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The state of Virginia is known as ‘Old Dominion’ as is the twelfth largest state by population with well over 8 million residents. The state is the 15th smallest state by size placing it 14th on the list for most densely populated state. Virginia has over 200 accredited colleges to its credit across its 95 counties. With over three dozen private colleges in the state, students have ample opportunity to deeply research schools in the state. Private colleges in Virginia can be found in cities from Lynchburg and Fairfax to Arlington and Virginia Beach. Top ranked private colleges in Virginia include Regent University, Liberty University, Stratford University, Southern Virginia University, University of Management & Technology, and The Art Institute.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Virginia
Averett University - Non - Traditional Programs provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Danville, VA and operated as a private institution. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled yearly at AU GPS.
A list of some of the popular programs are:
- Business Administration
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Management Science
- Law and Justice Administration
- Information Science Studies
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of tuition is close to $9,400, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. Students at Averett University - Non - Traditional Programs may qualify for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Enrollment
612
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
About
Washington and Lee University, located in Lexington, Virginia, was founded in 1749. The school was originally known as Augusta Academy, but has its name changed in 1776 to Liberty Hall, later Liberty Hall Academy, in response to the revolutionary fervor that had become part of the American identity. In 1796 the school was given $20,000 dollars in stocks as an endowment from President George Washington, preventing the school's closure. The school was renamed Washington Academy, later Washington College, in appreciation of the endowment. In 1865 General Robert E. Lee became president of the institution, and remained so until his death five years later. The school was then renamed to Washington and Lee University.
Academics
W&L has two separate schools for academic programs, with the College focusing on the liberal arts and humanities and the Ernest Williams II School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics covering fields within the scope of the school. In total there are 41 academic programs available to graduates, though all freshman students begin their education at the College. Students may throughout their four years take elective courses offered at both schools. The law school provides juris doctor and master of law degrees through its programs.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment must submit an application along with all pertinent transcripts and test scores as well as two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. The submitted application will be reviewed and students notified if they have been admitted into the school.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it along with their most recent tax information in order to determine eligibility and awards. Scholarships may be awarded by the school, through federal programs, or by private scholarship granting committees and organizations.
Enrollment
2,223
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
University of Richmond is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in University of Richmond, VA, which is a predominantly urban area. Enrollment at University of Richmond exceeds four thousand yearly.
Areas of study available at University of Richmond include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Education
- Social Sciences
- English Language And Literature
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. A SAT or ACT exam is required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1770 - 2080 for the SAT exam and between 28 - 31 on the ACT is common among students accepted to University of Richmond. Approximately 30 percent of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 25 percent of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $47,000 for the year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students may check the school's tuition calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Housing may be available for students that want to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $4,600 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements by way of grants or student loans.
University of Richmond offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
Students can visit the school's http://www.richmond.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
4,002
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Roanoke College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Salem, VA, which is a predominantly suburban area. The school maintains an Evangelical Lutheran Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately 2,100 students enroll at Roanoke College per year.
Students may pick from a few areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- History
- Social Sciences
Students applying for admission are generally required to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 1478 to 1770 on the SAT and in a range of 21 to 26 for the ACT exam is common among students accepted to Roanoke College. 70% of those students that apply are accepted to this school, of which 18% choose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $36,000 for the year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to determine cost. The price of on-campus housing is approximately $5,500 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
Roanoke College offers several athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Students can visit the Roanoke College website to get a complete list of academic programs offered, financial aid details, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
2,014
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Randolph - Macon College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Ashland, VA, which is a predominantly suburban area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled yearly at Randolph - Macon College. Students can pick from several areas of study, including:
- Social Sciences
- History
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,488
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Hampden - Sydney College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, which is a predominantly rural area. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at HSC.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs HSC offers:
- Social Sciences
- History
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- English Language And Literature
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. Most common scores among applicants accepted to HSC are between 21 to 27 for the ACT exam, or 1470 to 1790 on the SAT. HSC has an acceptance rate of around 55% of which only 24% chose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at hsc.edu.
The cost of tuition is close to $37,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should use the school's tuition calculator to understand their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements.
The mascot for HSC is the "Tigers", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through oversight by the NCAA.
