Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2026
Small colleges in Virginia are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- With smaller student populations, the best small colleges in Virginia foster tight-knit campus communities where students can build meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and staff.
- Many small colleges in Virginia emphasize leadership development and a well-rounded liberal arts education, preparing students for diverse career paths and civic engagement.
- Virginia is a great state for college students due to its rich historical significance, strong academic institutions, and proximity to diverse career opportunities in fields like government, technology, and healthcare.
10 Best Small Colleges in Virginia in 2026
The list below ranks the 25 best small colleges in Virginia for 2026, drawn from a broader set of 31 small colleges that meet our inclusion criteria: regionally accredited institutions with total student populations under 5,000, primarily offering four‑year undergraduate programs. Schools are evaluated comparatively for academic breadth, campus character, and indicators that matter to prospective students—program strengths, experiential learning opportunities, and institutional fit—rather than a single numeric score.
Use this list as a starting point to identify campuses that match your priorities (majors, setting, cost, or post‑graduate goals). Each entry highlights what distinguishes the college and what to investigate next so you can quickly narrow options and plan campus visits or applications.
Best Small Colleges in Virginia
- #22 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #23 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$71K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
96%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1485/33
Career Outlook for degree at Washington and Lee University
Cost of Degree: $64,525Expenses: $22,475Starting Salary: $102,966Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washington and Lee University known for?
Washington and Lee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026
Tuition + fees
$68K
Acceptance
22%
Graduation
87%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/34
Career Outlook for degree at University of Richmond
Cost of Degree: $62,600Expenses: $18,720Starting Salary: $92,362Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Richmond known for?
University of Richmond’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/27
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Military Institute
Cost of Degree: $20,484Expenses: $14,340Starting Salary: $85,178Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Military Institute known for?
Virginia Military Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
64%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
940/17
Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University
Cost of Degree: $29,162Expenses: $16,886Starting Salary: $63,602Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hampton University known for?
Hampton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- History
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Political Science
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Hampton University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Systems Organization And Management
Degree Concentrations
- Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Safety Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- 1 Year Accelerated
- 2 Year Accelerated
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BS in Aviation Management
Degree Concentrations
- Airport Administration
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
63%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/25
Career Outlook for degree at Hampden–Sydney College
Cost of Degree: $52,388Expenses: $17,110Starting Salary: $76,989Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hampden–Sydney College known for?
Hampden–Sydney College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Physics
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
28%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University
Cost of Degree: $14,880Expenses: $14,552Starting Salary: $44,816Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Union University known for?
Virginia Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Business
- Sociology
- Medical
- Communications
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #10 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #19 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
37%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
955/17
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia State University
Cost of Degree: $9,755Expenses: $17,906Starting Salary: $49,358Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia State University known for?
Virginia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Education
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Virginia State University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
69%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hollins University
Cost of Degree: $42,260Expenses: $18,400Starting Salary: $48,102Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hollins University known for?
Hollins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #7 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary Washington
Cost of Degree: $14,559Expenses: $17,990Starting Salary: $66,028Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mary Washington known for?
University of Mary Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Education
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Political Science
- Communications
- History
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
University of Mary Washington’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
57%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Sweet Briar College
Cost of Degree: $25,110Expenses: $18,970Starting Salary: $54,986Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sweet Briar College known for?
Sweet Briar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- History
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
75%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/27
Career Outlook for degree at Christopher Newport University
Cost of Degree: $16,351Expenses: $18,172Starting Salary: $65,183Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Christopher Newport University known for?
Christopher Newport University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
64%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/27
Career Outlook for degree at Roanoke College
Cost of Degree: $36,774Expenses: $18,616Starting Salary: $64,329Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Roanoke College known for?
Roanoke College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Communications
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
62%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for degree at Longwood University
Cost of Degree: $15,200Expenses: $19,931Starting Salary: $55,653Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Longwood University known for?
Longwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Mennonite University
Cost of Degree: $41,860Expenses: $16,640Starting Salary: $58,912Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Mennonite University known for?
Eastern Mennonite University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Literature
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/24
Career Outlook for degree at Randolph–Macon College
Cost of Degree: $48,002Expenses: $17,180Starting Salary: $64,714Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Randolph–Macon College known for?
Randolph–Macon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Sociology
- Physics
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #16 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #9 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
55%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Marymount University
Cost of Degree: $38,250Expenses: $23,548Starting Salary: $74,032Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marymount University known for?
Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Economics
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Business
- Communications
- Engineering
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Marymount University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
Degree Concentrations
- Accelerated
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
54%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/22
Career Outlook for degree at Randolph College
Cost of Degree: $29,010Expenses: $16,030Starting Salary: $53,121Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Randolph College known for?
Randolph College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Sociology
- Literature
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Engineering
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2026 #12 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Shenandoah University
Cost of Degree: $36,028Expenses: $15,900Starting Salary: $66,382Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shenandoah University known for?
Shenandoah University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Nursing
- History
- Communications
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
40%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1098/21
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Virginia University
Cost of Degree: $20,040Expenses: $14,376Starting Salary: $53,570Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Virginia University known for?
Southern Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
What is Stratford University known for?
Stratford University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Finance
- Management
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Informatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Hospitality Management
Degree Concentrations
- Advanced Culinary Arts
- Baking And Pastry Arts
- Hotel And Restaurant Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Network Administration
- Software Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 30
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 15 months
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #13 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2026 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/28
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $36,960Expenses: $16,113Starting Salary: $54,390Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Wesleyan University known for?
Virginia Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Virginia Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees
BA in Digital Music
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Information Systems
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Social Sciences
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Environmental Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sustainability Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
29%
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1032/20
Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia's College at Wise
Cost of Degree: $11,656Expenses: $16,745Starting Salary: $50,389Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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: 1-2 years
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bridgewater College
Cost of Degree: $41,350Expenses: $18,695Starting Salary: $58,669Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bridgewater College known for?
Bridgewater College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Physics
- Sociology
- Economics
- History
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
35%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ferrum College
Cost of Degree: $38,320Expenses: $16,780Starting Salary: $48,617Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ferrum College known for?
Ferrum College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1137/23
Career Outlook for degree at Emory and Henry College
Cost of Degree: $35,280Expenses: $18,460Starting Salary: $52,287Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emory and Henry College known for?
Emory and Henry College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- History
- Education
- Biology
- Psychology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Virginia’s Best Small College 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.
- Washington and Lee University
- Virginia Military Institute
- Southern Virginia University
- Hollins University
- University of Richmond
- Hampden–Sydney College
- Virginia Union University
- Hampton University
- Sweet Briar College
- Virginia State University
- Randolph–Macon College
- Norfolk State University
- Marymount University
- University of Mary Washington
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Randolph College
- Emory and Henry College
- Mary Baldwin University
- Christopher Newport University
- Roanoke College
- University of Virginia's College at Wise
- Shenandoah University
- Averett University
- Bluefield University
- Bridgewater College
- Longwood University
- University of Lynchburg
- Ferrum College
