Best Universities & Colleges in Virginia for 2024

These are the 30 top schools, both online and traditional, located in the state of Virginia. Scroll through the list below and get all the information you need about each institution.
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Online Colleges in Virginia

Compare all of the best distance education colleges located in Virginia to pursue an online bachelors degree, associates, or online masters program degree. Including cost of tuition, degrees they offer, enrollment rates, faculty, famous alumni, and more.

Recommended Schools

  • American National University

    Salem, Virginia

    American National University in Salem, Virginia
    • 1,207 Total Students
    • 8 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    ANU started simply as a business school in 1886 when intellectuals, leaders and visionaries felt a void for an institute dedicated to the training of a workforce. This institute grew out of this need for a career focused institute. Collectively this institute was founded in Roanoke, Virginia offering training and education in skilled professions covering business, accounts and other related fields.

    Soon the American National University made its way through successful training and succeeding careers of its students. Gradually over the 120 year journey, this private university has become a national university opening in different locations throughout the country in 5 states and 24 cities; Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.

    The distinctive features that marks ANU different from many other institutes offering professional training are not only it being available in multiple locations throughout the country. It is also an affordable education solution. There are waivers as well as grants available. Additionally its flexible routine makes it easy for students to attend their classes along with their college schedule, making it an added advantage for preparing for the career early on. There are also placement opportunities available with the university.

    The academic programs available at ANU cover Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees along with a range of Associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. These more than30 programs at the university are offered in three main fields of study – Information Technology, Health Science and Business and Accounting. There is a huge choice of programs as part of its Distance Education learning. With complete, 100 percent online learning opportunity, the ANU eUniversity offers both, undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

    ANU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1886
    • NicknameANU
    • MascotEagle
    • ColorsPurple and gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable
  • Averett University Seal

    Averett University

    Danville, Virginia

    • 878 Total Students
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • 20% Enrollment Rate
    • 13 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 2,262 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Averett is a private higher education institute which traces its roots to the Union Female College, founded in the year 1859; incorporated by the General Assembly of Virginia and given a charter. Over the years, the college faced name changes, physical expansion, and developed academically as well as non-academically. The late 1900s saw the college adding baccalaureate and graduate programs.

    It is presently affiliated with Baptist General Association of Virginia and is located in Danville, Virginia, additional sites in Roanoke, Richmond, Quantico, and Newport News. At Averett, students are provided with education which is intellectually engaging, made globally aware and open to critical thinking, and prepared for leadership roles.

    At Averett University, the campus life welcomes its students with a warm sense of community and inclusiveness. Students find opportunities of their interest as well as support for growth. Students are welcomed into the university through the orientation session, learning about the staff, faculty and getting to know the campus. Further student engagement comes through the academic as well as non-academic student organizations, clubs, Greek life and sports clubs. For students seeking to learn leadership skills and get experience, there is the opportunity to serve as RA or orientation leaders. There is also the Student Government Association which is the student governing and representative body; this again serves as a great platform for those interested in displaying and working on their leadership skills. There is the office of Health and Wellness which looks after student fitness, physical as well as psychological. With its religious affiliation, the university also looks after its students’ spiritual development. The university chaplain offers support and counseling regarding matters of faith. There is also campus ministry, chapel services as well as Christian Student Fellowship. Besides serious work, there is also athletic participation at the NCAA Division III. The campus colors are Blue and Gold and the mascot is ‘Cougar’.

    Its academic programs consist of 30+ undergraduate majors, minors and special programs and three Master’s programs. Its notable facility is the Blount Library.

    Averett School Facts

    • Years Estd.1859
    • NicknameAU
    • MascotCougar
    • MottoLatin: Irreparabile Tempus
    • ColorsBlue and Gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationBaptist

  • Bethel College

    Hampton, Virginia

    • 58 Total Students
    • 8 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    Bethel College was founded in 1996 as Bethel Bible Institute (BBI), with the single aim of educating and training individuals for church and missionaries. It was founded by Dr. John Mannion and Pastor Ron Johnson became the first president. Within a year, the institute progressed and received approval by the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God. Its vision to progress as a college happened in 2005 when it was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    Based in Hampton, Virginia, one of the most strategic developments for the college happened in 2006 when the college moved into sharing facilities with the Bethel Church. To this day, it maintains its motto – Cultivate the Call which endorses its vision to train men and women both in their spiritual call and their moral obligations.

    Life at BC is strictly focused on developing students on highest standards. It incorporates education with practical experience, believing development of leadership qualities to be the most important in training of individuals for church responsibilities. Understanding the objective, the college has its ‘Bethel School of Leadership – BSL’ which brings initiatives and activities that help in preparing the students. Its project ‘The Dream’ brings activities and programs such as student as well as children’s ministries, prayer and chapel activities. These focus on education as well as spiritual development of its students. It also has community service activities further enhancing student experience. The college also operates ‘Velocity’ which is a residential discipleship program and takes place on campus. While earning a degree at BC, the students also take part in local and international outreach programs.

    Besides these, its academic programs consist of three programs: Diploma in Church Ministries (one year degree), Associate of Science in Church Ministries (two year degree) and Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries (four year degree). Its bachelor program offers four concentration options. Its notable facility is the ‘Minter Library’.

    BC School Facts

    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationAssemblies of God Church
  • Bluefield College Seal

    Bluefield College

    Bluefield, Virginia

    • 976 Total Students
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • 24% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 669 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Bluefield is a small liberal arts education institute operating privately and which began with the vision of efforts of those residents of the town of Bluefield who asked the Baptist General Association of Virginia to work for a higher education institute.  These residents offered funds as well as piece of land and the committee accepted their offer. This was accepted in the year 1919 and the college opened its doors three years later in 1922. Its biggest privilege has been the leaders, each one adding and improving the college than before.

    The college is based in Bluefield, Virginia. Being a Christian institute, it maintains its Baptist affiliation and regulates Christian values and Christian faith in its academic journey. It is dedicated to preparing the students for servant leadership which adds more purpose to the life of each of its students besides the career driven approach.

    Students at the Bluefield College live life from two perspectives. There is involvement in serious Christian work and religious advancement and there is also fun college life that they experience. There is a campus ministry, Bluefield Collegiate Ministries (BCM) which is a fellowship program which brings the students mission activities, bible studies and conferences and conventions. It also holds a weekly service called Elevate, inviting minister leaders as well as students to participate as speakers. There are also weekly Chapel services which the students are made to attend. The other side of the college activities involve Greek organisations as well as student interest groups. There are range of outdoor activities that the students get involved in such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, skiing and many others. It also offers five intramural sports as well. Its athletic teams are part of NAIA division I. Its official colors are Blue and Red.

    The academic programs with Bluefield are undergraduate as well as graduate programs with 45 program choices. Its programs are organised in five schools and colleges. It also offers study abroad opportunities in Europe, Australia and China. Its notable facilities are Harman Chapel, Easley Library, Dan MacMillan Center and others.

    Bluefield School Facts

    • Years Estd.1922
    • NicknameRams
    • MascotVictor E. Ram
    • MottoDeus, Patria, Lux
    • Motto Eng.God, Country, Light
    • ColorsBlue and Red
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNAIA — AAC, MSC
    • Religious AffiliationBaptist

    Famous Bluefield Alumni

    • Pete Young

      Professional Sports

      Ex baseball player; Inspiration for the song Mr. Touchdown U.S.A.

    • Kenneth Massey

      Professional Sports

      Sports statistician who is known for his development of the Massey Ratings

    • Jon Link

      Professional Sports

      Major League Baseball player

  • Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing Seal

    Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

    Richmond, Virginia

    • 500 Total Students
    • 8 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    BSMCON began its journey of providing quality healthcare education in 1961 as an educational institute in the field of nursing and healthcare. The college incorporated education with patient care and a career focused development which would eventually result in a lifelong learning experience for its students. Since this college would become the stepping stone for those starting their profession in the field of nursing and patient care, it was important that the institute should serve as a reminder of call of duty.

    This college of nursing which is based in Richmond, Virginia has developed itself on the values of service, compassion and commitment to quality. It is accredited by the Virginia Board of Nursing for its transformational student experience which it enables through goal oriented education.

    Student experience at Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing is all about serving people with commitment to values. It reinforces it through education as well as through its various activities and programs. With a more faith based approach, the college organizes the global outreach programs during semester as well as during breaks. One of its summer break program serves the Haitian rural areas. There are various sessions held at the college besides routine academic classes. The nursing college comes with a state of the art and fully equipped clinical simulation center containing four units: surgical, adult critical care, child care and paediatrics. The college also has its own publications and issued a special Black History Month Edition last year.

    Academic programs at BSMCON consist of a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and RN to BSN Completion Degree, completed online. It also offers continuing education programs for those of its students looking for professional advancement in their nursing careers.

