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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The Riverside College of Health Careers is a school of nursing and health science in the greater Norfolk area. In addition to training programs in Professional and Practical Nursing, Riverside offers academic concentrations in Radiologic and Surgical...

Norfolk State University

Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University is a 4-year public school and Historically Black College and University in southeast Virginia. Norfolk State confers bachelor’s degrees in 31 academic majors and is the only school in the state to offer a...

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I am in the Nursing associate degree program right now. It is a tough program, but is defiantly worth it. You get action first semester when you have your clinical at Nursing Homes.

” – Celestine from Greensboro, NC
Richard Bland College
South Prince George, VA
Richard Bland College

Richard Bland College is a selective, 2-year institution located in Prince George, Virginia. Students attending RBC have the choice between earning an Associate of Arts degree, or an Associate of Science in Behavioral Sciences, Business...

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Richard Bland College is an amazing beginner step for individuals who are seeking to transfer to a 4 year institution. It well prepares you for the bigger and better scenes of an 4 year University. I am really glad that i had the chance of...

” – Brianna from Colonial Heights, VA
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Virginia International University is a globally-focused 4-year university in the Washington, DC, metro area serving a student body of diverse national and cultural backgrounds. VIU is home to seven academic departments conferring bachelor’s degrees...

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Sentara College of Health Sciences is a healthcare-centered institution in the Norfolk metro area. Sentara functions as a nurse training academy offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Nursing. Additionally, Sentara features six associate...

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With a campus nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Mountain Empire Community College is a 2-year college serving a four county area in southwest Virginia. MECC is home to 13 academic career pathways hosting degree and certificate programs. To...

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great class size. great faculty. easy accessibility.

” – Amanda from Gate City, VA
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA
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Founded in 1966, ECPI University is a for-profit university with 16 locations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas. ECPI is home to six colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees in 32 academic majors. All students enroll in...

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because it is a speciality school you will learn alot and you can get your associate fast

” – Steven R. Fordyce from Chesapeake, VA
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Eastern Virginia Medical School is a public-private, medical education institution established in Norfolk. EVMS offers over 30 graduate degree and certificate programs, as well as fellowships, residencies, and continuing medical education. The...

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Affiliated with the Assemblies of God, Bethel College is a 4-year Christian college in eastern Virginia dedicated to training students to become missionaries and church leaders. Bethel offers a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and diploma in...

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Established in 1970, Paul D Camp Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located in Franklin, Suffolk, and Smithfield, Virginia. PDCCC offers over 60 associate’s degree and certificate programs throughout seven fields of study...

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Blue Ridge Community College is a 2-year community college in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. BRCC offers degrees and certificates in over 70 fields of study as well as four partnership programs with other area community colleges. The BRCC campus...

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It is one of the best community colleges in the state. It's a really good college for saving money, especially if you are going to be in college for a while. And even though its a community college the teachers are great.

” – Stephanie from Harrisonburg, VA
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John Tyler Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located in both Chester and Midlothian, Virginia, and a Nursing Education Center in Richmond. John Tyler offers over 60 associate degree and certificate programs, the majority...

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I have enjoyed many of my classes. I am sure, however, that neither my Biology 101, nor my math, will stick with me.

” – Cathy from Crewe, VA
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The Centra College of Nursing is a private, 2-year institution established in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school offers four programs of study: the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the Associate Degree in Nursing program, the...

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Germanna Community College is a 2-year community college in northern Virginia. GCC classifies its academic programs in seven different clusters of interrelated courses called pathways. The Gladys P. Todd Academy at Germanna aides underserved students...

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Germanna Community College is school that seeks to give each student a personal experience. Due to the small class sizes of about 30, there is a strong amount of communication between the teacher and the student. Every teacher I have had has sought...

” – Anonymous
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J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Richmond, Virginia. The college also maintains a second campus in Richmond and a third Goochland. Academics at Reynolds feature a number of special programs, such as...

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All of the teachers are intelligent, caring individuals who truly care about their students' success and actively try to help you reach your goal. If you don't understand something, or simply need tutoring, they are always available, and will help...

” – Quinton from Mechanicsville, VA
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New River Community College is a 2-year community college covering a four county area in southwest Virginia. NRCC offers degrees and certificates in over 40 academic fields of study. The college’s Alternative Energy program features courses focusing...

Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College is a two-year institution and the largest institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The school operates six campuses and offers 1-2 year technical certification and associate degree programs...

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This school offers a lot more than just your pre-requisite classes. You'd be surprised if I told you this school has a lot to offer. Classes for the student that wants to own a major business to classes for the student who wants to become a med...

” – Michelle from CENTREVILLE, VA
Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of Virginia. The college maintains four campuses and a number of centers throughout the region in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk. Academics...

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If you check out your teachers on ratemyprof, I find you can get the best education for your dollar. The teachers I picked based on good reviews are excellent, and motivate me to learn.

” – D from Virginia Beach, VA
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Central Virginia Community College is a 2-year institution serving four counties with a main campus in Lynchburg. CVCC grants associate degrees and certificates from eight academic departments, including degrees in General Studies and Liberal Arts...

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It is an ideal college for commuting. The professors are very understanding. The choice of classes are a good selection.

” – James from Spout Spring, VA
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Danville Community College is a 2-year institution serving two counties in southern Virginia. DCC is home to eight academic departments offering over 100 academic degree and certificate granting programs. In addition to regular classwork, the college...