The Best US Colleges: Virginia
27 Feb
From small town settings and rural communities to historic towns and sprawling urban campuses, the best Virginia colleges offer a variety of degree programs. Top colleges in Virginia are located in Richmond, Charlottesville and Williamsburg as well as many other areas around the state. Some of the best community colleges in Virginia can be found in close proximity to many of these public, private and religious-based colleges and universities.
University of Virginia
- Location: Charlottesville
- Enrollment: 21,095
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia offers 51 bachelor’s degrees, 81 master’s degrees and 57 doctoral degrees in a variety of fields that include law, architecture, engineering and medicine. The arts and sciences, engineering and education degrees are the most popular fields of study.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Location: Blacksburg
- Enrollment: 31,205
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers 65 bachelor’s degree programs and 160 master’s and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields that include agriculture and life sciences, architecture and urban study, engineering and veterinary medicine.
George Mason University
- Location: Fairfax
- Enrollment: 35,000 – 39,999
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: George Mason University (GMU) offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields. Most of the student body is from Virginia, however all 50 states and 130 countries are represented. GMU is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Location: Richmond
- Enrollment: 31,288
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a diverse array of degree programs such as engineering, arts and humanities, business, dentistry and medicine. Nearly 100 countries are represented in the student body, including Saudi Arabia, China and Kuwait. VCU Medical Center is the number one hospital in Virginia. The art school at VCU is ranked at number one among public institutions.
The College of William and Mary
- Location: Williamsburg
- Enrollment: 9,000 – 9,999
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: The College of William and Mary is the second oldest college in the nation. It is also the first law school. Degrees are offered in law, education, business and marine science. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Tyler and James Monroe attended The College of William and Mary.
James Madison University
- Location: Harrisonburg
- Enrollment: 19,927
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: James Madison University (JMU) offers 71 undergraduate, 34 master’s and eight doctoral degrees in fields such as education, visual and performing arts, science and technology. The most popular degree programs are business and marketing, health professions, communications and journalism. JMU is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Old Dominion University
- Location: Norfolk
- Enrollment: 25,000 – 29,999
- Type of School: Public
- Distinctions: Old Dominion University (ODU) offers 70 bachelor’s degrees, 54 master’s degrees, 42 doctoral degrees and two educational specialist degrees. Degree programs include the arts, sciences, business, engineering and technology. ODU is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg
- Enrollment: 77,778
- Type of School: Private Baptist
- Distinctions: Established by Jerry Falwell in 1971, Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world and the largest university in Virginia. More than 300 programs from the certificate to the doctoral level are offered at Liberty University. Grammy award-winning Christian music artist Toby Mac, Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings and ESPN football and basketball reporter Samantha Ponder attended Liberty University.
University of Richmond
- Location: Richmond
- Enrollment: 4,350
- Type of School: Private
- Distinctions: Founded in 1830, the University of Richmond (UR) is a private and highly selective liberal arts college. UR offers degrees in law, business, arts and sciences and leadership studies. The Modlin Center for the Arts features performance stages, galleries and classrooms and is home to the art history, music, theatre and dance departments.
Washington and Lee University
- Location: Lexington
- Enrollment: 2,000 – 2,999
- Type of School: Private
- Distinctions: Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University is named for George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Washington helped the college survive its early years with a generous endowment, and Lee served as president of the college in 1865. Washington and Lee University offers a variety of degree programs that include law, business, education, foreign languages and mass communications.
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