah under NSF-funded initiatives.

Name

University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas

Legal name

University of the Virgin Islands

Website

https://uvi.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Public land-grant HBCU in the U.S. Virgin Islands operating the Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas and Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix, serving ~1,741 students across 99 degree programs in six schools and colleges, with tuition, government appropriations, and grants as primary revenue sources.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Virgin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: UVI charges tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs. Full-time and part-time students, resident and non-resident, pay tuition. The Board of Trustees approved 7% tuition increases for Fall Semester 2023 and Fall Semester 2024.
2. Government Appropriations: UVI receives FY2023-2024 appropriation budget request of $43 million from government to cover salaries, benefits, equipment, supplies, and incidental expenses.
3. Grants and Research Funding: UVI receives grants for research programs, including $2.9 million from NTIA for high-speed internet access and various research grants.
4. Auxiliary Services: Revenue from student housing, dining/meal plans (board), bookstore, and other student services. Meal Plan A costs $6,530 and Meal Plan B costs $4,580 per semester.
5. Donations and Fundraising: UVI receives donations through events like Afternoon on the Green and from donors like Tropical Shipping ($20,000 donation to Youth Ocean Explorers program) and Thriving Charity Advocates ($30,000 to music program).
6. Wellness Center Fees: Students pay Wellness Center fee of $50 per semester for access to fitness equipment and exercise studios on the Orville E. Kean Campus.
7. Graduation Fees: Students pay graduation fee of $125 (increased from $75) which covers commencement ceremonies, diplomas, caps and gowns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The University of the Virgin Islands is a public, land-grant HBCU offering undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs across six schools and colleges (Liberal Arts & Sciences, Science & Mathematics, Agriculture, Business, Education, Nursing, and Graduate Studies). Beyond degree programs, UVI delivers workforce development and continuing education through UVI CELL, marine science education via the Youth Ocean Explorers program, FAA-authorized aviation/drone certification testing, EMT training at the Medical Simulation Center, small business development services through the VI SBDC, and operates the Caribbean Writer literary journal.

Product overview

The University of the Virgin Islands is a public, land-grant, historically Black college and university (HBCU) operating two campuses in the U.S. Virgin Islands. UVI offers a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across six schools and colleges: the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, School of Agriculture, School of Business, School of Education, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Nursing. These are complemented by specialized centers and programs including UVI Online (distance learning), UVI CELL (workforce development with FAA testing authority), the Medical Simulation Center (EMT training), the Research and Technology Park, and Youth Ocean Explorers marine science programs. The institution also operates VI SBDC for small business development and publishes the Caribbean Writer literary journal. UVI serves approximately 1,741 students with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers 99 degree programs including undergraduate, graduate, and online options. Financial support is provided through the Free Tuition Program funded by the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• UVI Online UVI's online learning platform offering 16 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a fully remote format, developed in partnership with Level Playing Field. Targets working professionals, online learners, and students outside the U.S. Virgin Islands seeking U.S.-accredited degrees with flexibility.
• UVI CELL (Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning) UVI's workforce development and continuing education center offering professional development, leadership training, and certification programs including FAA-authorized testing for aviation and drone certification (Part 107). Serves local professionals, government employees, and aspiring workforce participants in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Medical Simulation Center UVI's healthcare training facility offering emergency medical technician (EMT) training and simulation-based medical education. Designated as a USVI Eligible Training Provider for federally supported workforce training in emergency medical services.
• Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) Program Hands-on marine science summer program for middle and high school students (grades 7-12) exploring ocean ecosystems, SCUBA diving certification, watershed education, and marine biology careers. Operates on both St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. Includes mentorship and internship pathways.
• Junior Ocean Explorers (JOE) Program Marine science introduction program for students in grades 3-6, focusing on swimming, snorkeling fundamentals, and marine flora/fauna identification as preparation for the YOE program.
• Research and Technology Park UVI's technology and research park established to attract technology-focused companies and expand economic development in the U.S. Virgin Islands through university-business partnerships.
• VI SBDC (Small Business Development Center) UVI-hosted resource center providing strategic business planning, startup guidance, management and financing assistance, market development, and technical support for USVI small businesses since 1985. Has supported over 750 clients, 1,500+ jobs, and helped obtain $3.9 million in capitalization for USVI small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Free Tuition Program UVI's tuition-free program for qualifying students, funded in part by the $2.3 million Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program (VIHESP) approved by the VI Legislature. Covers tuition costs for qualifying local students.
• STEM Ambassador Program (STEMAP) NSF-funded initiative in partnership with University of Utah and UVI's Navigating Home program, training scientists and community partners to engage youth in STEM and strengthen research-community ties.
• Caribbean Writer International refereed literary journal published annually by UVI, featuring Caribbean literature and creative writing. Operated through Caribbean Writer Press, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UVI.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of students received financial aid support in 2020
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered major, strategic, core and minor.

