VCU is a great school, but what is most important is not the school but what you do once you are in it (aside from cost). There are ample resources and opportunities available to everyone in these schools. One of my classmates (first year) just flew to Dubai to present his research and he has another case he'll research in Africa over Christmas break. Pretty remarkable opportunities but it has more to do with the individual than anything else. Above all I'd go to a school with the lowest cost of attendance because you can make a great experience for yourself regardless where you attend.