    BSMCON School Facts

    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationRoman Catholic

  • Recommended Schools
  • Bridgewater College Seal

    Bridgewater College

    Bridgewater, Virginia

    Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia
    • 1,834 Total Students
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • 15% Enrollment Rate
    • 14 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 7,187 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    A private liberal arts college today, BC had its beginning as Spring Creek Normal School and Collegiate Institute in 1880 when Daniel Christian (D.C.) Flory founded it. When it began the institute was determined to make change; its first six students included a woman. It was the first liberal arts college in Virginia to do so. Within the shirt span of six years, the college was already conferring diploma and by 1889, BC had been authorised by Commonwealth of Virginia to confer undergraduate degrees.

    The college came to be located in Bridgewater, Virginia in 1882 and is affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. With all its values in Christian faith, it allows its students to grow and explore their interests and pursue them with determination apply those to understand the true meaning of life and service.

    Bridgewater College has come a long way and values its traditions, which make its student body come as a family that carry a bond. There is ‘Ringing the Bell’ which happens on first day of classes and on graduation day. The college also celebrates Founder’s Day, celebrating D.C. Flory’s birthday with a special convocation activity. There are many interest student clubs and organisations where students meet and take part in activities; there are musical ensembles as well as philanthropy and honor societies. There are opportunities for spiritual development, given Chaplain support, spiritual groups, meditation, and prayer. The college takes up on Earth Day celebration as part of its stance on sustainability. The outdoor and recreation activities involve fitness centers on campus or hiking, mountain biking and others. There are athletic teams, ‘Eagles’ with colors Crimson and Gold, participating at NCAA Division III.

    Academic programs offered at BC consist of undergraduate program with 62 majors and minors, 29 concentrations, 10 pre professional and 5 dual-degree programs. The part of campus at the college is dedicated in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

    BC School Facts

    • Years Estd.1880
    • NicknameEagles
    • MottoCollege of Character, Community of Excellence
    • ColorsCrimson and Gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III, Old Dominion Athletic Conference
    • Religious AffiliationChurch of Brethren

    Famous BC Alumni

    • George Steven Agee

      Politics & Law

      Presently a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; served as Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia

    • Wolfgang Drechsler

      Science & Medicine

      German social scientist and government adviser

    • Moses H. W. Chan

      Science & Medicine

      Physicist; elected to the National Academy of Science in 2000

    • Jacob A. Garber

      Politics & Law

      United States Representative from 1929 to 1931

    • Ray Bussard

      Professional Sports

      Became a National Championship in 1978, winning Men's Swim; also worked as Coach at University of Tennessee from 1968 to 1989

    • David Branshaw

      Professional Sports

      Professional golfer

    • Pasco Middleton Bowman II

      Politics & Law

      Senior federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

    • Phil Eyler

      Politics & Law

      Canadian politician

  • College of William and Mary Seal

    College of William and Mary

    Williamsburg, Virginia

    College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia
    • 8,484 Total Students
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • 28% Enrollment Rate
    • 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 14,952 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    W&M is a public research university that came into effect in the year 1693 as King William III and Queen Mary II signed a charter for a college. The college was to teach Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts and Sciences. The school continued development and its physical expansion over the two decades; however it took another turn in 1906 as it became a state sponsored college. In 1918 it became a coeducational institute.

    College of William and Mary is based in Williamsburg, Virginia and is the second oldest college in the country. It is also one of eight Public Ivy’s in the country and aims to instil passion and commitment for knowledge and change in its students. It is known for being a pioneer in many things such as first college to become a university, first college to have an Honor System and first to teach Political Economy, have a School of Modern History and School of Modern Languages and others.

    The campus life at W&M is warm, welcoming and yet exciting. The college has some interesting traditions such as Charter Day – celebration of Royal Charter, Yule Log – ceremony held before winter break, Raft Debate – a unique debate competition with faculty and students, King & Queen Ball – end of year celebration and three more. Furthermore, there are over 450 student led clubs and groups acting as social and learning units and these also include the Fraternity and Sorority life. There is a vibrant creative culture and student take part in performing arts acts which include dance, comedy shows, theatre, musical shows and more. The college also supports sustainability causes; there are sustainability groups on campus and also sustainability activities which include working for recycling, celebrating Earth week and more. There are also athletic teams as part of recreation on campus; ‘Tribe’ take part in NCAA Division I. The official campus colors are W&M Green, W&M Gold, Spirit Gold & W&M Silver and the mascot is ‘Griffin’.

    W&M offers 40 undergraduate programs and over 20 graduate and professional degree programs. Its prominent facilities are Earl Gregg Swem Library, Reeder Media Center, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Mason School of Business, Wren Building, Tucker Hall and Miller Hall.

    William & Mary School Facts

    • Years Estd.1693 (1693)
    • NicknameTribe
    • MascotGriffin
    • ColorsW&M Green, W&M Gold, Spirit Gold & W&M Silver
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I – CAA
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous William & Mary Alumni

    • John Marshall

      Politics & Law

      Former U.S. representative for Virginia, from 1799 to 1800; U.S. Secretary of State from 1800 to 1801; also Chief Justice of the U.S. from 1801 to 35

    • James Keith

      Politics & Law

      Served as U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong from 2002 to 2005 and U.S. ambassador to Malaysia from 2007 to 2010

    • George M. Bibb

      Politics & Law

      Served as U.S. senator of Kentucky from 1811 to 1814; also as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1844 to 45

    • Robert Gates

      Education & Advocacy

      President of Texas A&M University from 2002 to 2006

    • Ashley Edward Miller

      Entertainment & Arts

      Screenwriter; films include Thor and X-Men: First Class

    • Peter F. Frostic

      Entertainment & Arts

      Member of the band Old School Freight Train

    • Douglas Petrie

      Entertainment & Arts

      Screenwriter, director, and producer; popular as the writer, director, and co-executive producer on Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    • Lewis Burwell Puller, Jr.

      Politics & Law

      Lawyer; also a writer having won the Pulitzer Prize for autobiography 'Fortunate Son'

    • Michael McSherry

      Business & Industry

      CEO of Swype, also Co-founded Amp’d and Boost Mobile

    • George H. Miller

      Science & Medicine

      Notable physicist and currently servicing as the director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Eastern Mennonite University Seal

    Eastern Mennonite University

    Harrisonburg, Virginia

    Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia
    • 1,773 Total Students
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • 25% Enrollment Rate
    • 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,656 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    EMU is a private and liberal arts university that began its journey quite humbly as a Bible academy of the Mennonite Church in year 1917. Thereon, the small academy expanded its curriculum to start offering higher levels of education and with efforts, in 1947 received approval by the state for its first four year program. This also led to another achievement of receiving accreditation.

    With further development, it launched its first graduate program in 1993 and with that transformed from a college into a university, the next year, in 1994. With its values grounded in Christian faith, the institute has opened up towards diversity and creativity, preparing its students for professional as well as community development.

    At Eastern Mennonite University the students find a friendly and welcoming environment with plenty of opportunities to be engaged in positive learning. An extensive orientation program introduces students to the campus life where they find a huge range of student clubs and organisations. There is also the Student Government Association and Activities Council; the former serves as student representation, voicing concerns and working for improvements and the latter organizes events for learning and fun for the students. These two also serve as opportunities for holding offices and learning leadership. Students also find themselves with an active spiritual life with campus ministries and chapel sessions serving to develop spirituality, increasing knowledge and bring activities for serving as mentors, ministry assistants, to arrange group learning prayer, worship etc and to be involved with other fellow students. There is also particular enthusiasm about arts as students get involved in theatre and musical performances, reading series etc. There are also other fun activities such as Royals Cup involving students and faculty in healthy competition as well as athletics at NCAA Division III. The campus mascot is HeRM (His Royal Majesty) the Lion.

    The academic programs at EMU include 35 undergraduate programs with over 35 majors and 38 minors, and 15 Masters programs with additional dual degree programs. The notable facilities are Hartzler Library and Menno Simons Historical Library.

