Best Value Colleges And Universities In Virginia

As one of the premier historically black universities in Virginia, Hampton proudly claims a track record of supporting diversity in higher education. It even briefly established a program for Native Americans, and today Hampton continues to support education for a global community. Fort Monroe, the Virginia Air and Space Center, and the Langley Research Center are all close by, as well as all the beaches and historic sites that distinguish the Chesapeake Bay. But then again, with all the events available on campus you may not even make it to the waterfront! Annual festivities such as the Black History Extravaganza and the Mr. Pirate Competition mix fun and culture all year long.

Farmville might sound like an online computer game, but it's also one of the most historic towns on the East Coast. Tied to both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, Farmville is a major attraction for those interested in this nation's past. It's also the home of Longwood University, a small school of just 5,100 students. Young people choose Longwood not just for its historic surroundings but also for its small campus, stately architecture, and unique mission. Above all, the university seeks to produce "citizen leaders" and encourages students to choose meaningful career paths. In fact, "Liberal Studies" has long been the most popular major on campus, offering a broad curriculum that graduates future teachers, counselors, and librarians.

In addition to being one of the most affordable colleges in Virginia, Radford University is also well known for its active campus and involved students. There's always something to do on its 204-acre grounds, whether you want to get involved in media (try ROC TV or Radio Free Radford) or athletics (19 NCAA Division I sports include top basketball and tennis teams). But at the end of the day, Radford "Highlanders" get down to the serious business of studying. Regardless of which major you choose - and Radford houses six distinct colleges with more than 100 degree programs - your future will be bright. The school's 20-year net ROI tops $200,000!

While some students see college as a time to earn a credential, Bridgewater students see it as the perfect opportunity to challenge themselves. While larger, public universities tend to emphasize training for specific careers, Bridgewater stays true to the traditional liberal arts mission: to cultivate a love of learning that gives students the confidence to "raise the bar" on their own standards. Preferring the term "liberating arts," this cheap Virginia college is anything but stingy when it comes to student engagement. You'll have the freedom to explore anything you might want to do; in other words, to pursue a passion over a paycheck.

Liberty University has made a name for itself as one of the most comprehensive online colleges in the nation, but don't forget about its traditional campus in Virginia! With 16 colleges and schools, 20 NCAA Division I sports, and 35 club teams, Liberty stands tall as the largest collegiate institution in the state. On that note, it's also the nation's largest non-profit university and the biggest Evangelical Christian college in the world (if you include the 100,000+ online students). And yet despite its size, don't expect to waltz onto campus with no effort. Liberty's 22% acceptance rate makes it one of the state's more selective schools - so get ready to hit the books!

Located in Norfolk on Virginia's coastline, Old Dominion University is ideally situated for both fun and scholarship. While the nearby beaches and boardwalks can be tempting, ODU students spend plenty of time in the classroom, as well. In fact, one of the school's best features is its commitment to teaching. 26 professors have received "outstanding faculty" awards from the state, and the vast majority of buildings are equipped with the highest-tech equipment possible to facilitate innovative instruction. And speaking of innovation, Old Dominion University excels where it really counts: research. From alternative energy to nanotechnology, this cheap college in Virginia easily passes for a much more expensive institution.

Although the University of Virginia's main campus in Charlottesville is quick to steal the spotlight, college students shouldn't be too quick to overlook their options at the affiliated College at Wise. Although it share's its bigger sibling's academic caliber, the College at Wise is squarely devoted to the liberal arts. Widely recognized as one of the best traditional liberal arts schools in the entire country, this top Virginia college offers an array of majors in all the main staples of academics. In addition, programs like the Center for Teaching Excellence and ROTC training bring an important degree of community involvement to campus.

As both a historically black university and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College fund, Norfolk State makes a great first impression when it comes to supporting minority students. But NSU also does one better: the school is part of the Virginia High-Tech Partnership, which links HBCUs with nearby corporations as a way to provide internships (and hopefully permanent careers) for traditionally underserved students. The school's 20-year net ROI of $120,000 indicates the success NSU grads typically enjoy, while on-campus activities provide endless opportunities for current students to develop new skills. And commuters, fear not: NSU's regular program of events will keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Hollins University may not have the name recognition of a school like Harvard, but the unique experience it offers deserves a seriously close look. Forget rote memorization or training just to pass a test - students at Hollins are genuinely curious, passionate, and eager to learn. Faculty members share a similar commitment to the university, and nearly 100% are employed full time! In keeping with its off-the-beaten-path approach to education, Hollins has invented "Tinker Day." Every year, the administration cancels class one random day so that students and professors alike can hike up Tinker Mountain (while wearing costumes and singing, of course). Students seem to respond well to the Hollins method, as 97% are employed or in graduate school within a year of earning their diploma.

In today's increasingly competitive job market, college seems to have become more about securing a credential - and a comfortable income - than about learning. Eastern Mennonite University has resisted this shift, instead focusing on "academics for the common good." Undergraduates get to know their professors by name and can enjoy one-on-one conversations with their favorite mentors over lunch or coffee. Cultural immersion is also an important part of an EMU education; whether you opt for an internship in D.C. or a summer excursion overseas, this school is one of the best Virginia colleges for experiential learning.

