Top Colleges and Universities in Virginia: A Comprehensive Ranking Overview

Virginia, often called "the birthplace of a nation," boasts a rich history and a strong commitment to higher education. From its historic institutions to its modern research universities, Virginia offers a diverse range of academic opportunities for students. This article provides an overview of some of the top colleges and universities in Virginia, considering various rankings and factors that contribute to their reputations.

National University Rankings

U.Va.'s Prominent Position

The University of Virginia (U.Va.) has consistently led Virginia schools in national university rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, U.Va. held the top spot among Virginia schools for at least six consecutive years. In U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list it was ranked No. 26. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, U.Va. is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, on a sprawling 1,682-acre campus. Its graduate programs, including those in business, education, engineering and applied science, law, and medicine, are highly regarded. The University of Virginia also ranked 2nd for top public school and 5th for best undergraduate business programs.

Other Top Universities

Other Virginia universities also feature prominently in national rankings. Virginia Tech and William & Mary tied for 21st in the top public schools rankings. The College of William and Mary, the second oldest college in the United States, was founded in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. George Mason University was ranked 138th in a tie with three other universities. Virginia Commonwealth University tied with California State University, Fullerton, for No. 72, and James Madison University made No. Old Dominion University ranked No.

Virginia Tech's 2,600-acre campus is located in Blacksburg. Known for its extensive research institutes and centers, which are available to both undergraduates and graduates, Virginia Tech is consistently recognized for its value and program quality. The College of Engineering at Virginia Tech is highly ranked.

Virginia Commonwealth University is located in the urban setting of Richmond, Virginia, and is known for its School of Art, School of Education, School of Social Work, and School of Medicine. James Madison is a large public research university located in Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

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It's important to note that U.S. News & World Report evaluates over 1,500 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success for its national universities list, and 13 indicators for the national liberal arts colleges list.

Rankings for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Virginia also has several historically black colleges and universities that are recognized for their contributions to higher education. Hampton University ranked No. 7 again this year in U.S. News & World Report’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities list. Virginia State University tied with Bowie State University in Maryland for 11th, a jump from 23rd last year. Norfolk State University was No. 26, while Virginia Union University tied for the 43rd slot.

Hampton University is a private institution set in an urban area by Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Historically black, the institution was founded by a freed African American woman, Mary Peake, who began teaching freed slaves in the spot where the campus now resides.

Rankings Based on Sustainability

Virginia Tech is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability. The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings measure universities against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assessment uses calibrated indicators to make comparisons across three broad areas: research, outreach, and stewardship. Universities can be ranked in individual SDGs and receive an overall Impact Ranking.

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a self-reporting framework that allows colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance transparently. The program aims to engage a wide range of higher education institutions, from community colleges to global research universities.

Top 50 Best Colleges in the US

College Raptor’s Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is their most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. College Raptor use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.

Other Notable Institutions

Beyond the nationally ranked universities, Virginia is home to a variety of other notable institutions:

Old Dominion University: A state school which was divided from the College of William and Mary.
Shenandoah University: A private institution located in Winchester, Virginia.
Mary Baldwin University: A private university located in Staunton, Virginia, originally founded as a women’s seminary.
Washington and Lee University: A private university located in Lexington, Virginia, with popular majors including business, economics, political science, and government.
University of Richmond: A private liberal arts university located in Richmond, Virginia.
Virginia Military Institute: A small public college located in Lexington, Virginia, offering both physical and academic training to its cadets.
Liberty University: A private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Hampden-Sydney College: A men’s liberal arts college located in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
University of the People: A completely online university that offers degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and education.

Tuition Costs

It's important to consider tuition costs when evaluating colleges. Here are some average tuition figures for undergraduate studies at various Virginia institutions:

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State: $9,796 - $60,590
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State: $30,466 - $60,590

Rankings in Specific Programs

Several Virginia universities have strong programs in specific fields:

The College of William and Mary: Ranked #1 for best undergraduate business program in marketing, #2 for best undergraduate business program for sustainability, and #4 for undergraduate accounting programs.
University of Virginia: Ranked 2nd for top public school and 5th for best undergraduate business programs.
Virginia Tech College of Engineering: Ranked 15th of all colleges and 8th among public universities. The College of Engineering’s Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics ranked 5th, Industrial and Systems Engineering ranked 6th nationally, and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering ranked 7th.

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