1. University of Virginia (UVA)
Overview of University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia (UVA) is a public research university and one of the original Public Ivies. Known for its rigorous academics, UVA has strong programs in law, business, and public policy. The university is famous for its historic campus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its student-run Honor System.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #25 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 26,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Average SAT Score: 1350-1500
Extracurricular Activities
- Virginia Cavaliers Athletics (NCAA Division I, ACC)
- Student Council (student government)
- The Cavalier Daily (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
- University Singers and Symphony Orchestra
Famous Alumni
- Tina Fey – Comedian, actress, and writer
- Katie Couric – Television journalist and author
- Robert F. Kennedy – U.S. Senator
- Woodrow Wilson – 28th U.S. President
- Georgia O’Keeffe – Modernist painter
Top Employers of Graduates
- Boeing
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Capital One
2. College of William & Mary
Overview of College of William & Mary
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Founded in 1693, the College of William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. and is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and historic legacy. The university excels in programs such as law, government, and history, and has a reputation for producing leaders in politics, law, and education.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #41 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 9,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 45 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Average SAT Score: 1300-1480
Extracurricular Activities
- William & Mary Tribe Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Assembly (student government)
- The Flat Hat (student newspaper)
- William & Mary Choir
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Thomas Jefferson – Founding Father and U.S. President
- James Comey – Former FBI Director
- Jon Stewart – Comedian and former host of The Daily Show
- Glenn Close – Academy Award-nominated actress
- Robert Gates – Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Top Employers of Graduates
- Deloitte
- PwC
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Amazon
- U.S. Department of State
3. Virginia Tech
Overview of Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is a public land-grant research university known for its top-tier engineering, technology, and agricultural programs. Virginia Tech emphasizes hands-on learning, particularly in the STEM fields, and is home to one of the largest undergraduate engineering programs in the U.S. The university is also known for its commitment to service and leadership development.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #47 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 37,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 280 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average SAT Score: 1210-1410
Extracurricular Activities
- Virginia Tech Hokies Athletics (NCAA Division I, ACC)
- Student Government Association
- The Collegiate Times (student newspaper)
- Corps of Cadets
- Outdoor Recreation and Club Sports
Famous Alumni
- Homer Hickam – Author of Rocket Boys
- Michael Vick – Former NFL quarterback
- David Calhoun – CEO of Boeing
- Robert C. Richardson – Nobel Prize-winning physicist
- Hoda Kotb – Today show host
Top Employers of Graduates
- Northrop Grumman
- General Electric
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- Deloitte
4. George Mason University
Overview of George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Established in 1957, George Mason University (GMU) is the largest public research university in Virginia and is known for its programs in economics, law, and public policy. The university has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly through its proximity to Washington, D.C. GMU is also recognized for its research contributions in cybersecurity, data analytics, and conflict resolution.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #137 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 39,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Average SAT Score: 1140-1350
Extracurricular Activities
- George Mason Patriots Athletics (NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10)
- Student Government
- GMU Debate Team
- Greek Life
- Patriot Activities Council (events and programming)
Famous Alumni
- Anousheh Ansari – First female private space explorer
- Archie Kao – Actor, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- Hala Gorani – CNN journalist
- Peter Boettke – Economist
- Angela Orebaugh – Cybersecurity expert
Top Employers of Graduates
- Amazon
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Northrop Grumman
- Deloitte
- U.S. Department of Defense
5. James Madison University (JMU)
Overview of James Madison University
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Founded in 1908, James Madison University (JMU) is a public university known for its strong focus on undergraduate education and its highly ranked programs in business, education, and health sciences. JMU places a high emphasis on hands-on learning, leadership development, and civic engagement, making it a top choice for students seeking a balanced academic and extracurricular experience.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #7 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1120-1290
Extracurricular Activities
- JMU Dukes Athletics (NCAA Division I, Sun Belt)
- Student Government Association
- The Breeze (student newspaper)
- Marching Royal Dukes Band
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Scott Norwood – NFL player
- Barbara Hall – Television writer and producer, Madam Secretary
- Tamera Mowry – Actress, Sister, Sister
- Charles Haley – NFL Hall of Famer
