Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you. If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships, but also more pleasurable walks across campus. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degress you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no disctinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whehter you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands balancing work and life, or becuase the online colleges afford them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are aynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find, well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023

By James Barham

Published: May 5, 2021
Updated: Jan 24, 2023

Interested in attending a STEM school in Virginia? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2022

University of Virginia
George Mason University
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
Virginia Commonwealth University
Old Dominion University
Liberty University
Hampton University
Regent University
Shenandoah University

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

How do we determine Virginia's best colleges and universities?

Methodology

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 11 research universities in Virginia. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Best Research Universities in Virginia 2022

#1
University of Virginia
Charlottesville , VA
#4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
94%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1415/32
What is University of Virginia known for?

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

Law
Literature
History
Political Science
Education
Philosophy
Psychology
Economics
Business
Communications

Most Influential Alumni

Ronald Coase
Edgar Allan Poe
John Backus
Tom Regan
William Faulkner
Francis Collins
Georgia O'Keeffe
Katie Couric
Anselm Strauss
Ferid Murad
Allen Tate
William M. Bass
#2
George Mason University
Fairfax , VA
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
- #14 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
70%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
What is George Mason University known for?

George Mason University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Economics
Criminal Justice
Political Science
Computer Science
Law
Business
Sociology
Philosophy
Earth Sciences
Anthropology

Most Influential Alumni

Tyler Cowen
Brian Krebs
Peter Boettke
Alex Tabarrok
Stephen Moore
Sibel Edmonds
Steven Horwitz
Fred Foldvary
Stephen Blair Hedges
Peter Leeson
Zainab Salbi
Erden Eruç
#3
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg , VA
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
87%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/28
What is Virginia Tech known for?

Virginia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Engineering
Economics
Criminal Justice
Political Science
Earth Sciences
Computer Science
Mathematics
Chemistry
Business
Physics

Most Influential Alumni

Steve Bannon
Edward F. Moore
Thomas DiLorenzo
Gladys West
Robert Coleman Richardson
Lewis Binford
Charles Camarda
Jerry C. Lee
Donaldson Brown
Kirk Schulz
Benjamin K. Sovacool
Ross W. Greene
#4
William & Mary
Williamsburg , VA
#18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #4 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
91%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/32
What is William & Mary known for?

William & Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Law
History
Literature
Political Science
Earth Sciences
Education
Economics
Philosophy
Physics
Biology

Most Influential Alumni

Winfield Scott
Henry Clay
James Comey
John Marshall
George Wythe
Jerry Coyne
Christina Romer
Steven M. Wise
Edmund Randolph
Thomas Jefferson
Donald Judd
Mary Jo White
#5
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond , VA
#3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
68%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/24
What is Virginia Commonwealth University known for?

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

Social Work
Nursing
Medical
Chemistry
Biology
Anthropology
Communications
Sociology
Education
Psychology

Most Influential Alumni

Tom Robbins
Charles Vess
Alan Gross
David Baldacci
Arpad Vass
Michael Kaluta
Abir Muhaisen
Marcus Rediker
Wiley Miller
Robert Q. Marston
Sheri Reynolds
Emmet Gowin
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN

Required Credits: 32
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Clinical Laboratory Science

Required Credits: 40
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
#6
Old Dominion University
Norfolk , VA
#4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023 #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
49%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
What is Old Dominion University known for?

Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Earth Sciences
Engineering
Computer Science
Sociology
Education
Physics
Business
Biology
Political Science
Chemistry

Most Influential Alumni

Justin Verlander
William J. Fallon
Nabeel Qureshi
Elizabeth Ashburn Duke
George Thomas Coker
Samuel Paparo
Nancy Lieberman
Kathleen M. Gainey
Ali Javey
Serkan Golge
Jason Redman
Chris Gatling
Old Dominion University’s Online Degrees
BA in Fashion Merchandising

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Finance

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Real Estate

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Risk Management And Insurance

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Marketing Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computer Engineering

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computer Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Information Systems And Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Embedded Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Technology Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Cybercrime

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Training Specialist (Occupational And Technical Studies)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Special Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS or BA in Geography

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Political Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Sociology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Communication Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Writing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences-Health Services Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Dental Hygiene

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Public Health

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Civil Engineering Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in General Engineering Technology- Electromechanical Systems (Ids)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Industrial Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Mechatronics Systems Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Met-Manufacturing Systems/Mechanical System Design

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Met-Nuclear Systems Concentration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
#7
Liberty University
Lynchburg , VA
#13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
What is Liberty University known for?

