Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2025

Badge for BEST IN VIRGINIA SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

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 2025

  1. Washington and Lee University
  2. University of Richmond
  3. Virginia Military Institute
    +1
  4. Hampton University
    –1
  5. Virginia State University
  6. Virginia Union University
    +3
  7. Hampden–Sydney College
    +9
  8. Hollins University
    +4
  9. University of Mary Washington
    –1
  10. Sweet Briar College
    –3

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best small colleges in Virginia changed considerably. Hampden–Sydney College gained the most ranking positions as the college created the Leadership and Civic Engagement Center, which offers programs that integrate leadership training with community service and public policy initiatives, reflecting the college’s commitment to forming well-rounded leaders. Additionally, the college has enhanced its core curriculum by introducing new interdisciplinary courses that focus on ethics, global challenges, and entrepreneurship, providing students with a more comprehensive and practical education. Hampden–Sydney has also modernized its facilities, including updated science labs and collaborative learning spaces, to foster innovation and research.

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Virginia is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 31 small colleges in Virginia. The list below of the 25 best small colleges in Virginia. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in Virginia

  1. #1

    Washington and Lee University

    Lexington , VA
    #22 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #23 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1471/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington and Lee University

    Cost of Degree: $64,525
    Expenses: $22,475
    Starting Salary: $93,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington and Lee University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Richmond

    University of Richmond , VA
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025

    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
    What is University of Richmond known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Virginia Military Institute

    Lexington , VA
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025

    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
    What is Virginia Military Institute known for?

    Virginia Military Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University

    Cost of Degree: $29,162
    Expenses: $16,886
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hampton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Virginia State University

    Petersburg , VA
    #6 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #10 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #19 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Virginia State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Virginia State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Virginia Union University

    Richmond , VA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Virginia Union University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Hampden–Sydney College

    Hampden-Sydney , VA
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Hampden–Sydney College known for?

    Hampden–Sydney College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Hollins University

    Roanoke , VA
    #11 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #8 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Hollins University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Mary Washington

    Fredericksburg , VA
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia

    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
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Sweet Briar College

    Sweet Briar , VA
    #9 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Sweet Briar College known for?

    Sweet Briar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Christopher Newport University

    Newport News , VA

    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

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Roanoke College

    Salem , VA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Roanoke College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Longwood University

    Farmville , VA
    #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    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:

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Eastern Mennonite University

    Harrisonburg , VA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Eastern Mennonite University known for?

    Eastern Mennonite University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Randolph College

    Lynchburg , VA
    #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Randolph College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Marymount University

    Arlington , VA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #13 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    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
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Randolph–Macon College

    Ashland , VA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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
    What is Randolph–Macon College known for?

    Randolph–Macon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Shenandoah University

    Winchester , VA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #12 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #12 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shenandoah University

    Cost of Degree: $36,028
    Expenses: $15,900
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shenandoah University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    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
    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Virginia's College at Wise

    Wise , VA
    #10 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024

    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
    Compare school
  25. #21

    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:

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Virginia Wesleyan University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #14 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1277/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $36,960
    Expenses: $16,113
    Starting Salary: $44,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Environmental Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Ferrum College

    Ferrum , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ferrum College

    Cost of Degree: $38,320
    Expenses: $16,780
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ferrum College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Emory and Henry College

    Emory , VA

    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
    What is Emory and Henry College known for?

    Emory and Henry College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Virginia’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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. Southern Virginia University
  4. Hollins University
  5. University of Richmond
  6. Hampden–Sydney College
  7. Virginia Union University
  8. Hampton University
  9. Sweet Briar College
  10. Virginia State University
  11. Randolph–Macon College
  12. Norfolk State University
  13. Marymount University
  14. University of Mary Washington
  15. Eastern Mennonite University
  16. Randolph College
  17. Emory and Henry College
  18. Mary Baldwin University
  19. Christopher Newport University
  20. Roanoke College
  21. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  22. Shenandoah University
  23. Averett University
  24. Bluefield University
  25. Bridgewater College
  26. Longwood University
  27. University of Lynchburg
  28. Ferrum College
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