- Akeem Jordan – NFL player
Top Employers of Graduates
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- Capital One
- Northrop Grumman
- Inova Health System
6. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Overview of Virginia Commonwealth University
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Founded in 1838, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university known for its highly ranked programs in the arts, health sciences, and business. VCU’s School of the Arts is one of the top fine arts programs in the country, while the VCU Medical Center is a leader in healthcare education and research.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #166 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 28,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 220 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1260
Extracurricular Activities
- VCU Rams Athletics (NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10)
- Student Government Association
- The Commonwealth Times (student newspaper)
- VCUarts Performances
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- David Baldacci – Bestselling author
- Wanda Sykes – Comedian and actress
- Stephen Furst – Actor, Animal House
- Chris Adler – Drummer, Lamb of God
- Sandra Bullock – Actress
Top Employers of Graduates
- VCU Health
- Capital One
- Bon Secours Health System
- Dominion Energy
- Altria
7. Washington and Lee University
Overview of Washington and Lee University
Location: Lexington, Virginia
Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a private liberal arts university with a strong emphasis on ethics, leadership, and public service. W&L is known for its small class sizes, rigorous academics, and highly regarded law school. The university also emphasizes honor and integrity through its student-run Honor System.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #11 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Average SAT Score: 1380-1490
Extracurricular Activities
- W&L Generals Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- Student Government Association
- The Ring-tum Phi (student newspaper)
- Mock Trial Team
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- John Warner – Former U.S. Senator
- Pat Robertson – Christian broadcaster and political figure
- Roger Mudd – Journalist, CBS News
- Tom Wolfe – Novelist and journalist
- Sandra Day O’Connor – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice (attended briefly)
Top Employers of Graduates
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan Chase
- Deloitte
- McKinsey & Company
- Booz Allen Hamilton
8. Liberty University
Overview of Liberty University
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, Liberty University is a private Christian university known for its online education programs, as well as strong programs in business, law, and theology. Liberty emphasizes a Christian worldview in all its academic programs and is one of the largest Christian universities in the world, with a significant number of students enrolled in its online programs.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 100,000 (on-campus and online)
- Degrees Offered: Over 600 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1230
Extracurricular Activities
- Liberty Flames Athletics (NCAA Division I, ASUN)
- Student Government Association
- Liberty University Worship Collective
- Liberty Debate Team
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- TobyMac – Christian musician
- Shannon Bream – Fox News anchor
- Nick Foles – NFL quarterback
- Jerry Falwell Jr. – Former Liberty University President
- Benham Brothers – Christian real estate entrepreneurs
Top Employers of Graduates
- Liberty University
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- PwC
- Walmart
9. Hampden-Sydney College
Overview of Hampden-Sydney College
Location: Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is a private men’s liberal arts college known for its emphasis on leadership, ethics, and the classical liberal arts. The college offers small class sizes and personalized attention to students, preparing them for careers in law, business, and public service. Hampden-Sydney is one of the last remaining all-male colleges in the U.S.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #111 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1260
Extracurricular Activities
- Hampden-Sydney Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- Student Government
- Union-Philanthropic Society (debate and literary society)
- The Tiger (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Stephen Colbert – Comedian and TV host (attended briefly)
- Patrick Henry – Founding Father
- Paul Trible – Former U.S. Senator
- Robert H. Freeman – U.S. Ambassador
- William H. Armstrong – Author of Sounder
Top Employers of Graduates
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Dominion Energy
- Deloitte
- Bank of America
- Altria
10. Old Dominion University (ODU)
Overview of Old Dominion University
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Founded in 1930, Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. ODU has a strong emphasis on research, particularly in fields such as modeling and simulation, coastal engineering, and cybersecurity. Its location near Naval Station Norfolk provides students with access to military-related internships and career opportunities.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 24,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1220
Extracurricular Activities
- ODU Monarchs Athletics (NCAA Division I, Conference USA)
- Student Government Association
- ODU Monarch Marching Band
- Greek Life
- Modeling and Simulation Club
Famous Alumni
- Justin Verlander – MLB pitcher
- Ben Bailey – Host of Cash Cab
- Tim Seibles – Poet
- Jay Harris – ESPN anchor
- Kent Bazemore – NBA player
Top Employers of Graduates
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard
- Huntington Ingalls Industries
- Boeing
- Sentara Healthcare
- Old Dominion University