Choosing a university is a critical decision that significantly impacts one’s educational journey, influencing future earnings, career opportunities, student loan obligations, and social interactions.
While every student aspires to receive a top-notch education, numerous factors must be considered, such as location, campus size, diversity, academic specialties, and study abroad programs.
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While prestigious Ivy League institutions often dominate best college rankings, the United States boasts over 4,000 accredited universities spanning all states and territories, offering exceptional educational experiences.
A compilation of the top four-year colleges in Virginia has been crafted based on various criteria, including tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratio, admission rates, and graduation rates. The geographical setting of a university also plays a pivotal role in its attractiveness, whether it’s a coastal campus, nestled in New England greenery, or situated near tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Notably, online and undisclosed location institutions have been excluded from the rankings.
Continue reading to explore the premier educational institutions in Virginia.
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#10. George Mason University
– Location: Fairfax, VA
– Acceptance rate: 91%
– Net price: $18,841
– SAT range: 1140-1350
– Niche grade: B+
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#9. Hampden-Sydney College
– Location: Hampden-Sydney, VA
– Acceptance rate: 37%
– Net price: $28,679
– SAT range: 1080-1260
– Niche grade: B+
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#8. Virginia Commonwealth University
– Location: Richmond, VA
– Acceptance rate: 93%
– Net price: $19,656
– SAT range: 1070-1300
– Niche grade: B+
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#7. James Madison University
– Location: Harrisonburg, VA
– Acceptance rate: 86%
– Net price: $18,528
– SAT range: 1140-1310
– Niche grade: A-
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#6. Virginia Military Institute
– Location: Lexington, VA
– Acceptance rate: 64%
– Net price: $18,100
– SAT range: 1080-1300
– Niche grade: A-
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#5. University of Richmond
– Location: University Of Richmond, VA
– Acceptance rate: 29%
– Net price: $28,881
– SAT range: 1280-1460
– Niche grade: A
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#4. William & Mary
– Location: Williamsburg, VA
– Acceptance rate: 37%
– Net price: $18,399
– SAT range: 1360-1520
– Niche grade: A+
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#3. Virginia Tech
– Location: Blacksburg, VA
– Acceptance rate: 56%
– Net price: $20,109
– SAT range: 1210-1410
– Niche grade: A+
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#2. Washington and Lee University
– Location: Lexington, VA
– Acceptance rate: 19%
– Net price: $26,063
– SAT range: 1410-1530
– Niche grade: A+
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#1. University of Virginia
– Location: Charlottesville, VA
– Acceptance rate: 21%
– Net price: $20,401
– SAT range: 1380-1500
– Niche grade: A+
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This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.