Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024

BEST IN VIRGINIA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

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. Virginia Military Institute
  4. James Madison University
  5. Virginia State University
  6. Radford University
  7. Virginia Union University
  8. Hampden–Sydney College
  9. Hollins University
  10. University of Mary Washington
  1. Southern Virginia University 100%
  2. Virginia State University 96%
  3. Radford University 95%
  4. Eastern Mennonite University 95%
  5. Virginia Union University 94%
  6. Randolph College 94%
  7. Longwood University 90%
  8. Norfolk State University 89%
  9. Christopher Newport University 89%
  10. Emory and Henry College 87%
  1. Virginia Union University 21 to 1
  2. Southern Virginia University 17 to 1
  3. James Madison University 17 to 1
  4. Norfolk State University 16 to 1
  5. Longwood University 15 to 1
  6. Marymount University 14 to 1
  7. Radford University 14 to 1
  8. Christopher Newport University 14 to 1
  9. Bridgewater College 13 to 1
  10. University of Mary Washington 13 to 1
  1. Washington and Lee University $59,380
  2. University of Richmond $58,570
  3. Hampden–Sydney College $49,504
  4. Roanoke College $48,330
  5. Randolph–Macon College $45,150
  6. Hollins University $40,170
  7. Eastern Mennonite University $39,990
  8. Bridgewater College $38,460
  9. Marymount University $36,050
  10. Emory and Henry College $35,165
  1. Emory and Henry College $33,238
  2. University of Richmond $25,620
  3. Marymount University $20,520
  4. Bridgewater College $18,544
  5. Hollins University $17,269
  6. Randolph College $17,100
  7. Eastern Mennonite University $15,000
  8. Stratford University $13,368
  9. Sweet Briar College $11,400
  10. Virginia Union University $11,275
  1. Bridgewater College
  2. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  3. Southern Virginia University
  4. Stratford University
  5. Randolph College
  6. Marymount University
  7. Eastern Mennonite University
  8. Emory and Henry College
  9. Longwood University
  10. Roanoke College
  1. Washington and Lee University 19%
  2. University of Richmond 29%
  3. Hampden–Sydney College 37%
  4. Virginia Military Institute 64%
  5. Hollins University 75%
  6. Bridgewater College 75%
  7. Sweet Briar College 80%
  8. Roanoke College 80%
  9. University of Mary Washington 82%
  10. University of Virginia's College at Wise 83%
  1. Washington and Lee University 8 to 1
  2. University of Richmond 8 to 1
  3. Randolph College 8 to 1
  4. Sweet Briar College 8 to 1
  5. Hampden–Sydney College 9 to 1
  6. Hollins University 9 to 1
  7. Stratford University 9 to 1
  8. Eastern Mennonite University 10 to 1
  9. Emory and Henry College 10 to 1
  10. Virginia Military Institute 11 to 1
  1. Virginia State University $5,540
  2. Norfolk State University $5,752
  3. University of Virginia's College at Wise $5,864
  4. James Madison University $7,460
  5. Radford University $7,922
  6. Longwood University $8,180
  7. University of Mary Washington $8,678
  8. Christopher Newport University $9,100
  9. Virginia Military Institute $9,782
  10. Virginia Union University $13,530
  1. Longwood University $6,480
  2. Christopher Newport University $7,614
  3. Virginia State University $8,375
  4. University of Mary Washington $8,676
  5. Norfolk State University $8,820
  6. Radford University $8,915
  7. James Madison University $11,184
  8. Virginia Union University $11,275
  9. Sweet Briar College $11,400
  10. Stratford University $13,368

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

Best Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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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.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2023

  1. #2

    University of Richmond

    University of Richmond , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Richmond

    Cost of Degree: $58,570
    Expenses: $16,020
    Starting Salary: $53,333
    Salary after 4 years: $68,813
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #3

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/25

    Career Outlook for degree at James Madison University

    Cost of Degree: $12,638
    Expenses: $16,650
    Starting Salary: $48,822
    Salary after 4 years: $64,619
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    James Madison University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #4

