Best Universities in Virginia

May 14, 2022

Education

Top 10 Universities in Virginia

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA), located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a prestigious public research university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. UVA is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, historic campus, and vibrant student life. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and public service, UVA offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

U.S. News Ranking:

#26 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 24,000

Degrees Offered:

UVA offers over 120 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.

Acceptance Rate:

23%

Average SAT Score:

1330-1500

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Cavalier Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government
  • Honor Societies
  • Community Service Organizations

Famous Alumni:

  1. Woodrow Wilson – Former President of the United States
  2. Katie Couric – Journalist
  3. Edgar Allan Poe – Author
  4. Robert F. Kennedy – Former U.S. Attorney General
  5. Tina Fey – Actress and Comedian

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. Capital One
  2. Deloitte
  3. Amazon
  4. Booz Allen Hamilton
  5. University of Virginia Health System

College of William & Mary

The College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a prestigious public research university founded in 1693, making it the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Known for its liberal arts education and commitment to research, William & Mary offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

U.S. News Ranking:

#39 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 8,800

Degrees Offered:

William & Mary offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.

Acceptance Rate:

38%

Average SAT Score:

1300-1480

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Tribe Athletics
  • Student Government
  • Honor Societies
  • Performing Arts Groups
  • Research Opportunities

Famous Alumni:

  1. Thomas Jefferson – Former President of the United States
  2. Jon Stewart – Comedian and TV Host
  3. Glenn Close – Actress
  4. Thomas Jefferson – Former President of the United States
  5. Janet Yellen – Former Chair of the Federal Reserve

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. William & Mary
  2. Booz Allen Hamilton
  3. Deloitte
  4. Capital One
  5. Amazon

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a leading public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as opportunities for research, innovation, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

#74 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 37,000

Degrees Offered:

Virginia Tech offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.

Acceptance Rate:

65%

Average SAT Score:

1160-1340

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Hokie Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government
  • Engineering Organizations
  • Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

  1. Michael Vick – Former NFL Quarterback
  2. Hoda Kotb – Television Host
  3. Bruce Smith – Former NFL Defensive End
  4. Nikki Giovanni – Poet
  5. Hilarie Burton – Actress

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. Virginia Tech
  2. Northrop Grumman
  3. Boeing
  4. Capital One
  5. Amazon

George Mason University

George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a dynamic public research university known for its innovative programs and diverse student body. Founded in 1957, George Mason offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as business, law, public policy, and the arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

#153 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 38,000

Degrees Offered:

George Mason offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.

Acceptance Rate:

81%

Average SAT Score:

1150-1330

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Patriot Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government
  • Cultural Organizations
  • Entrepreneurship Clubs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Sandra Bullock – Actress
  2. Richard Armitage – Former Deputy Secretary of State
  3. Roy Speckhardt – Executive Director of the American Humanist Association
  4. Dan Trachtenberg – Filmmaker
  5. David Baldacci – Author

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. George Mason University
  2. Booz Allen Hamilton
  3. Deloitte
  4. Northrop Grumman
  5. Amazon

James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a comprehensive public university known for its strong programs in business, education, and the arts. Founded in 1908, JMU offers a student-centered learning environment with a focus on engaged learning, research, and community service.

U.S. News Ranking:

#5 (Regional Universities South)

Number of Students:

Approximately 22,000

Degrees Offered:

JMU offers over 130 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.

Acceptance Rate:

73%

Average SAT Score:

1180-1360

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Duke Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government
  • Performing Arts Groups
  • Study Abroad Programs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Scott Norwood – Former NFL Kicker
  2. Pete Hill – MLB Player
  3. Charles Haley – Former NFL Player
  4. D’Lo Brown – Professional Wrestler
  5. Kaitlyn Vincie – Motorsport Reporter

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. James Madison University
  2. Deloitte
  3. Capital One
  4. Northrop Grumman
  5. Booz Allen Hamilton

University of Richmond

The University of Richmond, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a private liberal arts university known for its small class sizes, strong faculty-student relationships, and beautiful campus. Founded in 1830, UR offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership.

U.S. News Ranking:

#25 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 4,000

Degrees Offered:

UR offers over 60 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in business, law, and education.

Acceptance Rate:

28%

Average SAT Score:

1310-1490

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Spiders Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government
  • Performing Arts Groups
  • Research Opportunities

Famous Alumni:

  1. Bobby Scott – U.S. Congressman
  2. Robert Pruitt – Former CEO of Aetna
  3. Kelly Evans – CNBC Anchor
  4. Charles G. Thalhimer – Former CEO of Thalhimer’s Department Stores
  5. Laura Dern – Actress

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. University of Richmond
  2. Capital One
  3. Dominion Energy
  4. Altria Group
  5. Genworth Financial

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a public research university known for its strong programs in health sciences, arts, and design. Founded in 1838, VCU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as opportunities for research, creative expression, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

#166 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 31,000

Degrees Offered:

VCU offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.

Acceptance Rate:

87%

Average SAT Score:

1080-1250

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Ram Athletics
  • Student Government
  • Arts and Cultural Organizations
  • Community Service Projects
  • Research Opportunities

Famous Alumni:

  1. Tim Reid – Actor
  2. D’Brickashaw Ferguson – Former NFL Player
  3. Emerson Boozer – Former NFL Player
  4. Kishi Bashi – Musician
  5. Kwame Alexander – Author

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. Virginia Commonwealth University
  2. VCU Health System
  3. Capital One
  4. Dominion Energy
  5. Altria Group

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute (VMI), located in Lexington, Virginia, is a public military college known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on leadership development. Founded in 1839, VMI offers a unique educational experience that combines academic excellence with military training and discipline.

U.S. News Ranking:

#1 (Public Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,700

Degrees Offered:

VMI offers bachelor’s degrees in over 14 majors, primarily in engineering, science, and the liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

49%

Average SAT Score:

1130-1300

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Military Training
  • Cadet Athletics
  • Honor Societies
  • Leadership Development Programs
  • Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

  1. George S. Patton – World War II General
  2. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson – Confederate General
  3. Jonathan Daniels – Civil Rights Activist
  4. Joseph W. Barr – Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
  5. James Stewart – Former NFL Player

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. S. Army
  2. S. Marine Corps
  3. S. Air Force
  4. S. Navy
  5. Capital One

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University (W&L), located in Lexington, Virginia, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong programs in law, business, and the humanities. Founded in 1749, W&L offers a rigorous academic environment with a focus on critical thinking, ethical leadership, and civic engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

#11 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,200

Degrees Offered:

W&L offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in law and business.

Acceptance Rate:

21%

Average SAT Score:

1360-1510

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Generals Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Mock Trial Team
  • Honor Societies
  • Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

  1. John W. Davis – Former U.S. Solicitor General
  2. Tom Wolfe – Author
  3. Warren Buffett – Investor
  4. Patricia Cornwell – Author
  5. John Warner – Former U.S. Senator

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. Washington and Lee University
  2. McGuireWoods LLP
  3. KPMG
  4. Deloitte
  5. Capital One

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences. Founded in 1930, ODU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as opportunities for research, innovation, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

#258 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 24,000

Degrees Offered:

ODU offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

87%

Average SAT Score:

1040-1210

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  • Monarch Athletics
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government
  • Cultural Organizations
  • Research Opportunities

Famous Alumni:

  1. Tim Reid – Actor
  2. Pat Robertson – Televangelist
  3. D. Gibbs – Former President of Joe Gibbs Racing
  4. David Wright – Former MLB Player
  5. Deangelo Hall – Former NFL Player

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

  1. Old Dominion University
  2. Norfolk Public Schools
  3. Sentara Healthcare
  4. Norfolk Southern Corporation
  5. Boeing

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