The VSA is a voluntary initiative developed by the higher education community to meet the following objectives:

• Provide a useful tool for students during the college search process
• Assemble and disseminate information that is transparent, comparable, and understandable
• Demonstrate accountability and stewardship to public
• Support institutions in the measurement of educational outcomes and facilitate the identification and implementation of effective practices as part of institutional improvement efforts.

The sponsoring associations - APLU and AASCU - collectively represent over 520 public institutions that enroll 7.5 million students and award 70% of bachelor's degrees in U.S. each year. Development and start-up funding was provided by the Lumina Foundation.

Beginning in 2010, the VSA is supported by the participating institutions through annual dues ranging from $500 to $2500 and based on total student enrollment. See the right menu on this page for a link to the specific dues schedule.