25 Best Colleges in Virginia

Overview

In and around the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains sits the 7,000 acre campus of Liberty University. Established in 1971by Baptist Pastor Jerry Falwell Sr., Liberty is the largest Christian university in the world and the largest university in Virginia. This private, evangelical institution is located in Lynchburg, VA and its total enrollment tops 110,000 students. Almost 95,000 of those are online students, and of the rest, approximately 9,000 live on campus.

Features

Liberty University is one of the youngest universities in Virginia but it has grown quickly and smartly including its modern, world-class facilities. At Liberty, all aspects of education and student life are in step with Christian and Evangelical teachings. More than 500 programs of study for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialists are accessible, and almost half of the programs can be completed online. Popular degree programs include:

• Business
• Health Studies
• Psychology
• Fitness Studies

Notables

Liberty University is an innovator in distance learning and led the school to offer an extensive online body of coursework to students. On campus, students can learn to ski or snowboard at Liberty’s Snowflex Centre, open year-round. Additional activities include an ice skating center, fitness center, horseback riding, and intramural and collegiate sports.

Overview

Eastern Mennonite University is a private, Anabaptist institution in Harrisonburg, VA. Half of EMU’s students are Mennonite, and the other half represents more than 30 different religious faiths. Almost 1,000 undergraduate students and 900 graduate students attend EMU where class size averages 14 students and the student/faculty ratio is 10:1. EMU was established in 1917.

Features

Finding one’s purpose and serving the community are central to learning at Eastern Mennonite University. Developing peace, addressing social inequities, and respecting the environment are central themes found across the curriculum. Students are urged to combine spring break with community service, and study abroad often includes missionary work and service. EMU provides 35 undergraduate majors, 8 graduate programs, and seminary studies. Some of EMU’s popular areas of study:

• Nursing
• Environmental Sustainability
• Restorative Justice
• Peacebuilding

Notables

Eastern Mennonite University is #41 out of the best universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report. Students are required to complete some coursework while experiencing a different culture, typically while living with a host family and performing service work. The pre-med program at EMU has resulted in 100% acceptance of all students pursuing physical therapy and 90% acceptance for physician’s assistants. EMU’s teaching program has placed 100% of graduates in educational fields.

Overview

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, nicknamed Virginia Tech, is a research leader among Virginia universities. More than 33,000 students are registered at this public, co-educational university, making the school one of the largest in the state. The rural campus in Blacksburg, VA includes an executive airport. Originally established as a land-grant university in 1872, Virginia Tech began admitting black students in 1953, well ahead of other southern universities. The current student/faculty ratio is 16:1.

Features

Science and technology are big players at Virginia Tech as the university commands $504 million of research among its 9 colleges and graduate school. More than 250 majors and graduate programs (master’s and doctoral) make up a wide-ranging body of study provided to students. Some of the most popular majors:

• Engineering
• University Studies
• Business
• Bioscience
• Animal Science

Notables

Not just science and research oriented, Virginia Tech recently opened a $100 million Center for the Arts, and there are more than 600 student organizations on campus that span various disciplines. Virginia Tech has been nationally and internationally recognized for superior academics (particularly in engineering, public affairs, and business) and value. Money magazine, Princeton Review, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report all rank Virginia Tech as a top school in multiple categories.

Overview

Celebrating 175 years, Hollins University is a private, women’s college in Roanoke, VA. Although Hollins started out as a co-educational institution, it changed to admit only women students in 1852. Today Hollins’ graduate courses are co-educational. Approximately 800 students matriculate at this liberal arts school that was one of the first to include study abroad as part of its education. There is a 9:1 student/faculty ratio.

Features

Hollins University allows students to pick from 27 programs for undergraduate study and 10 programs for graduate study. Some of their popular majors are:

• English
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Biology
• Business
• Psychology

While at Hollins, almost 80% of students complete an internship, typically during the college’s January Short Term. Half of all students study abroad in places like England, France, Italy, Jamaica, and beyond. Education at Hollins readies its graduates for meaningful lives that include continuous learning and service.