    EMU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1917
    • NicknameRoyals
    • MascotHeRM (His Royal Majesty) the Lion
    • Motto"Preparing students to serve and lead globally." Guiding biblical verse: "Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God." (Micah 6:8)
    • ColorsWhite, Black and Royal Blue
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III, Old Dominion Athletic Conference Continental Volleyball ConferenceMen's and women's basketball, cross-country, soccer, indoor and outdoor track & field, volleyball; golf; baseball; softball; field hockey (w)
    • Religious AffiliationMennonite Church

    Famous EMU Alumni

    • Emmanuel Bombande

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Executive director and co-founder of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding; also winner of the Millennium Excellence Peace Award 2005

    • Ali Gohar

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Founding director of JustPeace International, restoring justice with traditional jirga practices into community-level conflict resolution in Pakistan

    • Konrad Wert

      Entertainment & Arts

      American folk singer, songwriter and musician

    • Merle Good

      Business & Industry

      Writer and co-owner/publisher of Good Books, a supplier of books to Target, Costco, Wal-Mart and other major outlets, headquartered in Intercourse, Pa

    • Leymah Gbowee

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Co-honoree for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for leading the women's peace movement

    • Larry Sheets

      Professional Sports

      Former major league baseball player for Baltimore, Detroit, Seattle

    • Rick Augsburger

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Managing director of the KonTerra Group; Former deputy director and emergency services director for Church World Service

  • ECPI University Seal

    ECPI University

    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    ECPI University in Virginia Beach, Virginia
    • 11,735 Total Students
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • 41% Enrollment Rate
    • 20 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 4,176 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    ECPI is a private higher education institute which was founded in the year 1966 to offer accelerated programs in the field of computer science and programming. With advancement of technology, the institute also added progressive programs to its curriculum. The institute also expanded its physical outreach by opening campuses and branches in other locations. In 2004 it was authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

    It was in 2011 that it achieved university status as it received accreditation for its Masters degree programs. The university is based in 11 cities in Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida. The institute over the time has extended its academic offerings into healthcare and medical practices and has committed itself to offering relevant and practical knowledge, excellence and skills for a successful professional and personal development.

    East Coast Polytechnic Institute has committed its resources to providing a rigorous student centered environment which stays focused on student development in all spheres and not just academic. It attaches importance to factors that lead to student success and the best value it offers is preparing the students for career journey in less time than traditional universities by offering studies all year round.  It also offers flexible schedule understanding the very many needs of the students. The curriculum and the training imparted at the university is developed around industry requirement and relevance as well as integrated with practical application of the knowledge and skills. The students are additionally provided with career services which help them gain successful employment once they step out of academic environment. It holds job fairs and workshops, and helps with job search, and students are also assisted through interview mentoring resume development. The university is also military friendly.

    The academic programs offered consist of more than 20 Associate programs, 21 Bachelors degree programs, four Masters degree programs, and three Diploma programs in the fields of technology, health science, nursing, business, criminal justice, culinary arts and others.

    ECPI School Facts

    • Years Estd.1966
    • Mascotnone official
    • ColorsBlue & White
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable
  • Emory & Henry College Seal

    Emory & Henry College

    Emory, Virginia

    Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia
    • 1,117 Total Students
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • 27% Enrollment Rate
    • 11 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,456 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Emory and Henry College was founded in 1836 by the eminent Methodist Bishop John Emory who was also a church leader, with the American Revolution’s patriot and Virginia’s first governor Patrick Henry. It was named after their names. It is located in Virginia Highlands and is well known as a private liberal arts college. It is considered the oldest higher learning institution in Southwest Virginia. Charles Collins was appointed (1838-1852) by the board of trustees as the first president of E&H college, when the first class started with 60 students in the spring of 1838.

    E & H College has a code of conduct that is based on the motto “Increase in Excellence”. The inspiration from Emory’s Methodism shapes their belief in the union of learning and faith, while their commitment to freedom and mortality is shaped by Henry.

    E&H is one of the rare colleges whose whole campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the country. E&H was honored by President Obama for the Presidential Award in Service Learning in March 2010, and it was the first institution in Virginia to win this award. It is regularly ranked as the top liberal arts college in Virginia and one of the top 50 nationwide. The main buildings of E&H include Wiley Hall, Miller Hall, The Hermesian and Calliopean rooms, Historic Byars Hall, and McGlothlin-Street Hall. Its Mascot is known as the Wasp with the campus colors being blue and gold.

    E&H offers more than 25 academic programs in different areas including liberal arts, humanities, natural sciences, health sciences, education, etc. Its programs are offered for both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, few interdisciplinary programs were recently added. Some of its academic programs have been nationally recognized, including community service, public policy and international studies.

    E&H School Facts

    • Years Estd.1836 (1836)
    • NicknameWasps
    • MascotWasp
    • MottoMacte Virtute (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.Increase in Excellence
    • ColorsBlue and gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division IIIOld Dominion Athletic Conference
    • Religious AffiliationUnited Methodist

    Famous E&H Alumni

    • Henry Carter Stuart

      Politics & Law

      American congressman, lawyer and businessman

    • Jesse "Sonny" Wade

      Politics & Law

      an American Democratic politician, a former speaker of California state and she recently joined the California state senate

    • Montie Morton Weaver

      Professional Sports

      an American legend Baseball pitcher player who played for Boston Red Sox and the Washington Senators

    • James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart

      Politics & Law

      an American officer from Virginia and a former Confederate States Army general at the time of the U.S. Civil War

    • George Campbell Peery

      Politics & Law

      American Democratic politician who served as Virginia's 52nd governor

  • Ferrum College Seal

    Ferrum College

    Ferrum, Virginia

    Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia
    • 1,334 Total Students
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • 19% Enrollment Rate
    • 14 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 3,020 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Ferrum College (FC) is an American private educational school that is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Ferrum, Virginia. FC was established on Christian essentials in 1931 as a liberal arts higher education institute. The elementary and highs schools sections were closed in the early 1940s and 1955 respectively. Since then the institute targeted mainly the junior college educational level. Then the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approved FC in 1960, when it showed rapid growing in the degrees and facilities till the 1970s. In 1976, the colleges was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to be able to be a four-year high educational college. In 1977, FC started to award a number of undergraduate degrees in humanities. FC campus lies on 2.8 km2 near Ferrum town. FC location is a distinguished one as it is located only 56 and 112 kilometers far away from Roanoke and Virginia respectively.

    FC mission is to train students at the highest educational level to increase their creativity, awareness and consciousness in order to be highly concerned and respectful citizens.

    The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum was established within easy reach of the Blue Ridge Farm Museum in the main campus of FC in 1986. It was founded by the Virginia General Assembly to be the Blue Ridge Folklore State Center. Every year on the forth Saturday in October, the Blue Ridge Folk life Festival is held at the museum to show local traditions. In addition, FC main campus includes the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater that is located within Ferrum’s Schoolfield Hall.

    FC offers more than 30 undergraduate degrees in Arts and Science. FC consists of 3 schools which are School of Arts & Humanities, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and School of Social Sciences. FC has the second oldest American environmental science program in the US, whose rank was the 41st according to U.S. News & World Report in 2006.

    FC School Facts

    • Years Estd.1913
    • NicknamePanthers
    • MottoNot Self, But Others
    • ColorsBlack, Gold and White
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III, USSAC
    • Religious AffiliationUnited Methodist

    Famous FC Alumni

    • Watkins Abbitt

      Politics & Law

      A Delegate member in the Virginia House, Virginia.

    • Jim Grobe

      Professional Sports

      A football player and a former head coach of the Wake Forest University football team.

    • Chris Warren

      Professional Sports

      A football player, and former player in a number of football teams including Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks.

    • Eric Owens

      Professional Sports

      A baseball player in a number of baseball teams such as the Anaheim Angels in 2003, the Florida Marlins from 2001 to 2002), and San Diego Padres from 1999 to 2000.

    • Billy Wagner

      Professional Sports

      A baseball player in several teams including the Boston Red Sox during 200), New York Mets from 2006 to 200), Philadelphia Phillies from 2004 till 2005, and Houston Astros from 1995 to 2003.

    • Jerry Venable

      Professional Sports

      An American basketball player and former member of the basketball team of Harlem Globetrotters.

  • George Mason University Seal

    George Mason University

    Fairfax, Virginia

    George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia
    • 33,929 Total Students
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • 21% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 21,981 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    George Mason University, commonly known as Mason, is the most enormous public research-based university located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its main campus is located in Fairfax. Mason was established in Arlington as an extension center of the University of Virginia in 1949. In 1952, the number of enrolled students increased greatly and in 1956 the extension center was converted into the University College. The University College continued growing to be George Mason College (GMC) in 1958. In the same time, Fairfax City subscribed a 150 acres land to the college to move to its current location. In 1966, during the Session of the Virginia General Assembly, the college got approval to be a four-year degree granting institute under the surveillance of the University of Virginia. Also, it was decided by the local jurisdictions of Arlington County, Fairfax County, Alexandria City and  Falls Church City to purchase a 600 acres land to expand the Fairfax Campus. In 1972, A. Linwood Holton, the governor of Virginia, and Chancellor Lorin A, leader of GMC representatives, met at Richmond and agreed to sign the bill of separation of GMC from the University of Virginia. Consequently GMC name was changed to be George Mason University.

