Top 10 Universities in Virginia

Virginia, a place rich in history and opportunities, is often known as the birthplace of the U.S. From its busy and hustling cityscape, to its calm mountains and beaches, it has a lot to offer. Virginia has a low-crime rate and excellent healthcare and job opportunities. It is also home to a few of the top universities of the country. Which is why, here is a list of the top 10 universities in Virginia:

The University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is the flagship university of Virginia. Located in Charlottesville, it is known for its historic heritage and intricate architecture, specifically named ‘Academical Village’.  The university is diverse; with a small racial difference in its graduation rates. It has multiple traditions and recreational activities which ensure students enjoy their time to the fullest. The university is also known for its research institute, athletics programs and of course, being the top university of Virginia, its world-class education. Financial aid is offered to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who require it. Scholarships are awarded to students with academic, athletic, or artistic achievement. Scholarships or loans are not offered to international students who are foreign nationals.

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University a liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia. Situated in Shenandoah Valley, with beautiful mountains, it is the ninth oldest institution of higher education in America. They show great importance to diversity, making sure their students have the capability to think freely, critically and humanely. They have more than 100 clubs and organizations for students to partake in and access to resources to develop programming according to student’s interests. They have a weekly calendar of events which consists of performances and lectures, athletic contests and organizational meetings, exhibits and sports. All students, international or domestic are eligible to apply for their merit-based or need-based grants.

The College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary is a research university in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States which makes it very rich in its history and traditions. The campus is renowned for how beautiful it is. It has many recreational activities and facilities for students to enjoy their campus life to the fullest. Students are required to complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal financial aid and complete the CSS Profile for any additional need-based financial aid. All students are automatically considered for their merit-based scholarships.

University of Richmond

The University of Richmond is located in Richmond, Virginia. It is a liberal arts university with five schools:  School of Arts & Sciences, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Robins School of Business, Richmond School of Law, School of Professional & Continuing Studies. Richmond assures students that they will have a great learning experience blurring the divide between academics and extracurriculars. They emphasize on their student’s well-being with their new Well Being Center. Richmond provides students with need-based and merit-based aid, for which both U.S. citizens and international non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. However, the Army ROTC scholarship program and National Merit Scholarships are merit-based scholarships applicable for U.S. citizens only.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, a land-grant university with athletics and traditions, and world-class education. The university ensures that its students are going to be offered a diverse environment committed to well-being with its recreational activities, fun campus life, student organizations and clubs. It is a research university and one of six senior military colleges in the United States. Students who are looking for financial aid are required to be a citizen or eligible non-citizen. To find out if you are an eligible non-citizen, check their website. Students also need to submit the FAFSA and complete the General Scholarship Application at the university’s Scholarship Central to be considered for financial grants and scholarships.

James Madison University

James Madison is a research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The university is in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful mountains. James Madison University has over 450+ clubs and organizations for its students. Their primary goal is for their students to be happy in a beautiful setting with a supportive, active community. School spirit is important along with their traditions, the best of which is ‘leaving campus with a fulfilling and memorable experience’. To be eligible for merit-based scholarship students require exceptional academic performance and for need-based scholarships, applicants must file the FAFSA.

George Mason University

George Mason University is a research university located in Fairfax County near Fairfax City, Virginia. Their motto is ‘Freedom and Learning’. It was recently named as the most diverse university of Virginia by the U.S. News and World Report. The university consists of many communities with 500+ clubs, thousands of events and clubs, recreational activities etc. for students to get the most out of their campus life. To be eligible for financial aid, students are required to submit the FAFSA. All applicants are automatically considered for GMU’S merit-based scholarships.

Liberty University

Liberty University is an evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. They offer a lot of recreational activities for students, claiming that there is always something to do at Liberty. Sports, adventure, relaxation are few of the many things they offer their students throughout their campus life. They have more than 700 programs of study for students to choose from. Applying students are considered for merit-based scholarships. To be eligible for financial aid, students are required to submit the FAFSA.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a research university in Richmond, Virginia. Research and creativity are two of their greatest strengths. Their main goal is to advance knowledge and student success. Offering 200+ programs for students and fun campus life with 432 student organizations, they make sure their students never have a dull moment. To be considered for scholarship, applicants must submit the Common Application and their respective test scores. In case of financial aid, students are required to fill out the FAFSA.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a research university in Norfolk, Virginia. Located where the city merges with the sea, the university makes sure their students enjoy their campus time meeting people from different cultures, partaking in different sports and recreational activities. It is an entrepreneurial doctoral research university with rigorous academic programs with 300+ student organizations, 90+ bachelors programs, 43+ masters programs, 50+ doctoral programs. To be eligible for their need-based scholarships, students need to file the FAFSA. All applicants are automatically considered for their Academic and Endowed scholarships.

Virginia has a lot to offer; the sunny coastline, its beautiful iridescent mountains and of course, the busy city. Students studying in Virginia will definitely enjoy their time travelling, studying in one of the top 10 universities, and making lifelong friends and memories. Now, what are you waiting for? Apply to the university of your choice and pack your bags to study in Virginia!