Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024

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Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Virginia offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia

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  1. Washington and Lee University
  2. University of Richmond
  3. James Madison University
  4. Radford University
  5. Virginia Military Institute
  6. Virginia State University
  7. Christopher Newport University
  8. Sweet Briar College
  9. University of Mary Washington
  10. Norfolk State University
  1. Washington and Lee University
  2. University of Richmond
  3. Virginia Military Institute
  4. James Madison University
  5. Virginia State University
  6. Hampden–Sydney College
  7. Radford University
  8. Virginia Union University
  9. Hollins University
  10. University of Mary Washington
  1. Southern Virginia University 99%
  2. Eastern Mennonite University 99%
  3. Emory and Henry College 97%
  4. Randolph College 95%
  5. Radford University 93%
  6. Virginia State University 90%
  7. Bridgewater College 90%
  8. Norfolk State University 89%
  9. Longwood University 88%
  10. University of Mary Washington 86%
  1. Norfolk State University 18 to 1
  2. Virginia Union University 17 to 1
  3. Southern Virginia University 17 to 1
  4. James Madison University 17 to 1
  5. University of Virginia's College at Wise 14 to 1
  6. Marymount University 13 to 1
  7. Longwood University 13 to 1
  8. Christopher Newport University 13 to 1
  9. Bridgewater College 13 to 1
  10. Radford University 12 to 1
  1. Washington and Lee University $61,750
  2. University of Richmond $60,330
  3. Hampden–Sydney College $50,740
  4. Randolph–Macon College $46,460
  5. Hollins University $41,210
  6. Eastern Mennonite University $40,990
  7. Bridgewater College $39,800
  8. Marymount University $37,600
  9. Roanoke College $35,350
  10. Emory and Henry College $35,155
  1. Randolph–Macon College $43,800
  2. University of Richmond $26,280
  3. Marymount University $21,420
  4. Bridgewater College $19,230
  5. Hollins University $17,423
  6. Randolph College $17,100
  7. Emory and Henry College $15,504
  8. Eastern Mennonite University $15,000
  9. James Madison University $11,520
  10. Sweet Briar College $11,400
  1. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  2. Bridgewater College
  3. Southern Virginia University
  4. Emory and Henry College
  5. Eastern Mennonite University
  6. Randolph College
  7. Hampden–Sydney College
  8. Randolph–Macon College
  9. Marymount University
  10. Longwood University
  1. Bridgewater College
  2. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  3. Southern Virginia University
  4. Stratford University
  5. Marymount University
  6. Randolph College
  7. Eastern Mennonite University
  8. Roanoke College
  9. Longwood University
  10. Christopher Newport University
  1. Washington and Lee University 17%
  2. University of Richmond 24%
  3. Hampden–Sydney College 40%
  4. Virginia Military Institute 71%
  5. Hollins University 72%
  6. University of Virginia's College at Wise 76%
  7. Sweet Briar College 76%
  8. James Madison University 78%
  9. Roanoke College 80%
  10. Virginia Union University 81%
  1. Randolph College 7 to 1
  2. Washington and Lee University 7 to 1
  3. Hollins University 8 to 1
  4. University of Richmond 8 to 1
  5. Sweet Briar College 8 to 1
  6. Hampden–Sydney College 9 to 1
  7. Virginia Military Institute 10 to 1
  8. Randolph–Macon College 10 to 1
  9. Eastern Mennonite University 10 to 1
  10. Roanoke College 11 to 1
  1. Virginia State University $5,540
  2. Norfolk State University $5,752
  3. University of Virginia's College at Wise $6,040
  4. James Madison University $7,684
  5. Radford University $8,156
  6. Longwood University $8,420
  7. University of Mary Washington $8,938
  8. Christopher Newport University $9,375
  9. Virginia Military Institute $9,782
  10. Virginia Union University $14,305
  1. Longwood University $6,678
  2. Christopher Newport University $7,848
  3. Virginia State University $8,375
  4. Norfolk State University $8,820
  5. University of Mary Washington $8,928
  6. Radford University $9,182
  7. Virginia Union University $11,275
  8. Sweet Briar College $11,400
  9. James Madison University $11,520
  10. Eastern Mennonite University $15,000

Colleges and Universities in Virginia

Liberty University, a private Christian school in Lynchburg, is the largest school in Virginia, serving over 60,000 students. The largest public university, Virginia Tech, has a student population of about half that but offers many in-person degree programs as well as eight master’s programs and 19 certificate programs online. Students who attend Virginia Tech can pursue fields like engineering, criminal justice, education, and business.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The majority of Virginia’s universities and colleges could be considered small schools, serving populations of less than 5,000 students. Included on this list are public schools, like Christopher Newport University in Newport News, and private schools, like Hampton University, a historically black university in Hampton. Though most of its higher education institutes charge tuition fees above the national average, Virginia offers several loan forgiveness programs for qualifying attorneys and medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmaceutical professionals.