    Starting 1978, both the campus size and the offered programs of Mason expanded tremendously. A year later, Arlington campus was founded on 5.2 acres and located only 4 miles away from downtown Washington, D.C. Prince William Campus was opened in  Manassas, Virginia in 1997, while Smithsonian-Mason Camus was opened in  Front Royal, Virginia in 2012. In 2014, Mason established Songdo Campus in Incheon Free Economic Zone in South Korea on a large area exceeding 40,000 acres. A 7½ foot bronze statue was sculptured by Wendy M. Ross in 1997 showing George Mason during presenting the first draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights which was used as the basis for establishment of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

    Mason has 10 colleges and schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, the most distinctive among them are Antonin Scalia Law School, Schar School of Policy and Government and Volgenau School of Engineering.

    Mason School Facts

    • Years Estd.October 1, 1949:2
    • NicknamePatriots
    • MascotThe Patriot(formerly "Gunston")
    • MottoFreedom and Learning
    • ColorsGreen and Gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I – A-10
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Mason Alumni

    • Hala Basha-Gorani

      Social Advocacy & Service

      An American French journalist and a former reporter in La Voix du Nord, Agence France-Presse, France 3 in France and Bloomberg Television in London. A current anchor in CNN network.

    • Dayton Moore

      Professional Sports

      An American baseball player. A former assistant baseball coach at Mason for 4 years starting 1990 and a current general manager of the resurgent Kansas City Royals.

    • Zainab Salbi

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Founder of the non-profit organization “Women International” with the aim of helping poor females and female victims during wars.

    • David Wilson Jolly

      Politics & Law

      An American politician and attorney. A former representor of 13th Congressional District in Florida during 2015. A former lobbyist and a currently the owner of his own corporation.

    • Anousheh Ansari

      Science & Medicine

      An Iranian American space engineer. One of the cofounders and chairwoman of Prodea Systems and Telecom technologies. The first Iranian and Muslim woman to fly in space.

    • Brian Blake

      Education & Advocacy

      A senior Software engineer formerly in Lockheed Martin Information Systems and the MITRE Corporation. Provost and executive vice president of Drexel University.

  • Hampton University Seal

    Hampton University

    Hampton, Virginia

    Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia
    • 4,269 Total Students
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • 13% Enrollment Rate
    • 9 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 10,258 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Hampiton University is a historically black university that was founded to provide education to freedmen. It was established by leaders of American Missionary Association after the end of the Civil War. Mary Smith Peake was the first teacher to be hired by the association to educate freedmen. She had previously been teaching free black men and slaves secretly although this was prohibited by law. Her first classes started beneath an Oak tree which became a symbol for the university and the city. The tree was called the Emancipation Oak. The school was officially established in 1868 under the name Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School. It was renamed to Hampton institute in 1930. It got the university status in 1984 changing its name to the current one.

    Hampiton campus currently covers 314 acres at a suburban region in Hampton, Virginia. Part of the campus, covering 15 acres, is considered as National Historic Landmark district including several buildings as Virginia-Cleveland Hall, Wigwam building, Academy Building, Memorial Chapel and the President’s Mansion House. Other prominent buildings on the campus include Phenix Hall, William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library, William H. Moses Jr. Architecture Library, the Music Library, and the Nursing Library. The university is also the home to the oldest African American museum in the U.S. which was found in 1868. The official colors of the university are reflex blue and white. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I in the Mid-Eastern Athletic conference. There are several events held regularly at the university including Miss Hampton University Pageant, Hampton Founder’s Day Celebration, Black History Extravaganza and Battle of The States.

    The university is divided into 11 colleges and schools offering 48 baccalaureate programs, 23 master’s programs, 8 doctoral programs, 2 professional programs, and 8 associate/certificate programs. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    HU School Facts

    • Years Estd.April 1, 1868 (1868-04-01)
    • NicknamePirates
    • Motto"The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life"
    • ColorsReflex Blue & White
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I FCS
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous HU Alumni

    • Charles Phillips

      Business & Industry

      CEO of Infor and former president of Oracle Corporation

    • Devin Green

      Professional Sports

      NBA player

    • Mary Jackson

      Science & Medicine

      African American female engineer for NASA

    • Freeman A. Hrabowski III

      Education & Advocacy

      President of the University of Maryland

    • Charles Wesley Turnbull

      Politics & Law

      former governor of U.S. Virgin Islands

  • Hollins University Seal

    Hollins University

    Roanoke, Virginia

    Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia
    • 802 Total Students
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • 14% Enrollment Rate
    • 9 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 2,233 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Hollins University is a private higher education institute. It was established in 1842 under the name of Valley Union Seminary as a coeducational institute. In 1852, the male department of the seminary was closed. The institute was renamed Roanoke Female Seminary  which became one of the oldest higher education institute for women in the U.S. and the first one to get a charter in Virginia. Three years later, the seminary was named Hollins Institute in honor of John and Ann Halsey Hollins for their donations to the college. The name was changed again in 1911 to Hollins College. It got accreditation in 1932 from the American Association of University Women. The college established in 1993 the first graduate program for the writing and study of children’s literature.

    The college campus covers 6 acres in Hollins, Virginia with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These places include Hollins College Quadrangle which consists of 6 buildings as Bradley Chapel, the octagonal Botetourt Hall and the Charles Cocke Memorial Library. The campus has 9 residential halls. The official colors for the university are green and gold. Its athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference as Sandusky, Otaku and MBS halls. The university museum; called Eleanor D. Wilson Museum, is among the most prominent arts collections in the Roanoke Valley.

    The college offers studies in 28 majors and 22 minors granting Bachelor of Arts/Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Additionally, there are 7 graduate programs which serves both men and women. There also certificate programs and pre-professional programs. Studying at the college as full time student costs $37,650 per year. The college spends over $20 M to financially support the students in the form of scholarships and financial aid.

    Hollins School Facts

    • Years Estd.1842
    • MascotNone
    • MottoLevavi Oculos (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.Lift thine eyes
    • ColorsGreen and Gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Hollins Alumni

    • Annie Dillard

      Entertainment & Arts

      author and winner of Pulitzer Prize

    • Mary Garber

      Professional Sports

      notable American sports writer

    • Kiran Desai

      Entertainment & Arts

      Man Booker Prize winner

    • Ellen Malcolm

      Social Advocacy & Service

      founder of EMILY's List

    • Henry S. Taylor

      Entertainment & Arts

      poet and winner of Pulitzer Prize

  • James Madison University Seal

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg, Virginia

    James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia
    • 21,227 Total Students
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • 28% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 21,439 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    James Madison University is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was established in 1908 under the name of the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. The school got the approval to grant bachelor degree in 1916. Its name was changed in 1924 to the State Teachers College Harrisonburg. It was renamed again to Madison College in honor of President James Madison in 1938. It got its current name in 1977 when it achieved the university status. It became a coeducational in 1966. In 2005, the university expanded by purchasing the Rockingham Memorial Hospital campus at a value of more than $40 million and leasing the former Harrisonburg High School building before purchasing it in the following year. James Madison is currently classified as “More Selective” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

    The university campus covers around 721 acres divided into 8 main sections called Bluestone, Hillside, Lake, Memorial, North Campus, Ridge, Skyline and Village. It contains 148 buildings including Anthony-Seeger Hall, Ashby Hall, Burruss Hall, Carrier Library, Chick-Fil-A, Cleveland Hall, Converse Hall, Duke Hall, Estes Center for Theatre and Dance, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, Frye Building, Grafton-Stovall Theatre, Maury Hall, and Gifford Hall among many others. The university has also unique a facility called The John C. Wells Planetarium which is is science education and public outreach. The planetarium was built in 1974 and was renovated in 2008 making it a state-of-the-art hybrid planetarium and the only one of its type worldwide. The official colors of the university are purple and gold while its mascot is called Duke Dog. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I – CAA.

    James Madison is divided into 7 colleges offering 115 programs granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in additional to educational specialist programs. The university was ranked 7th among Southern U.S. universities in 2016 by U.S. News & World Report.