Students can visit the Hampden - Sydney College website to see a complete list of academic programs offered, student services, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
1,072
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Hollins University is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Roanoke, VA, which is a predominantly suburban area. The school enrolls 1000 students annually, allowing for a more personalized education.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Hollins University offers:
- English Language And Literature
- Education
- Psychology
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Social Sciences
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, student records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken in order to be able to apply to Hollins University. Scores in a range of 21 to 28 on the ACT or 920 to 1200 on the SAT are recommended to increase the chance of getting accepted. This school admits roughly 80 percent of students applying. Of those students admitted, around 27 percent enrolled. More information regarding admissions can be found at hollins.edu.
Tuition is approximately $34,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should check the school's net price calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Student housing is available for students and costs approximately $7,000 for the year. Students attending this school may qualify for aid which is typically scholarships, grants, and loans.
Hollins University participates in intercollegiate sports through the NCAA's Old Dominion Athletic Conference in Basketball.
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study offered, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.hollins.edu.
Enrollment
805
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Hampton University is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Hampton, VA. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. Around five thousand students enroll at Hampton University yearly.
Areas of study offered at HU include but are not limited to:
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Communications And Journalism
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then studied by admissions officials. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT exam scores to be considered for admissions to HU. A score in a range of 1043 to 1076 on the SAT, or 21 to 26 for the ACT is common among accepted students. 37% of students that apply are accepted to this school, of which 24% choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at hamptonu.edu.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $21,000 for the year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students should check the school's price of attendance calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. The price of on-campus housing is estimated to be $4,800 for the year. Hampton University may offer financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Hampton University "Pirates" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
- Football (NCAA Division I-A)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-A)
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study offered, and more can be viewed on school's website at http://www.hamptonu.edu.
Enrollment
4,321
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
SU, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Winchester, VA, the campus resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Approximately three thousand students are enrolled annually at SU.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs SU offers:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then studied by admissions officials. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions to SU. A score between 900 to 1140 on the SAT, or 19 to 24 for the ACT is common among admitted students. SU admits roughly 80 percent of applicants. Of those students accepted, around 34 percent registered for enrollment. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $30,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's tuition calculator to understand their cost of attendance. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements.
The mascot for SU is the "Hornets", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, academics information, programs offered, and more can be viewed on school's website at http://www.su.edu.
Enrollment
3,817
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Bridgewater College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Bridgewater, VA, which is a predominantly suburban area. The Church of Brethren affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled yearly at Bridgewater College.
Areas of study offered at Bridgewater College include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school records, which are then studied by admissions staff. The majority of students accepted to Bridgewater College achieve an SAT score in a range of 1370 to 1670, or an ACT score between 20 to 24. 52% of those students that apply are admitted to Bridgewater College, of which 14 percent choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of tuition is approximately $29,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. Housing may be available for those that want to live on-campus for around a cost of $5,800 annually. Some students at BC may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally provided in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for BC is the "Eagles", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Students should take a look at the school's http://www.bridgewater.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
1,857
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Marymount University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Arlington, VA, the school resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Approximately 3,600 students are enrolled yearly at Marymount University.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Marymount University offers:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. The majority of students accepted to Marymount University achieve an SAT score within the range of 1303 to 1650, or an ACT composite score between 19 to 23. This school has an admissions rate of 78 percent of which only 26 percent chose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $26,000 per year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's net price calculator to find what your personalized cost of attendance would be. Marymount University may offer financial aid for students that are eligible as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for Marymount University is the "Saints", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through oversight by the NCAA. Sports available may include:
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
3,418
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
LC is a nonprofit private college that has a fair number of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Lynchburg, VA, in a predominantly urban area. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Over two thousand students enroll at Lynchburg College yearly.
Students may pick from several areas of study, including:
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Communications And Journalism
- Business And Marketing Studies
To be considered for admissions, students may be asked to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions officials. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores between 1330 - 1650 on the SAT and between 19 - 24 on the ACT is common among students accepted to LC. This school has an admissions rate of 68 percent of which only 19 percent chose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at lynchburg.edu.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $34,000 for the year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's price of attendance calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Housing is available for students and costs approximately $4,600 per year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements by way of grants or student loans.
The LC Hornets participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, with competitions managed and overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Students who wish to see more about this school can visit their website at http://www.lynchburg.edu.
Enrollment
3,081
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
EMU is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Harrisonburg, VA, which is a predominantly urban area. The school's Mennonite Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Approximately a thousand students enroll at EMU yearly.
