Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2025
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
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
- #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
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
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: $64,525Expenses: $22,475Starting Salary: $93,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 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
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
88%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1464/33
Career Outlook for degree at University of Richmond
Cost of Degree: $62,600Expenses: $18,720Starting Salary: $78,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 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: $20,484Expenses: $14,340Starting Salary: $65,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 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
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
- #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #1 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
- #3 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025
- #5 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #5 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #9 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #11 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #12 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #5 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #16 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 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: $29,162Expenses: $16,886Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 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
- #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
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
38%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
930/15
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia State University
Cost of Degree: $9,755Expenses: $17,906Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University
Cost of Degree: $14,880Expenses: $14,552Starting Salary: $34,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Union University known for?
Virginia Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Medical
- Communications
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $52,388Expenses: $17,110Starting Salary: $59,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #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: $42,260Expenses: $18,400Starting Salary: $37,900Cost Recoup Time: 21 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 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
69%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary Washington
Cost of Degree: $14,559Expenses: $17,990Starting Salary: $56,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
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: $25,110Expenses: $18,970Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sweet Briar College known for?
Sweet Briar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $16,351Expenses: $18,172Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
$35K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
71%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1165/25
Career Outlook for degree at Roanoke College
Cost of Degree: $36,774Expenses: $18,616Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
$15K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/23
Career Outlook for degree at Longwood University
Cost of Degree: $15,200Expenses: $19,931Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Longwood University known for?
Longwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Mennonite University
Cost of Degree: $41,860Expenses: $16,640Starting Salary: $44,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
$28K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/26
Career Outlook for degree at Randolph College
Cost of Degree: $29,010Expenses: $16,030Starting Salary: $41,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #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: $38,250Expenses: $23,548Starting Salary: $57,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
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: $48,002Expenses: $17,180Starting Salary: $54,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #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
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Shenandoah University
Cost of Degree: $36,028Expenses: $15,900Starting Salary: $52,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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
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: $11,656Expenses: $16,745Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
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: $20,040Expenses: $14,376Starting Salary: $39,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Virginia University known for?
Southern Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #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: $36,960Expenses: $16,113Starting Salary: $44,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Wesleyan University known for?
Virginia Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Sociology
- Communications
- Biology
- Chemistry
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
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: $41,350Expenses: $18,695Starting Salary: $46,600Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
$38K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
28%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ferrum College
Cost of Degree: $38,320Expenses: $16,780Starting Salary: $41,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
$35K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
58%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Emory and Henry College
Cost of Degree: $35,280Expenses: $18,460Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 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