    Radford University

    Radford , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Radford University

    Cost of Degree: $11,542
    Expenses: $14,640
    Starting Salary: $43,635
    Salary after 4 years: $53,893
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  4. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Military Institute

    Cost of Degree: $19,670
    Expenses: $13,512
    Starting Salary: $43,110
    Salary after 4 years: $65,981
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Virginia State University

    Petersburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    910/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,154
    Expenses: $14,519
    Starting Salary: $38,527
    Salary after 4 years: $45,681
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  6. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Christopher Newport University

    Cost of Degree: $14,924
    Expenses: $16,872
    Starting Salary: $37,523
    Salary after 4 years: $55,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  7. #8

    Sweet Briar College

    Sweet Briar , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Sweet Briar College

    Cost of Degree: $23,080
    Expenses: $18,030
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Salary after 4 years: $48,086
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    University of Mary Washington

    Fredericksburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary Washington

    Cost of Degree: $13,800
    Expenses: $17,050
    Starting Salary: $42,462
    Salary after 4 years: $53,834
    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
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Norfolk State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,622
    Expenses: $17,088
    Starting Salary: $36,332
    Salary after 4 years: $44,655
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  10. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    850/15

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University

    Cost of Degree: $13,530
    Expenses: $16,358
    Starting Salary: $32,557
    Salary after 4 years: $39,931
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #12

    Roanoke College

    Salem , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Roanoke College

    Cost of Degree: $48,180
    Expenses: $18,240
    Starting Salary: $35,056
    Salary after 4 years: $51,383
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #13

    Stratford University

    Alexandria , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    100%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stratford University

    Cost of Degree: $15,130
    Starting Salary: $46,394
    What is Stratford University known for?

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

    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
  13. #14

    Hollins University

    Roanoke , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Hollins University

    Cost of Degree: $40,170
    Expenses: $17,660
    Starting Salary: $26,269
    Salary after 4 years: $36,947
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #15

    Longwood University

    Farmville , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Longwood University

    Cost of Degree: $14,090
    Expenses: $17,466
    Starting Salary: $41,517
    Salary after 4 years: $47,422
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Longwood University known for?

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

  15. #16

    Marymount University

    Arlington , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Marymount University

    Cost of Degree: $35,250
    Expenses: $18,366
    Starting Salary: $59,035
    Salary after 4 years: $67,625
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  16. Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1124/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Randolph–Macon College

    Cost of Degree: $45,150
    Expenses: $15,460
    Starting Salary: $36,415
    Salary after 4 years: $51,553
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #18

    Hampden–Sydney College

    Hampden-Sydney , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampden–Sydney College

    Cost of Degree: $49,504
    Expenses: $17,478
    Starting Salary: $44,550
    Salary after 4 years: $59,857
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #19

    Randolph College

    Lynchburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Randolph College

    Cost of Degree: $26,890
    Expenses: $15,362
    Starting Salary: $22,402
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #20

    Eastern Mennonite University

    Harrisonburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Mennonite University

    Cost of Degree: $39,990
    Expenses: $15,510
    Starting Salary: $54,396
    Salary after 4 years: $58,707
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Emory and Henry College

    Cost of Degree: $35,165
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $38,028
    Salary after 4 years: $40,383
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #22

    Southern Virginia University

    Buena Vista , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1234/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Virginia University

    Cost of Degree: $17,960
    Expenses: $13,800
    Starting Salary: $28,620
    Salary after 4 years: $34,997
    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:

  22. #23

    Bridgewater College

    Bridgewater , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Bridgewater College

    Cost of Degree: $38,460
    Expenses: $16,790
    Starting Salary: $36,342
    Salary after 4 years: $41,766
    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

  23. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/20

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

    Cost of Degree: $11,162
    Expenses: $15,603
    Starting Salary: $33,330
    Salary after 4 years: $42,877
    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 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here