    JMU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1908
    • NicknameDukes
    • MascotDuke Dog
    • MottoKnowledge is Liberty
    • ColorsPurple and gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous JMU Alumni

    • Gary Clark

      Professional Sports

      football player

    • Nelson Garner

      Professional Sports

      football player

    • Billy Sample

      Professional Sports

      baseball player and broadcaster

    • Marcia Angell

      Science & Medicine

      faculty member at Harvard University Medical School

    • Jim Acosta

      Entertainment & Arts

      Senior White House Correspondent for CNN

    • Reshma Shetty

      Entertainment & Arts

      actress (Royal Pains)

  • Jefferson College of Health Sciences

    Roanoke, Virginia

    Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia
    • 1,062 Total Students
    • 8 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    Jefferson College of Health Science, commonly known as Jefferson College or JCHS, is a co-educational private and independent institute providing health science studies. It is located in Downtown Roanoke City, Virginia State. JCHS is the oldest hospital based educational institute abundant in Virginia. In 1907, Dr. Hugh Trout Sr., one of the famous healthcare pioneers in the Roanoke valley, inaugurated the Jefferson Hospital, a small 40-bed hospital that was named after Thomas Jefferson. In 1914, he then decided to expand that hospital to be Jefferson School of Nursing with the aim of providing nurses with the appropriate training. The first class graduated in 1917 after the completion of the 33-month nursing training program. In 1917, a study published by the National League for Nursing Education stated that Jefferson School surpassed the required criteria for nursing education. Consequently it was accredited by both the American Medical Association and The American Hospital Association in 1923 and 1926 respectively. At the same time of Jefferson School establishment, Lewis-Gale Hospital, another school also in Roanoke, was established by Dr. James Newton Lewis and Dr. Sparrell Simmons in 1909. Two years later, the school expanded and its name was changed to the Lewis-Gale School of Nursing. Both nursing schools merged in 1965 to open the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley School of Nursing. It was changed to the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley College of Health Sciences, a two-year health-based college that award allied health and nursing degrees in 1982. the college was approved to award associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees in 1986 and 1995 respectively. It continued expanding and growing till it has been finally changed into Jefferson College of Health Sciences on October 2003.

    Jefferson College consists of 4 academic departments through which it offers more than 10 undergraduate programs, 5 master programs and 2 doctoral programs. In addition, Jefferson offers a unique honors program for outstanding freshmen students who target graduate studies. Through that program, students are provided with 4 courses in arts and sciences. Additionally, they could collaborate with relevant professors through some honor assignments through which they can learn how to achieve their professional goals.

    Jefferson College School Facts

    • Years Estd.1982
    • NicknameBlue Healers
    • MascotJeff (a Saint Bernard)
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable
  • Liberty University Seal

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg, Virginia

    Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia
    • 80,494 Total Students
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • 45% Enrollment Rate
    • 18 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 48,936 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Liberty University is a private non-profit higher education institute located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is the largest evangelical university in the world. The university was established in 1971 by Jerry Falwell who was Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. It was initially named Lynchburg Baptist College. The name was changed in 1976 to Liberty Baptist College. The institute achieved the university status in 1984 changing its name to the current one. Since 1999, two members of the university board of trustees were from the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.

    Liberty has three campuses; the main campus in addition to the East and North campuses. It offers several distinctive facilities. For example, the university opened the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre in 2009 which is a synthetic ski slope featuring Snowflex. In the following year, the university opened the new Tower Theater which can host up to 640 and that is managed by the Alluvion Stage Company. The main academic building on campus is DeMoss Hall which has undergone significant expansion in 2016. Other distinctive buildings include the Freedom Tower which is the home to the Rawlings School of Divinity. Moreover, the university has several libraries and museums as Jerry Falwell Library, National Civil War Chaplains Museum and Carter Glass Mansion. The official colors of the university are red, white and blue while its mascot is called Sparky. Its athletic teams, who are nicknamed Flames, compete in the Big South Conference and FBS.

    Liberty University is divided into 9 colleges and centers as Liberty Divinity School and Zaki Gordon Cinematic Arts Center. The university offers more than 500 programs including graduate programs, undergraduate programs and more than 200 online programs. The college is classified by Carnegie Foundation as a doctoral research university. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    Liberty School Facts

    • Years Estd.1971
    • NicknameFlames
    • MascotSparky
    • MottoKnowledge Aflame
    • ColorsRed, White, Blue
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationEvangelical Christian

    Famous Liberty Alumni

    • Shannon Bream

      Politics & Law

      Fox News Reporter at the Supreme Court

    • Phil Snyder

      Entertainment & Arts

      voice actor known for Disney Jiminy Cricket

    • Chuck Baldwin

      Politics & Law

      Constitution Party presidential nominee in the 2008 US presidential election

    • Murray A. Hansen

      Politics & Law

      Wisconsin Air National Guard general

    • Terry Fator

      Entertainment & Arts

      winner of season 2 of America's Got Talent

  • Longwood University Seal

    Longwood University

    Farmville, Virginia

    Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia
    • 5,087 Total Students
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 28% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 4,716 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Longwood University is a public university offering liberal arts studies.  The university was established in 1839 by Solomon Lea who was a Methodist minister graduating from Randolph–Macon College. It was initially named Farmville Female Seminary Association. The name was then changed to Farmville Female College. In 1875, the college was officially named Farmville College. Afterwards, the name of the institute was changed again to State Female Normal School, State Normal School for Women and State Teachers College in 1884, 1914 and 1924, respectively. Four years later, the college purchased the nearby estate of the Longwood House changing its name to Longwood College. In 1954, the college was approved to grant diploma degrees. The college administration rejected in 1964 suggestions to convert the institute to a coeducational one, however, the college started accepting male students in 1968 and became fully coeducational eight years later. In 2001, the iconic Ruffner Hall and Grainger Hall were significantly damaged by fire.

    Longwood campus is located in Farmville, Virginia covering 154 acres with several distinctive buildings and facilities as Bedford Hall, Barlow Hall, Bristow Hall, Chichester Science Center, Maugans Alumni Center, Cormier Honors College, Coyner Hall, Dorrill Dining Hall, Graham Hall, Crafts House, Greenwood Library, Hardy House Hiner Hall, Hull Education Center Iler Hall, Grainger Hall, Lancer Field and Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. The official colors of the university are black, grey and white while its mascot is called Elwood. Its athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I the Big South Conference and the Mid-American Conference.

    Longwood is divided into three colleges offering undergraduate programs in more than 100 majors and minors. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is ranked among top university in the southern region by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

    Longwood School Facts

    • Years Estd.March 5, 1839 (1839-03-05)
    • NicknameLancers
    • MascotElwood
    • MottoDocemus Docere (We Teach To Enlighten)
    • ColorsBlue, White, Gray
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Longwood Alumni

    • Jerome Kersey

      Professional Sports

      Former professional basketball player

    • Brian McCullough

      Professional Sports

      Former Longwood baseball coach

    • William E. Todd

      Politics & Law

      former U.S. Ambassador to Brunei

    • Pat McGee

      Entertainment & Arts

      Singer, songwriter and founder of Pat McGee Band

    • Jason Mraz

      Entertainment & Arts

      Singer, songwriter

  • Lynchburg College Seal

    Lynchburg College

    Lynchburg, Virginia

    Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia
    • 2,794 Total Students
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • 15% Enrollment Rate
    • 11 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 4,916 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Lynchburg College is a private Christian higher education institute located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was established in 1903 by Dr. Josephus Hopwood under the name of Virginia Christian College. Its establishment aimed at providing a selective, independent and coeducational college affiliated to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The college founders purchased its current campus for $13,500 which was formerly Westover Hotel resort. The first class at the college included 11 faculty and 55 students. The institute changed its name officially in 1919 to Lynchburg College. In 1997, the Lynchburg faced a lawsuit accusing the college of religious and gender discrimination after he was denied tenure by the dean of the college. Lynchburg is currently known for the fact that its students contribute with around 100,000 volunteer hours through the SERVE program. In 2017, the college administration announced that its name will be changed to the University of Lynchburg starting the 2018-2019 academic year.

    The college main campus is located in the Central Virginia foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains covering 250 acres. It offers several distinctive buildings including Thompson Hall, McMillan Nursing Building, Warren Counseling Center, Crews and Reynolds Courts, Dillard Fine Arts Center, HOBBS Hall, Hopwood Hall, Carnigie Hall, Drysdale Student Center, Hundley Hall, Knight-Capron Library and Schewel Hall. The official colors of the college are crimson and grey while its mascot is called Elsie. Its athletic teams, who are called the Hornets, compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

    Lynchburg currently divided into 7 schools offering undergraduate programs in 51 different areas of studies. It also offers the Westover Honors program that is directed towards academically gifted students. Additionally, Lynchburg offers 9 master’s degree programs and 3 doctoral programs. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    Lynchburg School Facts

    • Years Estd.1903
    • NicknameHornets
    • MascotElsie
    • MottoAbove and Beyond
    • ColorsCrimson and grey
    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)

    Famous Lynchburg Alumni

    • Bob Duff

      Politics & Law

      US Senator from Connecticut

    • Jerry Falwell

      Education & Advocacy

      founder of Liberty University

    • John Hobbs

      Professional Sports

      Major League Baseball player

    • Percy Wootton

      Science & Medicine

      American Medical Association president

    • Whit Haydn

      Entertainment & Arts

      Magician and entertainer

  • Mary Baldwin College Seal

    Mary Baldwin College

    Staunton, Virginia

    Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia
    • 1,666 Total Students
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • 7% Enrollment Rate
    • 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 2,774 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Mary Baldwin University is a private master’s level university for liberal arts. It was established in 1842 by Rufus William Bailey under the name of the Augusta Female Seminary. In 1895, the college name was changed to Mary Baldwin Seminary in honor of Mary Julia Baldwin who was among the first students at the seminary and became the institute principal starting 1863 and through the American Civil War. In 1923, the seminary became a four-year college changing its name to Mary Baldwin College. In 1976, the college expanded its campus by purchasing the campus of the former campus of Staunton Military Academy when it was closed. In the following year, the college established an adult program which was the first one of its kind in Virginia. In 1985, the college started the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted students. In 2016, the name of the college was changed to Mary Baldwin University.

