Colleges in Virginia

Whether you want a big, traditional university experience, or a cozy, small college setting, start your college search in Virginia. There are 82 colleges in Virginia, 40 public and 42 private, offering a wide range of programs and majors. Virginia has both small schools (defined as less than 2000 students) and "very large" ones (10,000 or more students) and everything in between, including community colleges, in urban and rural environments.

One of the most important things to consider is the type of community you want to be a part of. If you're interested in a bigger school, George Mason University, located in Fairfax, may be right for you. George Mason is home to about 30,000 students, categorizing it as a very large Virginia college. Still, George Mason students enjoy small class sizes and accommodating professors. Students also boast that it's an extremely diverse institution, and that they are exposed to cultures from all over the world during their time at GMU. Notable alumni include Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush.

The University of Virginia (UVA) is another large Virginia college and is located in Charlottesville. It is home to about 24,500 students and offers a very welcoming environment as well as an excellent education. Students at UVA claim that there is room for every type of student, and that everyone can find a niche. In addition, the UVA education is strong and well-balanced. Most students at UVA find their classes challenging but engaging. Charlottesville is also a great town to live in, offering a number of restaurants, malls, and even an apple orchard. It's one of the original eight "Public Ivies," a distinction coined in 1985 bestowed to universities that provide an Ivy League experience at a public school price. Notable UVA alumni include former U.S. Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy and former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar is a women's college made up of only about 830 students. If you're looking for a smaller college experience, Sweet Briar may be the Virginia college for you. Boasting a high teacher-student ratio and a number of time-honored traditions, Sweet Briar College stands behind its motto "Think is for girls." Students at Sweet Briar also remark that theirs is a very accepting and diverse academic environment. Notable Sweet Briar alumnae include author Mary Lee Setter, and Sarah Porter Boehlmer, the first female Executive Vice President of the New York Stock Exchange.

Other Virginia colleges include Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, University of Richmond, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, and many, many more.

Cappex has tons of resources for students considering a college in Virginia, including plenty of ways to help you find and apply for scholarships. Begin by browsing the complete list of colleges and universities below.