Notables

U.S. News & World Report lists Hollins University as #105 in best liberal arts schools nationwide, #11 in best colleges for veterans, and #27 in best value. Around 96% of students are employed or seek further education within a year of graduation. Hollins is nationally renowned for its English programs which have produced many accomplished writers.

Overview

Randolph-Macon College is a private, liberal arts institution with an 11:1 student/faculty ratio and 16 students in an average class. The college was founded in 1830 by Methodists, but students of all religious backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Slightly more than 1,400 undergraduate students make up the R-MC population. The school is located in Ashland, VA and not far from Richmond.

Features

Getting students ready for extraordinary lives is the driving factor behind the education at Randolph-Macon College. Students learn directly from faculty and not teaching assistants. Fellowships, internships, and study-abroad are part of the competitive advantage afforded to students through R-MC’s specialized career center. Of the 50 majors offered at R-MC, popular selections include:

• International Studies
• Economics
• Biology/Pre-Med
• Sociology

Notables

Both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes have recognized Randolph-Macon College as among the top liberal arts institutions in the country. In addition, the college promotes its degree guarantee which promises that students will complete their degrees within 4 years, or the subsequent tuition is free. All students must reside in campus housing which fosters a sense of community, and R-MC is host to at least 80 student clubs.

Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University started out as an offshoot of Hampden-Sydney College in 1838. Sixteen years later the school gained its independence and then later merged with another institution, but by 1968, VCU was firmly established as its own university. Currently, VCU is home to upwards of 31,000 students in Richmond, VA. This public, co-educational university includes a first-rate research hospital. The student/faculty ratio is 18:1.

Features

In 2016, Virginia Commonwealth University was responsible for $271 million in sponsored research, and applying that research to solve today’s most challenging health issues is what VCU does every day. VCU aligns itself with a diverse student body and graduates the largest number of minority students in Virginia. VCU gives students the option of 59 undergraduate programs, 69 master’s programs, and 42 doctoral programs. Some popular majors:

• Biomedicine
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Nursing
• Marketing
• Psychology

Notables

Virginia Commonwealth University is highly ranked for its graduate arts program (#1 in public universities) as well as its graduate schools of pharmacy and social work by U.S. News & World Report. Several of VCU’s visual arts specialties place in the top ten in the country, and VCU’s nurse anesthesia program is #1 in the nation.

Overview

Roanoke College is nestled on a cozy 80-acre campus in Salem, VA. This private, liberal arts institution conducts classes for almost 2,000 undergraduate students. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. Founded in 1842 and affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Roanoke is the second-oldest Lutheran college in the nation. Students of all faiths are encouraged to apply. Roanoke pioneered the concept of inclusion beginning in the 1870’s when Native American, Mexican, Japanese, and Korean students joined the college. Women were admitted in 1930.

Features

The philosophy of Roanoke College includes helping students to discover what they truly love and make society better for all. To that end, students are required to take classes that are part of the intellectual inquiry core curriculum, which allows students to choose unique topics of interest to them. This innovative program sets Roanoke apart from other colleges. Roanoke has 34 majors and 11 pre-professional programs. Popular choices include:

• Business
• Psychology
• Biology
• History

Notables

Recent restructuring of its academic programs has earned Roanoke College the #4 spot for up-and-coming liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Forbes and Princeton Review have also recognized Roanoke as one of the top schools nationally.

Overview

The University of Mary Washington is named for George Washington’s mom. Although UMW traces its history to 1908 as a women’s college, the school went through several transitions before it was reborn as UMW in 2004. Men were admitted around 1971. Slightly more than 4,000 students are enrolled at this public, co-educational university in Fredericksburg, VA. The student/faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is 19 students.

