Best Colleges in Virginia
Known as “Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents,” the Commonwealth of Virginia was one of the original thirteen colonies. This New England state experience cool winters and warm summers, but the Atlantic Ocean causes extreme climate variations. Colleges in Virginia are categorized by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, who keep a list of public and private institutions that are accredited and in good standing. The largest college in the state is Liberty University, which also ranks most selective along with Washington & Lee University. Livestock and livestock products are Virginia’s primary agriculture industry. Old Dominion is also supported by food and beverage manufacturing, mining, and fishing. Shenandoah National Park, Arlington National Cemetery, and Busch Gardens are top attractions in Virginia.
How Were the Top Schools in Virginia Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Washington and Lee University is a liberal arts university located in Lexington, VA, along the Shenandoah River and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains. W&L's motto is "Non Incautus Futuri," which means "not unmindful...
A small campus with a great community vibe, filled with overachieving students that graduate with starry eyes and top internships.
” – Maryland
Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia is a public institution in Charlottesville. UVA encompasses 12 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 70 fields of study. For artistically-inclined students, UVA...
The great thing about UVA is that it is a public research university - meaning its resources attract the big names in most fields of study. This is great for you, the student, because you get to learn under such academics as Rita Dove and Larry...
” – Jessica from Chester, VA
The University of Richmond is a 4-year liberal arts university located in Virginia’s capital city. Richmond confers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors and its Jepson School of Leadership is the first school to offer a Leadership and...
I was challenged more than ever in HS just in my first semester at UR.
” – Valerie from Westerville, OH
Royally chartered by King William III and Queen Mary II and founded in 1693, The College of William & Mary is a public institution in eastern Virginia and the second-oldest university in the nation. William and Mary offers bachelor’s degrees in 40...
You will find great professors at William and Mary, and not just in the upper level courses. There will always be the dud teachers, but most truly want to be there to teach, not just to do research. It the ideal place for them to do both and they are...
” – Anna from MI
Founded in 1839 and nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Military Institute is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. VMI confers bachelor’s degrees in 14 academic majors within departments of Science, Liberal Arts...
This school is definitely one of a kind. The Ratline that all freshmen must experience is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is so rewarding one you get through it. It teaches you the important lessons that are so vital to a successful...
” – Kimberley from Newland, NC
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech, is a 4-year public research university in western Virginia. Virginia Tech encompasses nine colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in 110 academic majors. To promote...
For prospective engineering students, look no further than Virginia Tech. The school has one of the finest engineering programs in the country and as such all graduates leave with a slight advantage in their job hunt. It is a very rigorous program...
” – Benjamin from Jeffersonton, VA
Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is an all-male liberal arts school located in Hampden Sydney, Virginia. H-SC is a affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and its campus is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the...
I believe that I am getting a top notch education at HS-C. My professors have been interesting and helpful. Class size is just right.
” – A student from Bedford, VA
Christopher Newport University is a 4-year public liberal arts university in the Norfolk area. CNU is home to departments of Business, Natural Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences with all degree-granting programs focused on a liberal...
Something that CNU prides itself upon is the fact that its classes are small. On average a class will have 25 students in it, which encourages students to interact with their professors and makes it much easier to obtain help when it is needed....
” – Emily from Sterling, VA
Randolph-Macon College is a 4-year liberal arts college located in Ashland, Virginia – just 15 minutes north of the capital city of Richmond. This central location offers all the benefits of a safe and walkable community, paired with easy access to...
Although I am only a freshman, I have learned a lot both inside the classroom and out. You are able to learn so much at Randolph-Macon because it is a small private college and helps you show your true potential. The classroom sizes are...
” – Megan from Stafford, VA
Founded in 1842, Roanoke College is a 4-year liberal arts institution, the second-oldest Lutheran-affiliated college in America. Roanoke offers over 100 areas of study on its Salem, Virginia, campus, all of which are complemented by a core curriculum...
The teachers on campus try and reach every student. You have to want to learn! The teachers aren't going to bother with someone who doesn't want to learn.