    The University campus is located in Staunton, Virginia covering 58.5 acres with several distinctive buildings as Blakely House, Bowman House, Cannon Hill, Carpenter Academic Hall, Carriage House, Chris House, Coalter Street Residence House, Crone House, Bertie Murphy Deming Fine Arts Center, Edmondson House, James D. Francis Auditorium, Martha Stackhouse Grafton Library, Grounds Building, Hawpe House, Hill Top Residence Hall, Lyda B. Hunt Dining Hall, Kable Residence Hall, William Wayt King Residence Hall, Agnes R. McClung Residence Hall, Flora McElwee Miller Chapel and Jesse Cleveland Pearce Science Center. The official colors of the university are gold and white while its mascot is called Gladys the Squirrel. Its athletic teams compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III and the USA South Athletic Conference.

    Mary Baldwin offers bachelor degree programs in 30 different majors in addition to 6 graduate programs granting masters and doctoral degrees. The university is accredited by accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    MBU School Facts

    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Church (USA)

    Famous MBU Alumni

    • Tallulah Bankhead

      Entertainment & Arts

      American actress of the stage and screen

    • Anna Jarvis

      Social Advocacy & Service

      founder of Mother's day

    • Custer LaRue

      Entertainment & Arts

      a soprano vocalist specialized in Renaissance music and traditional Folk music

    • Jason Narvy

      Entertainment & Arts

      American actor known for playing the role of Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch on the various iterations of Power Rangers

    • Susan Schmidt

      Entertainment & Arts

      Pulitzer prize-winning journalist

  • Marymount University Seal

    Marymount University

    Arlington, Virginia

    Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia
    • 3,363 Total Students
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • 21% Enrollment Rate
    • 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 2,684 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Marymount University is a coeducational catholic private higher education institute. It was established by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1950. It initially operated as a two-year college for women under the name of Marymount College administered by the Marymount sisters in New York. The first location for the college was a former estate owned by Admiral Presley Marion Rixey. The college expanded by time, converting to a four-year college in 1973, followed by introduction of master’s degree programs and the first doctoral program in 1979 and 2005, respectively. In 1972, the college started to accept the admission of male students for the first time. It became fully coeducational and achieved the university status 14 years later. In 2010, the university celebrated its 60th anniversary by a grand inauguration ceremony for Rose Benté Lee Ostapenko Hall, Caruthers Hall, The Malek Plaza and the sky bridge which connects these new facilities to the remaining buildings of the campus.

    Marymount main campus covers 21 acres located in the North Arlington area of Arlington, Virginia. It offers several distinctive buildings as the Rose Benté Lee Center, Rowley Academic Center, Gailhac Hall, the Emerson G. Reinsch Library and Auditorium, Caruthers Hall, St. Joeseph’s Hall computer labs, the Lodge, Ireton Hall, the Main House and the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Additionally, there are also six residential halls including Rose Benté Lee Ostapenko Hall, Rowley Hall, Butler Hall and St. Joeseph’s Hall. Off-campus locations include Marymount’s Ballston Center and Reston Center. The official colors of the university are royal blue and white while its mascot is called Bernie Da’ Dog. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division III in the Capital Athletic Conference.

    The university is divided into 4 schools including Malek School of Health Professions. It offers around 30 undergraduate programs and similar graduate programs granting bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees.

    Marymount School Facts

    • Years Estd.1950
    • NicknameSaints
    • MascotBernie Da' Dog
    • MottoTua Luce Dirige
    • Motto Eng.Direct Us by Thy Light
    • ColorsRoyal Blue and White
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III – CAC
    • Religious AffiliationRoman Catholic
  • Norfolk State University Seal

    Norfolk State University

    Norfolk, Virginia

    Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia
    • 5,107 Total Students
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 25% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 2,445 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Norfolk State University (NSU) is a public historically black coeducational university offering liberal arts studies. The university is established in 1935 and was initially named Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University. Its first class started in the same year and included 85 students. In 1942, the name of the college was changed to Norfolk Polytechnic College when it became independent institute and separated from Virginia State University. Two years later, the college became part of the Virginia State College through an act issued by the Virginia Legislature. In 1955, the college got its first permanent campus from the City of Norfolk and opened its first building, Brown Hall, which was previously known as Tidewater Hall. The college separated in 1969 from Virginia State College and changed its name to Norfolk State College. In 1975, the college awarded its first master’s degree. It achieved the university status 4 years later as recognized by the General Assembly of Virginia. Accordingly, the name of the college was changed its current one. The university was placed on probation state between 2013 and 2015 for governance and financial concerns.

    NSU campus is located in Norfolk, Virginia covering 134 acres. It contains 31 buildings including Harrison B. Wilson Hall, L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, Brambleton Community Outreach Center, Lyman Beecher Brooks Library, the Melvin and Patricia Stith Alumni House and Scott/Dozier Dining Hall. The campus includes 10 residential buildings including Samuel F. Scott Hall, Rosa A. Alexander Hall, Babbette B. Smith North and South Halls, and Charles H. Smith Hall. The university athletic teams, who are nicknamed Spartans, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The official colors of the university are green and gold.

    The university is divided into 8 colleges and schools including a graduate schools and honors college. It offers 36 undergraduate and 18 graduate programs. It grants bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees.

    Norfolk State School Facts

    • Years Estd.1935 (1935)
    • NicknameSpartans
    • Motto"Achieving With Excellence"
    • ColorsGreen and Gold
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I – MEAC
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Norfolk State Alumni

    • Bob Dandridge

      Professional Sports

      former NBA player

    • Andrew Warren

      Politics & Law

      Former U.S. diplomat to Algeria

    • Susan Wigenton

      Politics & Law

      Federal Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

    • Tim Reid

      Entertainment & Arts

      American actor and film director

    • Gordon Banks

      Entertainment & Arts

      Guitarist, producer, writer and musical director

  • Old Dominion University Seal

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk, Virginia

    Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia
    • 24,672 Total Students
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • 37% Enrollment Rate
    • 19 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 9,510 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Old Dominion University is a public research higher education institute with its main campus in Norfolk, Virginia. The university was established in 1930 as a branch the College of William & Mary in Norfolk. The first class included 206 students and was held at the old Larchmont School building. In the following year, Virginia Polytechnic Institute started offering classes at the college. During the Great Depression, the college received federal funds from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The college grew into a four-year college and became an independent institute in 1962 when the William & Mary system was terminated. It finally achieved the university status in 1969 changing its name from Old Dominion College to Old Dominion University. In 1970s, the university was able to establish agreements with several institutes as NASA, Norfolk State University, the U.S. Navy and Eastern Virginia Medical School.

    Old Dominion has an urban campus covering 251 acres. It offers several distinctive buildings and facilities including the Ted Constant Convocation Center, the E.V. Williams Engineering and Computational Sciences Building, Pretlow Planetarium, the Lions Child Study Center, the Gornto TELETECHNET Center and the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center. The university has three libraries known as the Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, the F. Ludwig Diehn Composers Room, and the Elise N. Hofheimer Art Library. The three libraries contain more than 3 million items. The university offers six residential buildings to the students which are collectively known as the Quad. Overall, the university offers 14 residential halls including Powhatan Village, Whitehurst and Smithfield House. The university athletic teams, who are nicknamed the Monarchs, compete in the NCAA Division I Conference USA.

