If you’re looking to attend school on the east coast, Virginia might be the state for you. Virginia is a state that is rich in history, culture, and educational opportunities. With over 70 higher education institutions, Virginia has a lot to offer for students who are looking to pursue their academic dreams. However, with so many colleges and universities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the best colleges in Virginia, what makes them unique, and what you should consider before making your final decision.
When ranking the best colleges in Virginia, we looked at several factors, including academic quality, student life, affordability, and career outcomes. These factors can help students identify colleges that are the best fit for their academic goals, career aspirations, and budget.
In this guide, we will provide an overview of some of the best colleges in Virginia, along with the key features and benefits of each institution. Whether you are interested in a large public university or a small liberal arts college, there is something for everyone in Virginia’s diverse higher education landscape.
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA) is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the country, and for a good reason. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, UVA is steeped in history and tradition while also offering a cutting-edge education that prepares students for success in the 21st century.
At the heart of UVA’s undergraduate program is a commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and innovation. With over 50 majors and 80 minors to choose from, students have a wide range of academic options that allow them to explore their interests and passions.
In terms of academic excellence, UVA is particularly well-known for its programs in business, engineering, and the liberal arts. The McIntire School of Commerce, for example, consistently ranks as one of the top business schools in the country and provides students with a comprehensive business education that prepares them for leadership roles in a variety of industries.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science is similarly recognized for its strong programs in areas such as computer science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering. The school offers a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including research projects and internships, which help students gain practical experience in their field of study.
Finally, UVA’s College of Arts and Sciences is the largest of the university’s schools and offers over 50 majors across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The College is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that encourages intellectual exploration and critical thinking.
Additionally, UVA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 800 student organizations, club sports, and cultural events. The university also has a strong Greek life community and a variety of student-led initiatives that contribute to a vibrant and dynamic campus culture.
Washington & Lee
Located in Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a highly esteemed private liberal arts college that has been educating students since 1749. The university is named after two of America’s most iconic figures, George Washington and Robert E. Lee, who both had significant ties to the university’s history.
Washington and Lee University offers a wide range of majors and minors in the liberal arts, including majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. The university’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad-based education that emphasizes intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills.
Something we applaud Washington & Lee for is the “Washington and Lee Promise.” This promise “guarantees a minimum grant of tuition to any undergraduate student admitted to Washington and Lee with a total family income below $125,000 and assets typical for their income.”
Washington and Lee University is a close-knit community emphasizing student leadership and involvement. The university has over 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, and cultural groups. Students are encouraged to get involved in these organizations, which provide opportunities for leadership development, community service, and cultural enrichment.
The university also has a strong athletic program, with 23 varsity sports teams that compete in NCAA Division III. The university’s athletic facilities are state-of-the-art, with a new indoor athletics and recreation center that opened in 2021.
William & Mary
The College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the second-oldest college in the United States, founded in 1693. As a public research university, William & Mary is known for its strong liberal arts education, research opportunities, and commitment to service.
William & Mary offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors across three schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education. The most popular majors at William & Mary are psychology, biology, government, and economics. Students can also create their own majors through the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, which allows them to combine courses from different departments to create a unique program of study.
Student life at William & Mary is diverse and vibrant, with over 400 student organizations on campus. These organizations range from academic clubs and honor societies to cultural and service organizations. Students can also participate in club and intramural sports, attend concerts and lectures, and engage in community service through the Office of Community Engagement.
William & Mary has a strong residential life program, with over 90% of students living on campus. First-year students are required to live on campus, and many upperclassmen choose to remain on campus for the duration of their college career. The residence halls at William & Mary are organized into “neighborhoods,” which provide a sense of community and belonging for students.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly known as Virginia Tech, is a top-ranked public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The university was founded in 1872 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in Virginia, with over 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled.
Virginia Tech offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including majors in business, engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university’s undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in their chosen career path.
Virginia Tech’s undergraduate program is an excellent choice for students seeking a challenging and rewarding educational experience. Virginia Tech provides students with the education, experience, and connections they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.
George Mason
George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia, has over 37,000 students, George Mason University is the largest public university in Virginia, and it is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education.
George Mason’s undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across 10 colleges and schools, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science, the School of Business, and the Volgenau School of Engineering.
The university also offers a wide range of internships, co-op programs, and study abroad opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience and develop valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. George Mason also strongly emphasizes community engagement, and students are encouraged to participate in service-learning projects and volunteer work in the local community.
University of Richmond
The undergraduate program at the University of Richmond is divided into three schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the Robins School of Business, and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies. Each school offers a range of majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs that allow students to customize their academic experience to their interests and career goals.
The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest school at the University of Richmond and offers a diverse range of majors across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students in this school can pursue majors in fields such as biology, psychology, history, and political science, among others. In addition, the school offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, including Environmental Studies, Global Studies, and Latin American, Latino, and Iberian Studies.
The Robins School of Business is a highly respected business school that offers undergraduate students a rigorous and comprehensive business education. Students in this school can choose from majors in accounting, business administration, economics, and marketing, among others. In addition, the school offers a number of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, case competitions, and study abroad programs, that allow students to gain real-world business experience.
The Jepson School of Leadership Studies is a unique school that offers students the opportunity to study leadership from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. Students in this school can pursue a major in Leadership Studies, which combines coursework in ethics, philosophy, psychology, and political science, among other fields. In addition, the school offers a number of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research projects, and community service projects, that allow students to apply their leadership skills in real-world settings.
James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. With a student population of over 22,000, JMU is the second-largest university in Virginia and offers a wide range of undergraduate programs.
JMU is dedicated to supporting the academic and personal success of its students. The university offers a range of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, and mental health services. JMU’s Learning Centers provide students with one-on-one academic coaching and group study sessions. The university also offers a variety of academic support programs, such as the Madison Research Essentials Program, which helps students develop the skills they need to conduct research at the undergraduate level.
One of JMU’s most popular undergraduate programs (and something we find very cool) is its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The BSN program at JMU is highly regarded and has been recognized as one of the best nursing programs in the country. The program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration, which prepares students to become competent and compassionate nurses who can provide high-quality care to patients.
The BSN program at JMU is a four-year program that consists of both classroom and clinical experiences. In the first two years of the program, students take foundational courses in nursing, natural sciences, and social sciences. In the final two years of the program, students take courses in nursing care of individuals and families, nursing care of populations, and nursing leadership and management.
All in all, JMU’s undergraduate program is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a well-rounded education, hands-on learning opportunities, and a supportive community. With its wide range of majors, and specialized programs, JMU is a great place to explore your academic interests and prepare for a successful career or graduate school.