” – Dayla from Pomfret, MD
Founded in 1880, Bridgewater College is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Shenandoah Valley and the first college in Virginia to admit female students. Bridgewater confers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors and minors featuring an...
Teachers and professors want you to think. The majority are open to taking a few extra days here and there to discuss the issues that students are interested in. After all, it's our education, not theirs.
” – Heather from Crimora, VA
Eastern Mennonite University is a Christian-based liberal arts college in the Shenandoah Valley. All students are required to spend part of their academic career studying in another culture as a guest of a local host family or traveling abroad...
I have learned more about myself and future careers than I have ever learned. I have also had the opportunity to open myself up more to the world and express myself better thanks to the school. I am now a more outgoing and culturally aware person.
” – Mariah from Rockville, VA
Located in Harrisonburg, VA, in the Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University is a public institution offering more than 120 degree options. As a research university, JMU features a Research and Scholarship (R&S) administration, and is home to the...
I started off with five luck-of-the-draw classes. They were all challenging and all required a lot of work but I never really had to push myself. However, my grades weren't the highest of any of my classes either. JMU has a great college...
” – Samuel from Chesterfield, VA
Shenandoah University is located in the beautiful northern Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia.
We offer over 200 areas of study within six schools and two divisions. We search for and welcome a diverse set of students - academically...
I go to the Conservatory of Shenandoah University and just from my first semester of Basic Acting, I have learned so much. There are two (at least at this time) different first year acting teachers, both have completely different teaching styles but...
” – Rebecca from Winchester, VA
The University of Mary Washington is a 4-year liberal arts college in northern Virginia. UMW is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, and Business conferring undergraduate degrees in over 60 fields of study. To provide a transition to...
Students at the University of Mary Washington definitely learn a lot. There are about 4,000 students total in the entire school, so over 900 students in each graduating class. It is so beneficial going to a school that is smaller because classes are...
” – Breon from Stafford, VA
Hollins University is a four-year liberal arts school located in Roanoke, Virginia. Founded in 1842, it is the first all-women’s institution in the state. Hollins offers over 30 areas of study while also featuring coeducational programs at the...
Classes are so interesting here and the professors really care about the students. Class sizes are small so everybody can participate. No worries about stating your mind or giving your opinion; open discussion is expected.
” – Katy
George Mason University is a public research university with three regional locations and an international campus in Songdo, Korea. It is considered to have the “Highest Research Activity” and ranks among the Best Southeastern Schools according to...
Here at George Mason University a.k.a GMU or Mason, classes are small and the professors are shockingly always available to answer questions by email or in person. Lecture halls are usually semi-big but then they are divided into Labs where you are...
” – Tahina from Richmond, VA
Founded in 1868 after the Civil War to provide education to freedmen, Hampton University is an Historically Black College and University on the Virginia Peninsula. Hampton is home to eight undergraduate colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees and...
Hampton University is an excellent school when it comes to academics.l The professors are very interested in their students. They provide office hours as well as email addresses in order for their students to contact them. All of my professors...
” – Asia from Winterville, NC
Named for Methodist Bishop John Emory and Founding Father Patrick Henry, Emory & Henry College is a liberal arts college in the southwest Virginia Highlands. Emory & Henry offers bachelor’s degrees in 37 academic fields of study as well as an honors...
Emory & Henry College (yes, it's an ampersand!) is a small liberal arts college nestled in Appalachia. With less than 1,000 students, there is a tight community feel that is difficult to find at other colleges. The college prides itself on its...
” – Lauren from Manassas, VA
Sweet Briar College is a 4-year women’s college in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Sweet Briar grants undergraduate degrees in 16 academic majors. Outside of the classroom, Sweet Briar is home to a renowned equestrian program and features the...
The level of difficulty in the courses vary just like they would anywhere. Most of the professors give you a syllabus for the semester and expect you to stay on top of the deadlines. If you struggle in a class there is this place called the ARC where...
” – Jessica