    Old Dominion University is divided into 6 colleges including Strome College of Business, Darden College of Education and Batten College of Engineering and Technology. The university offers 73 bachelor, 60 master’s and 35 doctoral degree programs. Old Dominion is classified as Carnegie Doctoral, Higher Research Activity University. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    ODU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1930
    • NicknameMonarchs
    • MascotBig Blue
    • MottoIdea Fusion
    • ColorsSlate blue and Silver
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I – C-USA
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous ODU Alumni

    • Benjamin Ray Bailey

      Entertainment & Arts

      American comedian

    • Justin Verlander

      Professional Sports

      American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball

    • William J. Fallon

      Politics & Law

      former United States Navy four-star admiral

    • Kent Bazemore

      Professional Sports

      American NBA professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks

    • Michael J. Bloomfield

      Science & Medicine

      former astronaut and a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions

  • Radford University Seal

    Radford University

    Radford, Virginia

    Radford University in Radford, Virginia
    • 9,743 Total Students
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • 31% Enrollment Rate
    • 17 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 7,617 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Radford is a public higher educational institute that was founded in the year 1910. It was initially established as State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford but soon it became a state teachers college. With further progress a merger followed in the year 1943 but that only remain till the year 1964 when it was discontinued.

    It was in the year 1979 that the college was awarded university status. Based in Radford, Virginia, Radford University has established itself as an institute contributing to sustainable growth and development of its students and its communities through intellect, reasoning and research.

    For the students at Radford plenty of opportunities exist, both inside and outside of the classrooms. Students make friendships around the campus and learn new skills through participation with more than 300 student organizations. The campus offers other leadership initiatives as well such as LEAD Scholar Program and Scholar-Citizen Initiative. Teaching intercultural awareness and understanding is also an important concern and is celebrated through various arts, visual and performing arts initiatives, activities and events. There is also focus on religious and spiritual life as there are student groups in the field working alongside campus ministers and advisors. Furthermore, there is a student center housed at the campus which serves as the central location for most student activities offering space for students to hang out, eat and have fun. For student support, there are health and wellness services provided including counseling, fitness centers, outdoor adventure, club sports and intramurals. There is also athletic participation by the university students at NCAA Division I. The teams are called Highladers, the mascot is ‘The Highlander’ and the official colors are Red, White and Grey.

    Academic programs offered at Radford are 67 undergraduate degree programs; 22 master programs, three doctoral programs; 11 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master’s certificate. Its notable facilities/departments are Hurlburt Student Center, McConnell Library, Waldron College of Health and Human Services, Covington Center for Arts, Young Hall, Waldron Hall, Reed-Curie Hall and more.

    Radford School Facts

    • Years Estd.1910
    • NicknameHighlanders
    • MascotThe Highlander
    • ColorsRed, White, and Gray
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I – Big South Conference
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Radford Alumni

    • Randal J. Kirk

      Business & Industry

      Founder of New River Pharmaceuticals and CEO of Intrexon

    • Scott Long

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Activist for international human rights, primarily focusing on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people at Human Rights Watch. Also a visiting Fellow in the Human Rights Program of Harvard Law School from 2011–2012

    • Steve Govett

      Professional Sports

      President of the National Lacrosse League San Diego Lacrosse Team

    • Marty Smith

      Professional Sports

      ESPN Commentator and host of Marty Smith's America

    • Eddie Butler

      Professional Sports

      Pitcher for the Chicago Cubs organization

    • Frank Beamer

      Professional Sports

      Former head coach of Virginia Tech's football program

    • Marylynn Magar

      Politics & Law

      Florida House of Representatives

    • Jayma Mays

      Entertainment & Arts

      American actress and singer

  • The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Seal

    The University of Virginia’s College at Wise

    Wise, Virginia

    The University of Virginia’s College at Wise in Wise, Virginia
    • 2,027 Total Students
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • 37% Enrollment Rate
    • 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,042 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is a public college of liberal arts located in Wise, Virginia. The college was established in 1954 in response to a petition from local residents who asked the University of Virginia to establish a college in Wise. The university provided $5000 for the first year to establish the college as a trial with plans for additional $5000 in the following year. Wise County provided 400 acres with two sandstone buildings for establishment of the college.  It initially started as a junior college under the name of Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia. The first class started at the college in the same year with 100 students. In 1970, the college granted the first Bachelor of Arts degrees. Three years later, the college granted its first Bachelor of Science degree. In 1991, proposals to change the name of the institute were rejected; however, the name was changed 8 years later to the current one. UVa-Wise expanded internationally by signing a sister institution agreement with Istanbul University. Another agreement was signed in the following year with Dumlupinar University in Kütahya and then with the University of Seville in Spain in 2000. The college started 6 years later a fundraising campaign called
    “Fulfilling the Dream” with the aim of collecting $50 million. The campaign exceeded its aim by collecting $62 million.

    The college states that its mission is to provide learning experience that is necessary for the students to enrich their lives and others’ as well. UV-Wise campus covers around 396 acres with several distinctive buildings including Leonard W. Sandridge Science Center, Cavalier House, Carl Smith Stadium, McCraray Hall, Hunter J. Smith Dining Com mons and C. Bascom Slemp Student Center. The college athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Mountain East Conference. Their official colors are red and gray while their mascot is called Smiddy the Cavalier.

    The college is divided into 10 academic departments offering undergraduate programs in 31 majors. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    UVa-Wise School Facts

    • Years Estd.1954
    • NicknameHighland Cavaliers
    • MascotSmiddy
    • ColorsRed and Gray
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division II - Mountain East Conference
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous UVa-Wise Alumni

    • Jerry Kilgore

      Politics & Law

      former Attorney General of Virginia

    • Terry Kilgore

      Politics & Law

      former member of the Virginia House of Delegates

    • Randy Hippeard

      Professional Sports

      Quarterback for the Orlando Predators

  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Seal

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

    Blacksburg, Virginia

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia
    • 32,663 Total Students
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • 39% Enrollment Rate
    • 14 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 22,280 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Virginia Tech is a public research university that has been awarded as a land, space and sea grant institute. It was founded in 1872 as a state-sponsored institute and was called Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Starting 20th century, the institute founded several schools as well as the graduate department and with a change in curriculum became a polytechnic institute.

    It was in 1970 that it was named as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The institute has its main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia but has facilities in six regions throughout the state; it stays committed to enriching students’ experiences through its non-conventional ways.

    The hokie life is extensive and bustling with resources and experiences, with approximately 800 student-run clubs and organizations offering varied interest and fields for the students to take part in. A Student Government Association also runs on the campus and brings another interesting opportunity for learning leadership through student representation and service. The Virginia Tech Union at the campus organizes events such as movie nights, musical concerts, comedy and speaker shows, etc. Maintaining diversity and ensuring equal representation, there is also the Black Student Alliance which aims to create a better understanding of the black culture and also celebrate it. All student efforts and achievements are acknowledged and appreciated through the student leadership awards annually. For its community engagement, the students organize the university’s one of the biggest events of the year called ‘The Big Event’; the students celebrate the day of service by signing up for volunteer work to join in on community projects and are joined by faculty and staff in their efforts. In addition to this, the campus offers religious life and spiritual activities through the campus chapel. There are also athletic teams called ‘Hokies’ and compete at NCAA Division I. The official colors are Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange.

    Academic programs offered at Virginia Tech are 110 bachelors, 170 master and doctoral degree programs. Its prominent facilities/departments are Burruss Hall, Pamplin College of Business, Davidson Hall, Cowgill Hall, The Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown, Bishop-Favrao Hall and many more.

    Virginia Tech School Facts

    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Virginia Tech Alumni

    • Phil Agcaoili

      Business & Industry

      Business leader and information security expert

    • Jim Buckmaster

      Business & Industry

      CEO of craigslist.org

    • Chris Kraft

      Science & Medicine

      NASA architect of Mission Control and its first flight director; author of Flight: My Life in Mission Control

    • Linwood H. Rose

      Education & Advocacy

      Fifth President of James Madison University

    • Rob Wittman

      Politics & Law

      Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 1st District

    • John H. Thompson

      Politics & Law

      Director of the United States Census Bureau

    • Catherine Woteki

      Science & Medicine

      Under Secretary for USDA's Research, Education, and Economics mission area, as well as the Department's Chief Scientist

    • Robert B. Pamplin, Sr.

      Business & Industry

      CEO of Georgia Pacific Corp

    • Mike Michalowicz

      Business & Industry

      Author of business books The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, The Pumpkin Plan, Profit First, and Surge; entrepreneur; lecturer; former columnist for The Wall Street Journal; MSNBC television personality

    • Matt Lohr

      Politics & Law

      Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates

    • Joseph DeSimone

      Business & Industry

      Co-founder and CEO of Carbon

All Top Colleges in Virginia

  • Centura College

    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    • 164 Total Students
    • 9 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • No Online Programs

    Centura is a coeducational institute and is a multi campus facility. It initially began as an institute offering career placement services and had started in 1969. By 1983, the institute started its school; the first one called Electronic Institute of Technology and was based in Norfolk, Virginia. As the popularity and demand of its programs and education grew, the college expanded into branches into many locations.

    The college was renamed over the course of period, but it was in 2008 that it took on its present name, Centura College. Its campuses are based in Virginia and South Carolina. The college’s mission is to equip students with education, skills and also with the qualities that are needed for an entry level career position.