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

Religious Studies
Philosophy
Education
Political Science
Law
Business
Communications
History
Criminal Justice
Social Work

Most Influential Alumni

Tim LaHaye
Susan Wise Bauer
Tony Perkins
Shannon Bream
Chuck Baldwin
Nick Foles
Ed Stetzer
Chris Epps
Jerry Falwell Jr.
Michael R. Licona
Nightbirde
Terry Fator
Liberty University’s Online Degrees
BS in Commercial Music

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Fashion Merchandising

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BFA in Graphic Design

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration

Degree Concentrations
Automotive Dealership Management
Communication
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing And Advertising
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Financial Planning
Green And Sustainable Management
Healthcare Management
Human Resource Management
International Business
Leadership
Marketing Analytics
Marketing: Sales Management And Professional Selling
Project Management
Public Administration
Real Estate
Strategic Marketing Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Business Education 6-12

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Christian Leadership And Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Sports Management

Degree Concentrations
Conference And Event Management
Sports Administration
Sports Communication And Public Relations
Sports Outreach
Sports Venue Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computational Mathematics

Degree Concentrations
Actuarial
Computer Science
Engineering

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Information Systems

Degree Concentrations
Accounting Information Systems
Data Networking
Database
Information Assurance

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Information Technology

Degree Concentrations
Application And Database Development
Data Networking And Security
Gaming Design
Web And Mobile Programming

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 121
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Degree Concentrations
Business Administration And Management
Corrections And Human Services
Crime Scene Investigation
Criminal Psychology
Homeland Security
Juvenile Justice
Public Administration
Strategic Intelligence

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Fire Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Government

Degree Concentrations
National Security
Politics And Policy
Public Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Law And Policy

Degree Concentrations
Pre-Law
Public Policy

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Paralegal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Elementary Education

Degree Concentrations
Middle Grades English
Middle Grades Mathematics
Middle Grades Science
Middle Grades Social Science
Special Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in English Education 6-12

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Mathematics Education 6-12

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Middle Education

Degree Concentrations
English
Math
Science
Social Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Physical Education 6-12

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Physics Education - Earth Science 6-12

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Social Studies Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Special Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in Special Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Teaching English As A Second Language

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Applied Ministry

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Biblical And Educational Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Cultural Engagement

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in English And Writing

Degree Concentrations
Creative Writing
Journalism

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BEd in English As A Second Language

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Military Studies

Degree Concentrations
History
International Security
Professional
Resiliency

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Political Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Public Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Religion

Degree Concentrations
Apologetics
Biblical And Theological Studies
Christian Counseling
Christian Ministries
Evangelism
Global Studies
Nextgen

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Social Media Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSW in Social Work

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Strategic Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Worship Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Informatics-Healthcare Informatics

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSRT in Respiratory Therapist

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Global Studies (Rn To Bsn)

Required Credits: 127
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Psychology

Degree Concentrations
Addictions And Recovery
Christian Counseling
Criminal Psychology
Online Crisis
Development Psychology
Life Coaching
Military Resilience

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Aviation

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Aviation Maintenance Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Aviation Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Civil Engineering

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Industrial Engineering

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
#8
Hampton University
Hampton , VA
#1 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2023
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
What is Hampton University known for?

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

Education
History
Sociology
Mathematics
Communications
Engineering
Business
Chemistry
Political Science
Nursing

Most Influential Alumni

St. Clair Drake
Robert Russa Moton
Christine Darden
Septima Poinsette Clark
Alberta Williams King
Mary Jackson
Frankie Muse Freeman
Kay Coles James
Spencer Christian
Robert Sengstacke Abbott
Freeman A. Hrabowski III
John T. Biggers
Hampton University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Systems Organization And Management

Degree Concentrations
Human Resource Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Paralegal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in General Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Public Safety Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing

Degree Concentrations
1 Year Accelerated
2 Year Accelerated

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
#9
Regent University
Virginia Beach , VA
#13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
62%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/25
What is Regent University known for?

