On a golden orange vertical oval, edged with an 1/16 inch (0.16cm) blue border, the overall dimensions 3 7/8 inches (9.84cm) in height and 2 7/8 inches (7.30cm) in width, a demi Trojan soldier, white  with blue details and outlines, facing to the right, all within a blue designation band, edged with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) blue border the inscription VIRGINIA around the top and STATE UNIVERSITY in base, from lower left to lower right in white letters.

White, golden orange, and blue are the colors of the University. The design is fashioned from the schools mascot The Trojans, the Trojan is facing to sinister superimposed on a golden orange background which denotes life and bordered blue which is indicative of honor and truth.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized 15 June 1959. It was amended to change the size of the insignia and the name of the school from Virginia State College to Virginia State University, it is currently being amended to update the manufacturing drawings and to add the ACU color conversions on 23 June 2017. (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-286)

A gold color metal and epoxied shield shaped device, rounded at the bottom, 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height, blazoned as follows: Per bend Tenn and Azure, issuant from sinister chief, a cubit arm vested bend sinisterwise, holding a vial of oil, pouring into a lamp enflamed, surmounting a closed book in base, all Or.  Attached below the shield a gold scroll inscribed VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY in blue letters.

White, golden orange, and blue are the colors of the University. In the design foundation is a book of knowledge symbolizing the idea that the library is a basis for evaluation of modern educational institutions. Resting upon the book is an inflamed lamp representing enlightenment and being refueled with oil denoting the refreshing of knowledge so that learning may survive. The lamp facilitates the relaying of light to those who are to follow in pursuit of knowledge. The extended hand reminds one of the relentless efforts being extinguished. The blue bend of the device is indicative of honor and truth; the orange bend denotes life.

The shoulder loop insignia was originally authorized on 15 June 1959.  It was amended to change the school name from Virginia State College to Virginia State University, it is currently being amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 23 June 2017