• PSI ExamsmajorTechnology or Integration · 17 June 2026FAA-authorized testing center partnership through which UVI CELL became designated as Federal Aviation Administration testing center on both St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses for aviation/drone certification.
• Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2023MOU signed to jointly offer Bachelor of Education program on Saba and Sint Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands Territories) in cooperation with University of St. Martin.
• University of St. Martin (USM)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2023Partner in MOU with Dutch Ministry of Education and UVI to offer Bachelor of Education program on Saba and Sint Eustatius.
• Level Playing Field (LPF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2017Partnership to provide instructional course design, technology infrastructure, and academic support for online courses and degrees. In February 2017, UVI Board approved service agreement with LPF for developing 15 online degrees. The Communication Program and Curriculum Committee approved strategic communications degree based on LPF framework.
• Resources for the FuturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leader of Resilient Energy Economies (REE) initiative alongside Columbia University SIPA, University of Notre Dame, and Montana State University. Research initiative supporting fossil fuel-dependent communities during energy transition.
• Columbia University SIPAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leader of Resilient Energy Economies (REE) initiative alongside Resources for the Future, University of Notre Dame, and Montana State University.
• University of Notre DamecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leader of Resilient Energy Economies (REE) initiative alongside Resources for the Future, Columbia University SIPA, and Montana State University.
• Montana State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leader of Resilient Energy Economies (REE) initiative alongside Resources for the Future, Columbia University SIPA, and University of Notre Dame.
• Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with YOE program to offer fishing clinics and connect students with STEM professionals, teaching fishing practices and regulations of the USVI.
• Coki Dive CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDive shop partner for YOE scuba diving training and certifications on St. Thomas.
• Cane Bay Dive CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDive shop partner for YOE scuba diving training on St. Croix and refresher fun dives.
• Red Hook Dive CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDive shop partner for YOE refresher fun dives on St. Thomas.
• University of UtahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in STEM Ambassador Program (STEMAP) along with UVI's Navigating Home program, funded by U.S. National Science Foundation, equipping scientists, fellows and community partners with tools to deepen trust and strengthen ties between research and communities.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hampton University: Hampton University is a private HBCU in Virginia with a similar profile to UVI, including land-grant heritage, marine/environmental science programs, and small-campus culture. It is more established with a larger endowment but provides a useful scale comparator.
• Morehouse College: Morehouse College is a prominent private HBCU in Atlanta focused on undergraduate education of African American men. While more selective and better resourced, it shares UVI's HBCU identity, small-school culture, and tradition of cultivating leadership in the Black community.
• Howard University: Howard University is the most prominent private HBCU in the U.S., operating in Washington, D.C. It shares the HBCU brand and mission with UVI but operates at substantially larger scale with significantly greater research output, endowment, and competitive admissions profile.

Direct peers

• Savannah State University: Savannah State University is a small public HBCU within the University System of Georgia. It is comparable in enrollment size (~3,000-4,000 students), public HBCU designation, dependence on state appropriations, and small-campus operating profile similar to UVI.
• University of the West Indies: The University of the West Indies is a regional Caribbean university serving Anglophone Caribbean nations with multiple campuses (Mona, Cave Hill, St. Augustine). It is the closest peer to UVI in mission and geography, sharing the role of providing four-year postsecondary education to a Caribbean population with similar economic and demographic constraints.
• University of the Bahamas: The University of the Bahamas is the national higher education institution of The Bahamas, serving a small island population with a similar mandate to UVI. It is comparable in scale (~5,000 students), institutional mission, and Caribbean island context, including tourism-dependent economies and limited local research funding.
• Florida Memorial University: Florida Memorial University is a small private HBCU in Miami Gardens, Florida with a comparable enrollment scale to UVI. It shares the HBCU mission, faith-adjacent heritage, Caribbean diaspora student population, and similar dependence on tuition, federal Title III funding, and donor support.

Regional players

• Universidad del Sagrado Corazon: Sagrado Corazón is a small private university in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is comparable to UVI as a small Caribbean institution with limited research infrastructure and similar dependence on tuition and auxiliary revenue, though it serves a primarily Spanish-speaking population.
• Inter American University of Puerto Rico: Inter American University of Puerto Rico is a large private university system serving a U.S. Caribbean Hispanic population. It shares the Caribbean context and bilingual reach considerations with UVI, though it operates at much larger scale with significantly broader program offerings.
• University of Puerto Rico: The University of Puerto Rico is the public higher education system serving a U.S. Caribbean territory. It shares UVI's territorial status and bilingual cultural context, though it operates at significantly larger scale and offers doctoral-level research programs UVI does not match.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/uvi_edu
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UVIvideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/UVI.edu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-the-virgin-islands
• Instagraminstagram.com/uvi_edu

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas