1. University of Virginia (UVA)
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a prestigious public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, UVA is known for its historic significance, academic excellence, and beautiful campus. UVA offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, law, and medicine.
U.S. News Ranking: 25 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 24,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Average SAT Score: 1330-1500
Extracurricular activities at UVA include student-run organizations, intramural sports, volunteer opportunities, cultural events, and academic clubs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Woodrow Wilson – Former U.S. President
- Katie Couric – Journalist
- Edgar Allan Poe – Author
- Robert F. Kennedy – Former U.S. Attorney General
- Tina Fey – Actress and comedian
Top employers of UVA graduates include Deloitte, Amazon, Capital One, Microsoft, and UVA Health System.
2. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech, officially known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1872 as a land-grant university, Virginia Tech is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and the sciences. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
U.S. News Ranking: 74 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 36,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Average SAT Score: 1180-1390
Extracurricular activities at Virginia Tech include student organizations, research opportunities, community service projects, intramural sports, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Michael Vick – Former NFL quarterback
- Hoda Kotb – Journalist and television host
- Bruce Arians – NFL coach
- Marc Edwards – Environmental engineer
- William C. Wampler – Former U.S. Congressman
Top employers of Virginia Tech graduates include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Capital One, Amazon, and Virginia Tech itself.
3. College of William & Mary
The College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a public research university founded in 1693, making it the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Known for its historic campus and strong programs in the liberal arts, sciences, law, and business, William & Mary offers a rigorous academic experience.
U.S. News Ranking: 39 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 8,800
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Average SAT Score: 1310-1510
Extracurricular activities at William & Mary include student government, academic clubs, research opportunities, community service projects, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Thomas Jefferson – Former U.S. President
- Jon Stewart – Comedian and television host
- James Comey – Former FBI Director
- Glenn Close – Actress
- John Marshall – Former Chief Justice of the United States
Top employers of William & Mary graduates include IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, Deloitte, and William & Mary itself.
4. George Mason University
George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia. Founded in 1957, GMU has rapidly grown into one of the largest universities in Virginia, known for its innovation and entrepreneurship programs. GMU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
U.S. News Ranking: 153 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 38,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Average SAT Score: 1120-1320
Extracurricular activities at George Mason University include student organizations, research initiatives, internships, community service projects, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Ric Edelman – Financial advisor and author
- Sandra Bullock – Actress
- David Baldacci – Author
- Tim Kaine – U.S. Senator
- Katie Couric – Journalist
Top employers of George Mason University graduates include Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Amazon, and George Mason University itself.
5. James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Established in 1908 as a teacher’s college, JMU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Known for its focus on experiential learning and student engagement, JMU provides a vibrant campus community.
U.S. News Ranking: 6 (Regional Universities South)
Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Average SAT Score: 1150-1320
Extracurricular activities at James Madison University include student clubs and organizations, study abroad programs, research opportunities, community service projects, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Scott Norwood – Former NFL kicker
- Charles Haley – Former NFL player
- John Roach – Former CEO of AOL
- Dave Mungenast Sr. – Entrepreneur
- Scott Ricketts – Former CEO of Hilton Worldwide
Top employers of James Madison University graduates include Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Capital One, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and James Madison University itself.
6. University of Richmond
The University of Richmond, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong undergraduate programs and beautiful campus. Founded in 1830, UR offers a diverse range of academic programs in the arts, sciences, business, and law. The university emphasizes a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and close interaction between faculty and students.
U.S. News Ranking: 25 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
Number of Students: Approximately 4,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Average SAT Score: 1290-1480
Extracurricular activities at the University of Richmond include student clubs and organizations, community service projects, internships, research opportunities, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Robert S. Jepson Jr. – Businessman and philanthropist
- Edward L. Ayers – Historian
- William J. Antholis – Author and political analyst
- Dan Malloy – Former Governor of Connecticut
- Eric Cantor – Former U.S. Congressman
Top employers of University of Richmond graduates include Capital One, Dominion Energy, Altria Group, CarMax, and University of Richmond itself.
7. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1838, VCU is known for its urban campus and strong programs in the arts, health sciences, business, and engineering. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
U.S. News Ranking: 166 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 30,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Average SAT Score: 1040-1240
Extracurricular activities at Virginia Commonwealth University include student organizations, research initiatives, community outreach programs, internships, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Tim Reid – Actor and director
- Gary Rhodes – Chef and restaurateur
- Maureen Bunyan – Journalist
- Timbaland – Record producer and rapper
- Nikki Giovanni – Poet and activist
Top employers of Virginia Commonwealth University graduates include VCU Health System, Capital One, Dominion Energy, Altria Group, and Virginia Commonwealth University itself.
8. Virginia Military Institute (VMI)
Virginia Military Institute (VMI), located in Lexington, Virginia, is a public military college known for its rigorous academic program and emphasis on leadership and character development. Founded in 1839, VMI offers undergraduate programs in engineering, liberal arts, and sciences, with a focus on producing citizen-soldiers.
U.S. News Ranking: 75 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
Number of Students: Approximately 1,700
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Average SAT Score: Not reported
Extracurricular activities at Virginia Military Institute include military training, leadership development programs, cadet-run organizations, community service projects, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- George S. Patton – General in the U.S. Army
- Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson – Confederate General
- Jonathan M. Wainwright – General in the U.S. Army
- John W. Knapp – Former President of Washington & Lee University
- Matthew Fontaine Maury – Oceanographer and naval officer
Top employers of Virginia Military Institute graduates include the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and Virginia Military Institute itself.
9. Old Dominion University (ODU)
Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, education, and the arts. Established in 1930, ODU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, as well as online programs, catering to a diverse student population.
U.S. News Ranking: 257 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 24,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1010-1210
Extracurricular activities at Old Dominion University include student clubs and organizations, research opportunities, internships, community service projects, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- David Wright – Former MLB player
- Nancy Lieberman – Hall of Fame basketball player
- Ricky Ross – Rapper (Freeway Rick Ross)
- Taylor Heinicke – NFL quarterback
- Andre Ross – Former NASA astronaut
Top employers of Old Dominion University graduates include Northrop Grumman Corporation, Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Boeing, and Old Dominion University itself.
10. Christopher Newport University (CNU)
Christopher Newport University (CNU), located in Newport News, Virginia, is a public liberal arts university known for its strong undergraduate programs and commitment to academic excellence. Established in 1960, CNU offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in the arts, sciences, business, and education.
U.S. News Ranking: 5 (Regional Universities South)
Number of Students: Approximately 5,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Average SAT Score: 1110-1290
Extracurricular activities at Christopher Newport University include student organizations, leadership development programs, community service projects, internships, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Troy Brown – Former NFL player
- Leslie Frazier – NFL coach
- Mike Tomlin – NFL coach
- Rob Wittman – U.S. Congressman
- Mike London – College football coach
Top employers of Christopher Newport University graduates include Newport News Shipbuilding, Ferguson Enterprises, Riverside Health System, Canon, and Christopher Newport University itself.