Virginia is perhaps most famous for its rich history - but the state is also home to many unique museums and famous landmarks. For example, those who love the classics can visit the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond. Those who harbor romantic dreams of espionage and intrigue might visit the CIA Museum in McLean. And, if you like your attractions random, you could check out Virginia’s 300-yard-long natural tunnel or its 29-ton spinning granite ball. While you’re here, you might consider attending one of the 78 colleges located in the state.

Learn more about Virginia’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s many colleges and universities.


What are Virginia’s Colleges & Universities?

Virginia’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 32 liberal arts colleges in Virginia. To be ranked among the 25 best liberal arts colleges in Virginia, schools must fully accredited institutions.

There are a number of accredited online MBA programs in Virginia as well. If you are considering continuing your education beyond a bachelor’s degree, an online MBA degree in Virginia can be a great option for busy working professionals looking for a path to career advancement.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2023

  1. #2

    University of Richmond

    University of Richmond , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1464/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Richmond

    Cost of Degree: $62,600
    Expenses: $18,720
    Starting Salary: $78,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #4

    Radford University

    Radford , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Radford University

    Cost of Degree: $12,286
    Expenses: $16,885
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Radford University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1202/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Military Institute

    Cost of Degree: $20,484
    Expenses: $14,340
    Starting Salary: $65,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #6

    Virginia State University

    Petersburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/15

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,755
    Expenses: $17,906
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Virginia State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Christopher Newport University

    Cost of Degree: $16,351
    Expenses: $18,172
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Christopher Newport University known for?

    Christopher Newport University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #8

    Sweet Briar College

    Sweet Briar , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Sweet Briar College

    Cost of Degree: $25,110
    Expenses: $18,970
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #9

    University of Mary Washington

    Fredericksburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary Washington

    Cost of Degree: $14,559
    Expenses: $17,990
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mary Washington known for?

    University of Mary Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Mary Washington’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Norfolk State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,910
    Expenses: $17,592
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Norfolk State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Tourism And Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University

    Cost of Degree: $14,880
    Expenses: $14,552
    Starting Salary: $34,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #12

    Roanoke College

    Salem , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Roanoke College

    Cost of Degree: $36,774
    Expenses: $18,616
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #13

    Stratford University

    Alexandria , VA
    What is Stratford University known for?

    Stratford University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Human Resources
    • Marketing
    • Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Advanced Culinary Arts
    • Baking And Pastry Arts
    • Hotel And Restaurant Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Network Administration
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #14

    Hollins University

    Roanoke , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Hollins University

    Cost of Degree: $42,260
    Expenses: $18,400
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #15

    Longwood University

    Farmville , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Longwood University

    Cost of Degree: $15,200
    Expenses: $19,931
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Longwood University known for?

    Longwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. #16

    Marymount University

    Arlington , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marymount University

    Cost of Degree: $38,250
    Expenses: $23,548
    Starting Salary: $57,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marymount University known for?

    Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Marymount University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accelerated
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Randolph–Macon College

    Cost of Degree: $48,002
    Expenses: $17,180
    Starting Salary: $54,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #18

    Hampden–Sydney College

    Hampden-Sydney , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampden–Sydney College

    Cost of Degree: $52,388
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #19

    Randolph College

    Lynchburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Randolph College

    Cost of Degree: $29,010
    Expenses: $16,030
    Starting Salary: $41,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #20

    Eastern Mennonite University

    Harrisonburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Mennonite University

    Cost of Degree: $41,860
    Expenses: $16,640
    Starting Salary: $44,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Emory and Henry College

    Cost of Degree: $35,280
    Expenses: $18,460
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #22

    Southern Virginia University

    Buena Vista , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Virginia University

    Cost of Degree: $20,040
    Expenses: $14,376
    Starting Salary: $39,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Virginia University known for?

    Southern Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  21. #23

    Bridgewater College

    Bridgewater , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Bridgewater College

    Cost of Degree: $41,350
    Expenses: $18,695
    Starting Salary: $46,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bridgewater College known for?

    Bridgewater College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1037/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia's College at Wise

    Cost of Degree: $11,656
    Expenses: $16,745
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia's College at Wise known for?

    University of Virginia's College at Wise’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Virginia's College at Wise’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Virginia’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Washington and Lee University
  2. Virginia Military Institute
  3. Hollins University
  4. University of Richmond
  5. Hampden–Sydney College
  6. Sweet Briar College
  7. Randolph–Macon College
  8. Marymount University
  9. University of Mary Washington
  10. Eastern Mennonite University
  11. Randolph College
  12. Emory and Henry College
  13. James Madison University
  14. Radford University
  15. Christopher Newport University
  16. Roanoke College
  17. Bridgewater College
  18. Longwood University
  19. University of Lynchburg

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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