Top Value Colleges in Virginia
Top Value Virginia Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Virginia that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Virginia colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Virginia Colleges
James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) is one of the leading public research universities in the nation located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was founded as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in 1908 which was renamed to its current name in 1977. Recognized as the most innovative university in the South, JMU offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, communications, education, health & behavioral studies, humanities and social sciences, science, technology, engineering & math (STEM), and visual and performing arts. With nearly 22,000 students, the university offers off-campus programs such as online and hybrid programs through Madison Online, and several study-abroad opportunities. Through the JMU’s Professional & Continuing Education, the university allows students who are not seeking a degree at the moment to enroll in up to 11 hours of course credits. Students may also join in more than 450 clubs and organizations that encompass special interests, community service, a capella groups, cultural, and faith-based organizations.
Averett University
Averett University is a private, four-year Baptist college with campuses in Danville, Quantico, and Norfolk, Virginia as well as in Providence, North Carolina. It officially opened in 1859 as a Baptist women’s college. The university serves roughly 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 20 countries. It offers more than 35 majors, minors, and special programs, as well as graduate programs in the fields of business, natural sciences, arts and sciences, education, criminal justice, and many more. Through Averett’s Graduate and Professional Studies, the university offers online graduate and professional degree programs such as Applied Data Analytics, Bachelor of Applied Science, Business, Criminal Justice & Sociology, Education, Leadership, and Nursing. As an accredited institution of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Averett also offers an Individually Designed Education for Adult Learners (IDEAL) program which allows adults to design their personalized program of online courses and independent study experiences that fit their needs and interests.
Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a nationally accredited private liberal arts college based in Lexington, Virginia. Established in 1749 as a small school called Augusta Academy, it is considered the 9th oldest institution of higher learning in the nation. Known for its nationally recognized undergraduate business and journalism and Graduate School of Law, W&L consists of 2 undergraduate divisions namely the College and Williams School that serves nearly 2,000 undergraduates enrolled in more than 70 majors and minors as well as interdisciplinary programs. The College specialized in providing education in humanities, languages & social sciences, and fine & performing arts while the Williams School offers programs in accounting, economics, business administration, politics, and entrepreneurship. The Graduate School of Law is one of the first few law schools to introduce small-section legal writing classes within the first year.
University of Virginia
Ranked as one of the best public universities in the United States, the University of Virginia (UVA) is a public institution of higher learning headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson to educate future leaders, advance human knowledge, and pursue the greater good. With more than 23,500 on-campus undergraduate and graduate students, the university encompasses 12 schools on the main campus which include College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, McIntire School of Commerce, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of Medicine, as well as the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. Some of the programs are Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Global Studies, Human Biology, Media Studies, Neuroscience, and Religious Studies. Aside from continuing and executive programs, UVA also offers online courses, certificates, and degree programs in various fields. The university also employs a unique financial aid model to meet the demonstrated financial needs of all students through scholarships, work-study, grants, and need-based loans.
University of Richmond
As one of the best liberal arts universities in the country, the University of Richmond (UR) is a private liberal arts university located in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1830, the university enrolls more than 4,000 undergraduates from over 60 countries. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors across 5 schools namely the School of Arts & Sciences, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Robins School of Business, Richmond School of Law, and School of Professional & Continuing Studies. Some of the top majors in the university are Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies. With many study-abroad programs offered in the university, more than 65 percent of students build connections and expand their knowledge by studying abroad through semester, short-term, and summer programs. Students may also participate in other activities such as living-learning programs, summer fellowships, as well as resources in the Center for Student Involvement and Center for Civic Engagement.
William & Mary
Situated in Williamsburg, Virginia, William & Mary or W&M is the second oldest institution of higher education in the nation. It was officially chartered in 1693 as a perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and Arts and Sciences. The university has locations namely the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and The Washington Center. Through 5 academic schools in arts & sciences, business, education, law, and marine science, the university offers over 45 undergraduate and 40 graduate and professional degree programs. Both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in marine science attend classes in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science located in Gloucester Point, Virginia. Aside from these, W&M also offers online summer courses for high school students and adults, as well as online degree programs in the fields of law, business, and education. With nearly 60% of undergraduates taking study abroad programs in over 50 countries to expand their experience, W&M is the top public university for study abroad in 2020.