    With deep commitment towards maintaining high academic standards because of the industry that it serves in, Centura provides individual attention to each of its students. Since the start of their journey, the students are surrounded by a team of faculty members, instructors, and financial advisors that help students maintain balance of their academic and financial issues. Students are also provided with tutoring services, which are free and are aimed at providing extra support to students to excel in their chosen fields. There are also Career services which are involved actively with each student even before they have graduated. Students are prepared as per professional standards, helped with finding better jobs and are carefully prepared for career start. Also, Centura is a military friendly school offering programs for active duty military personnel and also working through the Yellow Ribbon program.

    Academics at Centura consist of eight programs under Health Sciences, five areas of study under Business Training, one Legal studies program, two programs under Technology Training, three under Skilled Trades Training and two completion Degree programs. The college offers three programs through five campuses in Virginia and one in South Carolina.

    Centura School Facts

    • LocationVirginia
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

  • Christopher Newport University

    Newport News, Virginia

    Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia
    • 5,172 Total Students
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • 28% Enrollment Rate
    • 15 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 7,366 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    Christopher Newport is a public liberal arts university that was founded in 1960. It started as a two year college named Christopher Newport College and branch of College of William & Mary. It was in 1977 that it became an independent institute and by 1992 had gained university status. The college has been named after the 17th-century mariner, Christopher Newport whose efforts helped establish permanent English-speaking settlement.

    CNU is based in Newport News, Virginia, and is the youngest of the universities in the state. It aims to provide quality academic programs and prepares its students for achieving excellence, be creative and inspiring and take a new perspective of the world, one which celebrates diversity and meets challenges with better solutions.

    Christopher Newport University has interesting traditions at the university which add fun to the campus life for the students. There are multiple opportunities for the students to be involved. There are student held groups and clubs; CNU has more than 200 which range from professional, political, cultural to special inertest, volunteering and performance based. With these come leadership activities in addition to the personal development activity, Emerging Leadership or acknowledging student efforts through Student Leadership Awards. The strong enthusiasm for arts is depicted in the creative performances put up by the Center of Arts. The center aims for awareness, cultural and community engagement as well as bringing opportunities for networking between arts and businesses. The unique university traditions are receiving a ‘Penny’ on convocation which is thrown in the Geese Fountain, Ringing of the bell after victories, welcoming sophomores with singing and many more. There is athletic participation by the university teams at NCAA Division III. The campus colors are Royal Blue and Silver.

    Academic programs offered at CNU consist of more than 100 programs consisting of majors and minors. It also offers three Master’s degree programs. Its notable departments and facilities are Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business, The Paul and Rosemary Trible Library, Hiden-Hussey Commons, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Christopher Newport Hall and a few more.

    CNU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1960
    • NicknameCaptains
    • MascotCaptain Chris
    • MottoStudents Come First
    • ColorsRoyal Blue and Silver
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III, Capital Athletic Conference, New Jersey Athletic Conference
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable
  • Hampden-Sydney College Seal

    Hampden-Sydney College

    Hampden-Sydney, Virginia

    Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
    • 1,087 Total Students
    • 55% Acceptance Rate
    • 15% Enrollment Rate
    • 11 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 3,683 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    Hampden-Sydney College is a private liberal arts higher education institute for men in Virginia. It has been established in 1775 making it the 10th oldest college to be established in U.S. and the last one to be established before the American Revolution and one of only three liberal arts college for men in U.S. The college was established by Samuel Stanhope Smith who graduated from Princeton University and accordingly linked the curriculum of the newly established college to it. It was named in honor of two English champions of liberty; John Hampden and Algernon Sydney. In 1783, the college was granted a charter by the Virginia general assembly. In 1812, the Union Theological Seminary was established at the college. Twenty six years later, the medical department was established which became later the Virginia Medical College. During World War II, the college was one of those participating in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which allowed students to become commissioned officers.

    Hamphen-Sydney was established on 100-acres campus and it continued to expand till it reached 1300 acres in 2006 including a lake, several federal buildings and State Hill Plantation. Part of the campus is considered a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places. The official colors of the university are garnet and grey and its mascot is the tiger. The university athletic teams compete in NCAA Division III.

    The college offers the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in 25 majors in addition to honors program. The college does not offer graduate programs but it has agreements with other institutes to secure guaranteed or accelerated admission to its students. The college was ranked 4th among private colleges in the south by Forbes, 8th for best Alumni Network by the Princeton Review and 108th top national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report.

    H-SC School Facts

    • Years Estd.November 10, 1775
    • NicknameTigers
    • MottoHuc venite iuvenes ut exeatis viri
    • Motto Eng.Latin: Come here as boys so you may leave as men
    • ColorsGarnet and Grey
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III – ODAC
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous H-SC Alumni

    • Fred Reed

      Entertainment & Arts

      author and former reporter of the Washington Times

    • John A. Field, Jr.

      Politics & Law

      Federal Judge of United States

    • George H. Denny

      Education & Advocacy

      Former president of Washington and Lee University and the University of Alabama

    • Fred Reed

      Business & Industry

      Chairman of TF Concrete forming systems

    • William Hoffman

      Entertainment & Arts

      author of Tidewater Blood, winner of the O. Henry Prize and the Dashiell Hammett Award

  • Washington and Lee University Seal

    Washington and Lee University

    Lexington, Virginia

    Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia
    • 2,172 Total Students
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • 35% Enrollment Rate
    • 8 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 5,377 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    W&L is a private liberal arts college that has a covered a long journey, the start of which was in 1749 when it was founded as Augusta Academy by Scotch-Irish pioneers. It then received its charter and was named as Liberty Hall Academy. However soon faced with financial difficulties, it received endowment by George Washington. It was in 1813 when it was renamed as Washington College.

    It was in 1870, recognizing the service of General Robert E. Lee as the president, the college was renamed as Washington and Lee University. It is based in Lexington, Virginia and has continued in its efforts to disseminate knowledge, promote ethical and moral values and leadership.

    At the campus of W&L, students are welcomed to a variety of exciting opportunities and activities. The first year students are provided with additional resources to help them integrate better such as First-Year Leadership Council. Further ahead, students find more than 120 student organizations offering diverse interests and fields, as well as the Greek Life. Appreciating and acknowledging diversity and importance of inclusion, the university campus also offers engagement initiatives which range from issues such as social justice, ethnic and cultural differences to racial integration etc. It includes international education, training, mentorship, speaking events and more. It also holds annual events such as Diversity Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month and more. The students also enjoy many recreational activities; the Outing Club working on campus organizes various adventure trips such as fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing etc. There are also university traditions – Speaking tradition where Students get greeted with a ‘hello’ by W&L Community, Mock Convention and Fancy Dress Ball. For sports enthusiasts, there are campus athletic teams, called ‘The Generals’ competing at NCAA Division III. The official colors are Blue and White.

    The academic programs consist of undergraduate programs with 37 majors and 29 minors. Its notable facilities/departments are Washington Hall, John W. Elrod Commons, Robinson Hall, Tucker Hall, Roger Mudd Center for Ethics, Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, Lenfest Center for the Arts and few more.

    W&L School Facts

    • Years Estd.1749
    • NicknameThe Generals
    • MottoNon Incautus Futuri (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.Not Unmindful of the Future
    • ColorsBlue and White
    • LocationVirginia
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III – ODAC
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous W&L Alumni

    • David Bohigian

      Politics & Law

      Businessman and Assistant Secretary of Commerce under George W. Bush

    • Thomas Todd

      Politics & Law

      United States Supreme Court Justice nominated by Thomas Jefferson

    • Christopher Chenery

      Business & Industry

      Industrialist and horse breeder of Secretariat

    • Kenn George

      Business & Industry

      Businessman/investor and former member of the Texas House of Representatives

    • Charles M. Williams

      Education & Advocacy

      Harvard Business School professor

    • Alex S. Jones

      Education & Advocacy

      Pulitzer Prize-winning ex-reporter for the New York Times; director of Harvard University's Shorenstein Center for Press, Politics and Public Policy

    • Joseph L. Goldstein

      Science & Medicine

      Won Nobel Prize for Medicine for research in cholesterol metabolism and discovery that human cells have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors that extract cholesterol from the bloodstream

    • Mike Henry

      Entertainment & Arts

      Writer, comedian, producer, Family Guy

    • Fielder Cook

      Entertainment & Arts

      Three-time Emmy Award-winning director and producer; director of The Homecoming (TV, 1971), which begat series The Waltons

    • Rebecca Makkai

      Entertainment & Arts

      Author of novels, including The Hundred-Year House, and short stories

    • Ronald J. Bacigal

      Education & Advocacy

      Professor of law, University of Richmond School of Law

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