It's difficult to capture the essence of a city like Richmond in one paragraph. With an eclectic nightlife and a pervasive artistic vibe, Richmond - and VCU by extension - is known for attracting a creative crowd. In fact, Virginia Commonwealth University boasts the #1 public arts graduate program in the country, while professors and alumni alike have earned prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships. VCU is also home to the state's best medical hospital and recently earned the distinction of housing the "most innovative business students." But no matter what your area of interest, VCU will land you solidly on the ladder to success; its 20-year net ROI breaks the $200,000 ceiling.

As one of the only liberal arts schools in the country just for men, Hampden-Sydney easily distinguishes itself from the crowd of other colleges in the region. While it's certainly not for everyone, HSC holds a unique appeal for young male learners who are serious about their studies. Alongside academics, Hampden-Sydney prioritizes strong moral and ethical character development. Students work to become "thoughtful, honorable men" who "behave as gentlemen" make a mission out of serving others. Supporting this mission are initiatives like The Rhetoric Program, which ensures that all students know how to write and speak effectively, and the Union Philanthropic Society, which hosts weekly formal debates (and a coat and tie dress code!).

Founded as a college for freed slaves and incorporated in the merging of four different institutions, Virginia Union University's history is anything but average. One of the original colleges, Richmond Theological Seminary, even held classes in a former holding cell for runaways! More than 150 years later, VUU continues to uphold its original, bold commitment to a comprehensive education for all. Between the Sydney Lewis School of Business; the Evelyn R. Syphax School of Education, Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies; the School of Humanities and Social Sciences; and the School of Mathematics, Science & Technology, VUU unquestionably upholds this mission - and then some! Although with a slim 24% acceptance rate, this affordable Virginia college is growing too popular to admit everyone - so study hard!

Forget separation of church and school - Bethel College and Bethel Church operate in unison to provide a one-of-a-kind education for religious students. Closely modeled on the five-fold ministry detailed in the Bible, Bethel College channels all its resources into educating students for theological careers. Make sure you are confident in your career choice if you pick this cheap college in Virginia, as switching majors isn't an option. The only bachelor's program available is in Church Ministries, although you will have the flexibility to pick a concentration in Missions, Biblical Studies, Worship and Worshiping Arts, or Ministerial Leadership.

Emory & Henry: a title full of history. Named for Patrick Henry, Virginia's first governor, and Bishop John Emory, a leader in the Methodist Church, E&H College supports a distinct dual mission. The curriculum places equal emphasis on religion and civic engagement, and it encourages students to develop themselves fully - intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. EHC also attracts nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, due in no small part to its breathtaking location in rural Southwest Virginia. You might even consider Semester-A-Trail, an experiential learning course in which you will spend a semester hiking the Appalachian Trail - and you'll earn 12 credits in the process!

Many students struggle to decide whether to attend a large research university or a small liberal arts college. The former often provides more targeted career prep, while the latter provides a more flexible path for broad-minded students. Enter Randolph Macon College, the middle-of-the-road solution for students who want it all. RMC offers a distinguished liberal arts curriculum in conjunction with an innovative career-training program called "The Edge." Advisors from The Edge Career Center will work with you all four years to develop a job plan that is seamlessly integrated into your academic studies. Students who adhere this proven program enjoy plenty of success - or "an edge" as RMC says - in the job market.

In the Venn Diagram of spiritual education and affordable admission, Regent University sits squarely in the middle. One of the best universities in Virginia for religious students on a budget, Regent supports a "unique campus culture" that places rigorous academics and faith-based study on the same pedestal. The school's 6,000 or so students include both undergraduate and graduate-level learners majoring in everything from Accounting to Youth Ministry. Regent also houses a School of Law and numerous online programs, while special initiatives for international students and veterans makes this university about as inclusive as they come.

Nestled safely in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg College offers unbeatable scenery on a quiet campus. The 250-acre campus is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and hiking trails, and LC students are understandably adventurous. Lynchburg also features unique sustainability programs, including the 420-acre Clayton Nature Study Center. That being said, Washington, D.C. and Richmond are both within easy driving distance, which means you can reap all the benefits of city life - including internships and world-class entertainment - without all the expense and chaos. But perhaps LC's most defining feature is its unique spirit, characterized by friendliness, helpfulness, and a strong sense of family.

Fall in love with college at Virginia State University, a 236-acre campus that overlooks the sparkling Appomattox River and the bustling city of Petersburg. The first of multiple historically black universities represented on this list, VSU is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and a long-time favorite for African American students. One of just two land-grant institutions in Virginia, VSU proudly sports a 416-acre research facility. A quick tour around this cheap college in Virginia will reveal plenty of other modern facilities, including 17 academic buildings and 16 residence halls. You'll also notice plenty of busy students as they run back and forth between classes and fun student activities, such as marching band, Greek life, dance groups, Taekwondo, and more.

School should be about doing what you love - at least that's what Roanoke College believes. Students come to Salem to meet passionate peers who truly care about academics and want to make the world a better place. Of course, Roanoke's incredible campus - rated one of the most beautiful in the country by Princeton Review - is a pretty good reason, too! A respectable admissions rate of 69% and a climbing graduation rate position Roanoke as a serious contender amongst top Virginia colleges, and other publications agree. U.S. News has even identified the school as an "up-and-comer" in the world of liberal arts colleges, and it's easy to see why.