Features

As a liberal arts university, UMW places high regard on top-notch teaching, discovery, and a caring, academic community that serves the regional population. Incoming freshmen register for seminars that set them up for success during their college years and in the future. Study abroad is encouraged, and around 30% of students do so. There are over 60 majors and graduate programs. Popular majors include:

• Social Science
• Business
• English Literature
• Psychology
• Biology

Notables

Among public universities in the South, the University of Mary Washington was named #6, and among public and private institutions UMW was #16, according to U.S. News & World Report. UMW also rated as #11 for best schools for veterans. Forbes, Princeton Review, and Money magazine all agreed that UMW was among the best nationwide while Fiske recognized UMW as a best value college.

Overview

Old Dominion University started out training engineers and teachers as a branch of both Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the College of William and Mary, but in 1962, ODU became its own four-year institution. Today, nearly 24,700 students call ODU home, and 25% of the student body has military ties. This public, co-educational university is located in Norfolk, VA. The student/faculty ratio is 19:1.

Features

Old Dominion University focuses on research that stimulates business and economy, resulting in a $2.1 billion yearly impact to the region and the state. Additionally, ODU is second in Virginia for proportionally awarding the most STEM-H degrees annually. ODU has more than 160 academic programs for undergraduates and graduate students, including 42 doctoral degrees. The most popular academic programs are:

• Health Professions
• Multidisciplinary Studies
• Marketing
• Psychology
• Criminology

Notables

U.S. News & World Report placed Old Dominion University in the top 11% of best colleges and universities in the country, and ODU’s online M.B.A. courses have received past honors as well. ODU has also been recognized as among the best schools in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Finally, ODU is nationally known for its expert knowledge in resiliency planning for coastal flooding and rising sea levels.

Overview

Emory & Henry College is a small, private liberal arts college with just over 1,000 undergraduate students and a couple dozen graduate students. Almost 80% of undergraduates reside at the college where the student/faculty ratio is 11:1. Emory & Henry was established in 1836 by Methodists who named the college after Bishop John Emory and American Revolutionary Patrick Henry to represent both faith and civic responsibility. Emory & Henry is located in Emory, VA.

Features

Emory & Henry College promotes the values of civic mindfulness and living up to one’s potential. Faculty at Emory & Henry work with students to transform them intellectually and inspire them to effect change in the community. The college’s civic life center provides a wide variety of service opportunities for social change. There are 64 degree programs and an option to customize a major. Popular majors are:

• Social Science
• Education
• Business Administration
• Visual and Performing Arts

Notables

Washington Monthly, Newsweek, and USA Today have all recognized Emory & Henry College for its top notch service learning programs. Emory & Henry was named to the Presidential Service Learning Honor Roll in 2013. Additionally, all of Emory & Henry’s grounds are in the National Register of Historic Places.

Overview

The coastal city of Newport News, VA is the home of Christopher Newport University. This public, co-educational institution began in 1960 and is one of the youngest universities in Virginia. With approximately 5,000 students and a 15:1 student/faculty ratio, CNU’s classes are generally small in size.

Features

Christopher Newport University’s core education is based on liberal arts. Superior academics via exceptional teaching is a main tenet of CNU as is preparing students to lead and serve their communities. Students learn how to live in a way that makes a positive difference. CNU’s more than 60 undergraduate majors and 3 master’s programs give students a choice of possibilities. Some of CNU’s popular majors include:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Government

Notables

Many sources have praised Christopher Newport University for the quality its education. Earning the #5 spot among Southern public schools, CNU also came in at #14 among private and public institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report. CNU is #10 for best schools for veterans. In addition, Forbes and Princeton Review rated CNU as among the best institutions in the South, and Bloomsburg Businessweek specifically mentioned the strength of CNU’s undergraduate business courses.

Overview

Randolph College began as the women’s counterpart to Randolph-Macon College in 1891. It wasn’t until 2007, and after much soul searching, that men were admitted and the school started its new life as Randolph College. Today this private, liberal arts and sciences college enrolls fewer than 700 students. The student/faculty ratio is 9:1. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Randolph is located in Lynchburg, VA.