Advanced Technology Institute
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) is a technical school that was founded in 1975. It has another campus within the state in Norfolk. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the school offers 5 main programs in the two campuses that lead to certificate, diploma, and associate degrees. The Virginia Beach campus offers Automotive Technology, Diesel/Heavy Vehicle Technology, Maritime Welding Technology, and HVAC/Refrigeration, while the Norfolk campus offers the Commercial Driving program. The programs can be taken on-campus or hybrid, which typically lasts for 600 hours for certificates, 1200 hours for diploma, and 1500 hours for associate degrees. Recognized as the best school for vets in 2017, the programs offered by the school are approved for Veterans Administration Educational Benefits.
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a public senior military and liberal arts college located in Lexington, Virginia. It was officially established in 1839 as the first state-supported military college in the country. The college offers majors and minors with a four-year curriculum in the areas of engineering, life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts. The core curriculum encompasses Key Competencies like written and oral communication, mathematics, and physical education, Foundations of Citizenship and Leadership, Perspectives on Civilization and Human Achievement, and Integrative Experiences. Every cadet must undergo four years of Reserve Officer Training Corps as a requirement for each degree. VMI offers summer programs such as Summer Session, Summer Undergraduate Research Institute, Summer Transition, and STARTALK-Arabic Language Program.
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing is a school in Lewistown, Pennsylvania that specializes in nursing education. It is part of the Geisinger Health System, along with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. The two-year, full-time nursing (RN) program in the Geisinger School of Nursing is ranked as one of the best nursing programs in the state. Students who already practice nursing with an active license may take the two-year hospital-based diploma program that takes them from an LPN to an RN. The school and its program are both accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc. The school is also proud of its 100% National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX) passing rates as well as exceptional job placement rates.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Founded as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1872, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Tech is a public land-grant research university headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia. The university has campuses in Roanoke and Northern Virginia, as well as research and extension centers Hampton Roads, Shenandoah Valley, and Tidewater. As one of the best national universities in the nation, Virginia Tech has 12 colleges which include the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Architecture and Urban Studies, Pamplin College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, College of Natural Resources and Environment, and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. With more than 37,000 students across all locations, the university offers more than 280 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in the areas mentioned above. Virginia Tech also offers various online and blended graduate certificates and degree programs such as Foreign Languages, Cultures, and Literatures, Systems Engineering, and Political Science. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university provides more than 450 customized programs through its Continuing and Professional Education in partnership with the leaders in education, business, government, and the community.
Aveda Institute
Aveda Institute is a small cosmetology school located in Denver, Colorado. It is one of the 60 locations of the Aveda Institutes in North America. The first location was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1977. The school aims to provide a well-rounded education that can prepare students for fulfilling careers in the beauty industry. Aveda Institute Denver offers 3 programs or career paths namely Cosmetology, Esthiology, and Massage Therapy. It also offers spa and salon services which include hair care, skin care, and massage performed by trained students under the supervision of experienced instructors. Graduates in the school are eligible to acquire licenses in their fields as the school consistently exceeds accreditor requirements for placement of 60% to 74%.
Hampden-Sydney College
As the 10th oldest college in the country, Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) is a private men’s liberal arts college based in Hampden Sydney, Virginia. It was officially founded in 1776 as the oldest privately chartered college throughout Southern America. It is one of the three all-male colleges in the United States. With more than 50 majors and minors in the fields of physical sciences, fine arts, literature, economics, and many more, the college is ranked as one of the top 10 colleges for career preparation in the nation. The college also offers special programs such as Core Cultures, Fine Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Rhetoric Program. Since 1978, H-SC has begun offering Rhetoric Program to ensure that every student is equipped with the ability to express himself/herself clearly, confidently, and effectively through speaking and writing. The college’s Office of Global Education also provides more than 100 short- and long-term study abroad opportunities in 30 countries for students to expand their knowledge and expertise internationally.