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

Religious Studies
Law
Political Science
Computer Science
Psychology
Nursing
Business
Medical
Philosophy
Communications

Most Influential Alumni

Monica Goodling
Jennifer Elvgren
Bob McDonnell
Jordan Sekulow
Daniel Kelly
Nicole Johnson
Tony Hale
Charles Martin
Toussaint Romain
Gordon Klingenschmitt
Leroy Gilbert
Sharon Weston Broome
Regent University’s Online Degrees
BFA in Graphic Arts

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business

Degree Concentrations
Accounting
General Management
International Business
Sports Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Analytics

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Economics

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Undeclared

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Christian Leadership And Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BAS in Management And Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies

Degree Concentrations
Business
Marketing
Information Systems Technology
Communication Studies
English
Healthcare Management
Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computer Engineering

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Computer Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BAS in Information Systems Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Information Systems Technology

Degree Concentrations
Information Security
General

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Management Information Systems

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice-Corrections

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Cyber And Digital Forensics

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Government

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Government-American Government And Politics

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Government-International Relations And Foreign Policy

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Government-Pre-Law

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Government-Undeclared

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Law And National Security

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Paralegal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies-Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education (Non Licensure)

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies-Teacher Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Biblical And Theological Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry-Church Music

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry-Pastoral Care

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies- Internet And Social Media

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies-Advertising Public Relations

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies-Journalism

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies-Organizational Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies-Rhetoric And Public Culture

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies-Strategic Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies-Undeclared

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Communication- Professional And Technical Writing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English- Self Designed

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English-Biblical Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English-Government

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English-History

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English-Writing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Studies-Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Studies-Christian Ministry

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Studies-Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Studies-Government And Public Policy

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Studies-Information Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies- Biblical And Theological Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies- Government

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies-Christian Ministry

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies-History

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies-Leadership Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Gerontology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Management

Degree Concentrations
Nursing Home Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies-Nursing Home Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
#10
Shenandoah University
Winchester , VA
#7 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
64%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
What is Shenandoah University known for?

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

Nursing
Medical
History
Education
Computer Science
Business
Chemistry
Literature
Sociology
Political Science

Most Influential Alumni

Thomas Wilkins
Harold Perrineau
Carter Beauford
Kate Flannery
Mac Wiseman
Lawrence Webb
Carl Tanner
Wendy Gooditis
Richard Zarou
Tiffany Lawrence
Tona Brown
Karen M Rose
Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Rn To Bsn

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
#11
Mary Baldwin University
Staunton , VA
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
48%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/21
What is Mary Baldwin University known for?

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

Social Work
Education
Mathematics
Medical
Chemistry
Communications
History
Sociology
Nursing
Literature

Most Influential Alumni

Anna Jarvis
Tallulah Bankhead
Susan Schmidt
Kennedy Summers
Margaret Hunt Hill
Mary Julia Baldwin
Rachel Henderlite
Dorie Clark
Louisa Venable Kyle
Judith Godwin
Adelia Armstrong Lutz
Anne St. Clair Wright
Mary Baldwin University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Marketing And Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English

Required Credits: 15
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSW in Social Work

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Sociology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Liberal Arts And Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: None Reported
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Health Informatics And Information Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online

Find the Best Research Universities in Virginia for Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you. If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).
Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships, but also more pleasurable walks across campus. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degress you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no disctinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whehter you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.
Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands balancing work and life, or becuase the online colleges afford them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are aynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.
The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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.

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023

10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2022

Colleges and Universities in Virginia

What are Virginia’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Research Universities in Virginia 2022

Most Influential Alumni

Most Influential Alumni

Most Influential Alumni

Most Influential Alumni

Most Influential Alumni

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

Old Dominion University’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

Liberty University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Hampton University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Regent University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

Mary Baldwin University’s Online Degrees

Find the Best Research Universities in Virginia for Your Area of Interest