Features

With an overarching intent to guide students to a successful career path, Randolph College’s academics are taught by faculty only and students develop a strong foundation in writing well. Students work with advisors to design a Randolph Plan or personalized roadmap for maximum career potential. During Randolph’s summer research initiative, students can complete research with their professors. Randolph’s curriculum spans across 29 undergraduate majors and 2 master’s programs. Popular majors are:

• Pre-professional
• Sports and Exercise
• Social Sciences
• English Literature

Notables

Fiske and Princeton Review have both chosen Randolph College as one of the best among Southern institutions. And, Sierra Club says Randolph is a “Cool School”. Newsweek reports that Randolph’s faculty is the most approachable and available nationwide. Perhaps the most well-known alumna of Randolph is Pearl S. Buck.

Overview

Southern Virginia University can trace its origin to 1867 when it existed as a home school for kids. Throughout the years, SVU had several identities, including a once-renown equestrian program. In 1996, the Latter-day Saints shored up the struggling college. Today 90% of the student body is Mormon. Around 800 students attend this private, liberal arts institution located in Buena Vista, VA. SVU’s average class size is 15.

Features

The teachings of the Latter-day Saints are present in all aspects of Southern Virginia University’s curriculum. Flexibility is afforded to missionaries, devotionals are held weekly, and a larger meetinghouse has been built. Each semester, students are asked to complete 15 hours of community service. The small nature of SVU ensures that students will have 1:1 attention from faculty. SVU’s coursework forms the basis for 16 undergraduate majors. Some popular majors include:

• General Liberal Arts
• Business
• English Literature
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Foreign Languages

Notables

Southern Virginia University is the country’s only private liberal arts college that is committed to the teachings of Latter-day Saints. SVU has a 93% success rate for graduates finding employment within a month after receiving their degrees. And, if they could go back and do it again, 98% of students would make the same decision.

Overview

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is its own, separate 4-year institution with a current enrollment of more than 2,000 students. This public liberal arts college has 17 students in class on average and a 13:1 student/faculty ratio. UVa-CW was originally established to educate Virginia’s western and southwestern population in 1954. The mountain area of Wise, VA is where UVa-CW is located and 30% of students live on campus.

Features

The coursework at the College at Wise is built upon a traditional liberal arts education and designed for professional success upon graduation. In addition to academics, UVa-CW seeks to serve the community of Southwestern Virginia and surrounding region. There are 30 majors and 7 pre-professional programs leading to a bachelor’s degree and also teaching certifications. UVa-CW’s popularly chosen majors are:

• Business
• Education
• Social Sciences
• Software Engineering
• Pre-professional Studies

Notables

The College at Wise is the only school to award a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. Almost 97% of students find employment or pursue further study after graduation, and students at UVa-CW are fortunate to have one of the lowest debt rates in the country. There are more than 50 student clubs for extracurricular activity.

Overview

Founded in 1901, Sweet Briar College was almost closed permanently in 2005 because of financial challenges, but efforts from alumnae succeeded in renewing the institution and keeping it solvent. Today, this private, women’s college enrolls around 300 students, and the average class size is less than 12. Men are admitted to Sweet Briar’s graduate programs. Sweet Briar College is located in Sweet Briar, VA and is named for the Sweet Briar Rose.

Features

A tight-knit community of learning and personal attention is at the forefront of the student experience at Sweet Briar College. Close and continuing relationships with faculty are typical as students become leaders, researchers, and foreign exchange students. Study abroad opportunities include JYF in Paris or JYS in Seville. Sweet Briar has over 30 undergraduate majors or 2 graduate programs. Popular majors at Sweet Briar:

• Biology
• Business
• Engineering Science
• Creative Writing
• Environmental Science

Notables

In the South, Sweet Briar College has been recognized by Princeton Review as among top schools, best women’s institutions, and notable private colleges. Forbes and Washington Monthly listed Sweet Briar as among best value colleges. Sweet Briar’s campus has garnered praise from Forbes, Business Insider, and others. Lastly, Sweet Briar is well-known for its equestrian center and equine studies.