Universal Technical Institute
With several campuses available to students, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is a trade school known for training students in the fields of automotive, diesel, and collision repair. It has 12 campuses in total which graduated more than 200,000 individuals in the past 50 years. As the oldest campus in California that opened in 1998, the Rancho Cucamonga campus offers 51-week Automotive Mechanic Training, 45-week Diesel Mechanic Training, and 36-week Welding Training, while the Sacramento campus which opened in 2006 offers only the first two programs above. The youngest among the three is the Long Beach campus which opened in 2015 and it offers all the programs offered in the Rancho Cucamonga campus as well as 54-week Auto Body Repair Training. Aside from being eligible to take the exam and apply for certification, graduates of each program are qualified for the Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training from Nissan in the Long Beach campus, and Ford in the Rancho Cucamonga and Sacramento campuses. The school and its programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Cosmetology School of Arts and Sciences
The Cosmetology School of Arts and Sciences is a cosmetology School headquartered in Burley, Idaho. It was founded in 1999 and is now owned and operated by Ronda Clark and LaDonn Goodfellow. As an accredited institution of the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences Inc., the school offers 5 programs namely 1600-hour Cosmetology, 900-hour Barbering, 1000/500-hour Instructor Training, 600-hour Esthetics, and 600/400-hour Nail Technology. The school aims to provide high-quality education and practical skills necessary to pass the licensing examinations in the State of Idaho. The programs can be finished within 18 weeks to as long as 60 weeks, depending on the program. The school also provides spa and salon services such as hair cutting, braids & extensions, perms, nail care, and waxing which are done by trained students under the supervision of licensed instructors.
Hampton University
With more than 3,500 from over 30 countries, Hampton University is a progressive private research university based in Hampton, Virginia. Founded as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in 1868, it is one of the historically black universities worldwide. Students may choose from nearly 100 liberal arts, technical, professional, and graduate degree programs across 9 schools and colleges namely School of Business, School of Engineering and Technology, School of Liberal Arts & Education, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Science, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, Graduate College, and University College. Hampton also has an extension campus called College of Virginia Beach which offers non-credit continuing education courses and various non-academic and teaching certifications. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the university also offers online degree programs that lead to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Students may choose among 55 student university-wide organizations to help them learn new hobbies, meet new connections, and create memorable experiences.
Christopher Newport University
As one of the best public universities in the South, Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a four-year public university situated in Newport News, Virginia. It was established in 1960 as a branch of the College of William & Mary named Christopher Newport College. Recognized for having the strongest core curriculum among colleges and universities in the United States by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, the university is known for its unique Liberal Learning Core that consists of literature, composition, economics, mathematics, foreign language, science, and American history/government. With more than 5,000 students, the university offers more than 70 academic programs across 4 schools and colleges namely the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Social Sciences, and Luter School of Business. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the schools and colleges mentioned. CNU also offers study abroad opportunities such as faculty-led study abroad programs and a semester-long program in Scotland through a partnership with the University of Glasgow.
Randolph–Macon College
Randolph–Macon College (R-MC) is a private liberal arts college based in Ashland, Virginia that is known for its four-year guarantee. It was established by the Methodist Church in 1830 in Boydton, Virginia. With more than 56 fields of study, the university offers majors, minors, graduate, and pre-professional programs in the areas of liberal arts and sciences, natural sciences, languages, environmental studies, and many more. R-MC has a four-year guarantee where 95% of graduates complete their degree in four years or less through personalized student advising and compliance with the rules and requirements. The college offers a personalized Career Roadmap mentoring and planning for graduates through its EDGE Career Center which includes connections, internships, and career skills. Nearly 1,600 students can also apply to hundreds of study abroad opportunities such as short-term study and travel courses and semester-long programs in more than 40 countries.
Jefferson College of Health Professions
As part of Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP) is a private, independent health sciences college situated in Roanoke, Virginia. It was established in 1969 as the College of Allied Health Sciences and was officially chartered in 1982 as the oldest hospital-based college in the state. JCHP offers undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional degree programs in various fields and areas in the medical industry, as well as accelerated BS/MS programs. The college has 5 departments which include Counseling & Behavioral Health, Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences & Biotechnology, Nutritional Sciences, and Physician Assistant Studies. Through the college’s Institute of Emerging Health Professions, students may enroll in innovative certificates and master’s programs in many emerging fields such as Connected Care & Telehealth, Cannabis, and Cardiovascular Perfusion. Students may also participate in research opportunities in academic centers in the college like the Center for Digital Health & Data Sciences, The Lambert Center for the Study of Medicinal Cannabis & Hemp, and The National Center for Telehealth Education & Research (NCTER).
The Hair Academy
The Hair Academy is a cosmetology arts and sciences school was established in 2005. The academy is owned and operated by Kristin Schmidt and Carol Bosch. The academy offers one program namely Cosmetology which encompasses seven subjects that add up to a total of 1800 hours of instruction and training. The program covers topics such as Principles of Hair Design, Haircutting, Facial Makeup, Pedicuring, Skin Structure & Growth, and Communicating for Success. Students may avail of the 10-month payment plan at no interest offered by the academy. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for a license to practice cosmetology within the state. The academy also offers spa and salon services which are both performed by trained students and licensed instructors.