Students can pick from several areas of study, including:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions committee. The majority of students admitted to EMU earn an SAT score between 1360 to 1790, or an ACT composite score within the range of 21 to 28. Approximately 70% of all students that applied were accepted at Eastern Mennonite University, with 40% of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found at emu.edu.
The cost of tuition is approximately $29,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is around $5,400. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements.
The Eastern Mennonite University Royals participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs, with competitions managed and overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Students may take a look at the school's http://www.emu.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
1,444
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Regent University provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Virginia Beach, VA and operated as a private institution. About 5,200 students enroll at Regent University annually. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Regent University offers:
- Education
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Theology And Religious Vocations
Enrollment
9,889
Student to Faculty Ratio
47:1
Emory and Henry College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Emory, VA, which is a predominantly rural area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. The school enrolls 980 students annually, allowing for a more personalized education. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Emory and Henry College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,246
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Randolph College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, which is a predominantly urban area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. The school enrolls 520 students annually, allowing for greater access to faculty. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Randolph College offers:
- History
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Mathematics And Statistics
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
- Softball (NCAA Division III)
- Tennis (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
626
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Virginia Wesleyan University is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Norfolk, VA, which is a predominantly urban area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Approximately 1,300 students are enrolled yearly at Virginia Wesleyan University. Students may pick from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,437
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Liberty University is the largest Evangelical Christian University in the world. Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. founded Liberty University in 1971 as a religious co-educational institution with a mission to train and develop young Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge and skills needed to impact the future. Located on a 6,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, this private college offers more than 60 accredited programs of study.
History
A center of commerce in the 19th Century, the city of Lynchburg, Virginia was established in 1786 at the site of Lynch's Ferry on the James River. Thomas Jefferson's private country retreat, known as Poplar Forest, is located just outside Lynchburg and is an easy drive from Liberty University. Jefferson's renowned Monticello estate is located in Charlottesville, an hour's drive north of Lynchburg.
The area around Lynchburg is quite rich with cultural opportunities and sites of American History, with Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C., both a four-hour drive away. The Appomattox Court House National Historic Park is located just north of Lynchburg and boasts a historical village that has preserves the history of General Lee's surrender to Lt. General Grant towards the end of the Civil War.
Academics
Liberty University offers 135 areas for undergraduate study, 90 areas for graduate study, and four doctoral programs. It offers both campus-based and online degree programs. Additionally, Liberty offers a diploma program for students seeking a complete overview of the English Bible. All faculty members hold advanced degrees and, in addition to a commitment to teaching excellence, have demonstrated a born-again relationship with Christ.
Liberty's academic services and programs include:
- Center for Academic Support and Advising Services (CASAS)
- Center for Research and Scholarship
- Graduate Senate
- University Writing Program
- Institutional Review Board
- Quality Enhancement Plan
- Office of the Registrar
- Study Abroad Program
Colleges / Schools
Liberty University has several colleges and schools offering 37 majors with various areas of specialization or concentration. Liberty students may also choose from among more than 52 academic minors.
- School of Aeronautics
- College of Arts & Sciences
- Helms School of Government
- Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
- School of Business
- School of Communication
- School of Education
- School of Engineering and Computational Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Religion
Students who wish to pursue a more individualized course of study, may work through the Center for Academic Support and Advising Services (CASAS) to obtain a bachelor's degree in General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies.
Student Life
Liberty University offers many academic organizations and clubs, as well as opportunities to volunteer for social causes. Opportunities for campus recreation include various cafes, recreation and fitness facilities at LaHaye Student Union. Other student activities include horseback riding, whitewater rafting trips, water skiing, video game tournaments and paintball, to name a few.
The LaHaye Ice Center is available for skating and athletic events, and Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre's Ski Slope offers year-round skiing, snow boarding and tubing.
Liberty University is dedicated to both academics and faith, and The Spiritual Life Department provides a variety of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism opportunities for students and their families. The Campus Pastor's Office provides a Prayer Room, pastoral counseling, discipleship services and crisis intervention. There also are Spiritual Life Director and Prayer Leader programs where students can lead prayer groups and provide ministry. Light Ministries provides programs in cross-cultural ministry through short-term missions.
Traditions
Liberty University's traditions are termed "distinctives" - doctrines that set it apart from other Christian schools in America. Liberty's "distinctives" are: Academic excellence, a commitment to training champions for Christ, an action-oriented curriculum, a Christian worldview, high behavioral standards, a modest dress code, a highly-qualified and non-tenured teaching faculty, 20 competitive NCAA Division I athletic programs, reasonable tuition costs, and required attendance at chapels and convocations.