Hollins University
Hollins University is a private women’s university based in Hollins, Virginia. It was officially founded in 1842 as a coeducational college called the Valley Union Seminary. Hollins is one of the oldest academic institutions of higher learning for women in the nation. The university accommodates nearly 800 undergraduate and graduate students from over 20 countries who specialize in 29 undergraduate degree programs with 14 concentrations, 30 minors, as well as 11 graduate degree programs. The programs are focused on the fields of natural sciences, classical studies, communication studies, languages, public health, criminal justice, and many more. Aside from these, Hollins offers pre-professional programs such as pre-health sciences, pre-law, pre-medicine, pre-nursing, and pre-veterinary medicine. The university also offers continuing education programs through Tinker Mountain Writing and Visual Arts Programs, Hollinsummer and Other Camps, and Roanoke Regional Writers’ Conference.
Roanoke College
Roanoke College is a private, four-year liberal arts college situated in Salem, Virginia. It is the second-oldest Lutheran college in the nation that was founded by Lutheran pastors in 1842 as Virginia Institute. With approximately 2,000 students from over 30 countries, the college offers more than 110 areas of study which include majors, concentrations, minors, and pre-professional programs. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the college awards bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines such as education, arts and sciences, business, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and many more. The college also offers pre-professional programs in athletic training, dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, ministry, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and many more. Students also have access to many extensive real-world learning opportunities like research programs, internships, study abroad programs, and May Term Intensive Learning.
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater College is a private liberal arts college based in Bridgewater, Virginia that houses more than 1,800 students. It was founded as Spring Creek Normal School and Collegiate Institute in 1880 as the first coeducational four-year liberal arts college in the state. Recognized as the best college in the Southeast, the college offers roughly 60 majors and minors, 4 graduate programs, 10 pre-professional programs, and 2 dual-degree programs. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees through 4 academic divisions namely Communication Studies, Fine Arts & Literature, Humanities & Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Professional Studies. Students can take advantage of more than 150 study abroad opportunities in over 50 countries like France, New Zealand, Thailand, and Cyprus. Inside the college, students may also attend and participate in signature programs such as ASPIRE (A Celebration of the Arts, Scholarship, Performance, Innovation and Research Excellence), Eagles Engage, May Term, and Oral Communication.
Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is a private Mennonite liberal arts university based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It started as a small Bible academy of the Mennonite Church USA in 1917. The university also operates campuses in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. EMU offers a wide range of certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs in the areas of natural sciences, social sciences, visual arts, engineering, education, health sciences, languages, communications, business, as well as specialized programs like Peacebuilding, Global Studies, and Aviation. The university is accredited by multiple institutions such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges and State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Through EMU Online, the university offers online certificate and degree programs that lead to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students are also encouraged to create their own cross-cultural experience through a semester-long study or travel program abroad, semester-long at the Washington Community Scholars Center, EMU’s 6-week summer experience in North America and abroad, and a unique alternative program with EMU’s partner organizations.
George Mason University
With another campus in Songdo, South Korea, George Mason University is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia. It was officially established as a Northern Virginia branch of the University of Virginia in 1957 and was declared an independent university in 1972. Recognized as one of the best institutions for advanced degrees, Mason offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs to more than 37,000 students in both Virginia and Korea campuses. The university has 10 schools and colleges which include Antonin Scalia Law School, College of Education and Human Development, College of Health and Human Services, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Schar School of Policy and Government, and Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Mason is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees through the said schools and colleges. Students who want to study outside the university may choose from dozens of spring/winter break programs, summer courses, internships, and semester-long programs abroad through Mason’s Global Education Office.
University of Mary Washington
Formerly known as Mary Washington College, the University of Mary Washington is one of the top public regional universities in the South based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was founded as Fredericksburg’s State Normal and Industrial School for Women in 1908. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its 3 colleges namely College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. More than 4,000 students may choose from over 60 majors, minors, certificates, degree completion programs, master’s degree, and pre-professional degree programs. The university also offers courses on career advancement, organizational development, test preparation, and degree completion through its Continuing and Professional Studies program. About one-third of graduating students have international study experience for a summer term, semester, and year-long programs such as faculty-led programs, exchange programs, and approved programs.
Additional College Research
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