Athletics
A variety of intercollegiate and intramural athletic programs are available to Liberty students. The home of the Liberty Flames athletic teams, Liberty University has achieved great success in college athletics. It has 20 NCAA Division Athletic programs, 20 Club Sports and 19 Intramural Sports. Many Liberty University athletes have gone into professional sports including former Atlanta Braves first baseman Sid Bream, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Randy Tomlin, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Kelvin Edwards, former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver James McKnight, among others.
Community Life
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the south bank of James River, Liberty University offers a safe, scenic and historic community to its students. Lynchburg has four colleges or universities in its midst and was ranked the second-best "Small City" by Money Magazine. Living costs in the Lynchburg area are relatively low, and students can enjoy many free or inexpensive local events and outdoor recreational activities.
On Liberty University's 6,000-acre campus, students will enjoy a hike or bike ride on one of the many tracks or roads of the Liberty Mountain Trail System.
Enrollment
79,152
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
AU provides a variety of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Danville, VA and operated as a private institution. The school's limited space in terms of enrollment, about 900 students, allows students to have a more hands on education due to the number of students per class and easier access to faculty. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Agriculture Operations
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
961
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Mary Baldwin College, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Staunton, Virginia, the campus resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Enrollment at Mary Baldwin College exceeds a thousand per year. Here is a list of some of the popular programs MBC offers:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- History
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Social Sciences
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
- Softball (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,902
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Bluefield College is a nonprofit private institution located in Bluefield, Virginia and provides a large number of program options for students. The school's Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. The school's limited space in terms of enrollment, around 700 students, allows students to have a more hands on education due to class size and easier access to faculty. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Security And Protective Services
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,156
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Sweet Briar College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Sweet Briar, VA, which is a predominantly suburban area. Sweet Briar College, with only about 760 students enrolled, has a low student to teacher ratio and personalized education as part of its commitment to students. Students may pick from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Visual And Performing Arts
Enrollment
337
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Ferrum College is a nonprofit private university that has many degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Ferrum, VA, in a predominantly rural area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Approximately 1,500 students are enrolled yearly at Ferrum College. Areas of study available at Ferrum College include but are not limited to:
- Security And Protective Services
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Education
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,124
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Virginia Union University is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Richmond, Virginia. Many historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were founded after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school's Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately a thousand students enroll at Virginia Union University per year. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Social Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
- Psychology
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
1,552
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Top Ranked Private College Degrees in Virginia

Robust private colleges dot the state of Virginia providing quality educational opportunities in a diverse setting. In addition to campus life, the diversity in private colleges span from enrollment to academics to learning modalities. The enrollment at private colleges tend to be less than their state university counterparts. Smaller campus settings and limited class sizes lend itself to greater freedom for more expansive collaboration. Academically, students have the latitude to pursue various fields of study from niche areas of study to mainstream majors. Niche majors may include fields likerobotics,nuclear engineering,cytotechnology, andgerontologywhere a handful of practitioners shape the field for those following. Mainstream degrees can be found at most private universities in areas likeoperations management,criminal justice,public policy,teaching,biology, andbehavioral science.
Finding the Best Private College in Virginia

Discover the best path for you by investing in deep introspection and analysis today. Spending time to evaluate your objectives and goals will shed light on what school to attend. We recommend you start your analysis by investing time reading ouradmissions guidefollowed by insider tips on how to get into yourtop schooland how toreduce college debt. The powerful combination of these guides will arm you with information to make great decisions for your future.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Virginia
- Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) in Danville, VA
- George Mason University in Ferrum, VA
- Longwood University in Lynchburg, VA
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Bridgewater College in Bluefield, VA
- Centra College of Nursing (Lynchburg) in Lynchburg, VA
- Eastern Mennonite University (Eastern mennonite univ) in Emory, VA
- Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) in Harrisonburg, VA
- Hollins University (Hollins College) in Hampton, VA
- Randolph College (Randolph) in Ashland, VA
- Riverside School of Health Careers (UR/U of Richmond/Richmond) in University of Richmond, VA
- Virginia Wesleyan University (VWC) in Richmond, VA
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Health Professions Schools
Schools of Law
- Platt College - Ontario in Grundy, VA
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVa-Wise) in Richmond, VA
- Virginia State University (VSU) in Lynchburg, VA
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Virginia in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.