2024 Best Colleges for International Relations in Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  2,378 reviews

Alum: Overall, great education with some mishaps due to COVID and online learning. Positive atmosphere, very inclusive. I would like to see a change in how the grading system is designed - a-lot of my classes (mostly STEM) allowed students to fail and then curved everyones grades and I would rather the material be taught correctly and more comprehensively and have no curve needed at all. Loved the liberal arts classes I got to take! Lots of engaging discussions. The grounds around campus are absolutely beautiful and very well kept. There are tons of amazing places to study and relax.... Read 2,378 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• Blacksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,097 reviews

Junior: Virginia Tech is a wonderful academic institution. Where most schools excel in either academics or the college experience, VT is strong in both areas. The surrounding area is also very involved with Virginia Tech. While I have been at multiple colleges, I have returned to VT to finish my bachelor's and complete my master's degree! Take one visit and you will understand why everyone is so proud to be a Hokie. Be sure to also check out the dining halls. Virginia Techs' dining halls are incredible with the friendliest staff you could imagine! The culture at Virginia Tech is Work hard play hard! Students are self-motivated and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Come Friday night, the campus turns into the ultimate social hub. Most classmates of mine only left campus during the holiday breaks, as VT has everything you could want or need while on campus!... Read 4,097 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $20,109

• SAT range 1210-1410

• University Of Richmond, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  764 reviews

Freshman: My experience at the University of Richmond has been one filled with incredibly understanding and motivating professors. Since my first semester I found that my mental health and well being in general has been put at the forefront and prioritized with accommodations regarding course work. There are a variety of activities, clubs, and sports that radiate inclusive and encouraging energy to any and all that join. There is constantly something to do on campus ranging from acapella performances , day of the dead celebrations, haunted houses, mechanical spider riding, just about anything! The resources on campus are also endless. There is a highly vocalized opportunity to engage in research alongside professors, and career services that help launch well prepared students into internships. Something that I would like to change around campus would perhaps be an upgrade in security. This meaning more patrol around the entrances of campus simply because it is so easy access to the public.... Read 764 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $28,881

• SAT range 1280-1460

• Williamsburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,588 reviews

Alum: Graduated in 2011, was the best college experience I could have hoped for! Made lifelong friends and discovered passion for history. I interned at Colonial Williamsburg and had some amazing public history courses where we traveled to historic sites and discussed primary sourced (and ate bbq!). Such a perfect campus size, it felt larger than other liberal arts schools but still super safe. I walked home alone at 3 am often. Was not part of the party scene, but was super social and my freshman dorm was where I made most of my friends. If I had one thing the criticize it would be support in finding a job post-graduation (this may have changed in the 10+ yrs since graduation). You have to be proactive about using the career center. They have a brand new online social community that I joined as an alumni and I think this will be a huge help to recent grads.... Read 1,588 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $18,399

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Lexington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  213 reviews

Junior: Virginia Military Institute offers a very unique college experience in that it provides a structured environment for anyone to be able to succeed. There is an incredible amount of leadership opportunities for everyone to be able to help the Corps function as a team. While the school can seem overwhelming at times due to strict standards and regulations, even that stress can be a positive learning experience as it teaches crucial lessons such as time management and communication skills. These skills will increase in your time at VMI. Initially, I was not a fan of the way things were run and how much my day was planned for me, but then I learned how to incorporate my own schedule with things that I wanted to do and achieve into the overarching schedule of VMI (which can seem al encompassing). Overall, VMI is a great place for anyone that is up for a challenge and is wishing to grow their leadership abilities.... Read 213 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $18,100

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Hampden-sydney, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  164 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Hampden-Sydney College. As a full time student I had the time to participate in Division III athletics and work a part time job, all while creating friendships with my brothers, some of which have lasted after graduation. Hampden Sydney is a school that not only challenges you in your academic learning, but also challenges you to evaluate your views of the world and think critically. Hampden-Sydney's motto is to "create good men and good citizens", and it certainly lives up to said mantra. The only things I would criticize would be the infamously horrible food from Thompson Hospitality in the commons, which is jokingly referred to as "the Moans" (use your imagination to figure out why), and the quality of some of the older dorms. However, I wouldn't trade my 4 years at HSC for the world.... Read 164 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $28,679

• SAT range 1080-1260

• Fairfax, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  4,940 reviews

Freshman: Although my experience with George Mason University is still relatively early on, I can attest that GMU has thorough communication from not only their website, but with the academic advisor. The website is easy to navigate and inviting. We also have visited the campus on several occasions for a spring orientation and then the main freshman orientation event. Both orientation sessions were very organized from the beginning with what to expect before arriving until the completion of the event. During the orientation, we had the pleasure of meeting faculty and students who truly enjoyed their job of welcoming us to the university. We enjoyed the tour of the campus, housing and dining areas. All of the dining halls provided exceptional food variety and can say everything we ate was delicious! GMU has been provided us with nothing but stellar experiences despite the challenges of the ever changing post pandemic lifestyle on campus.... Read 4,940 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,841

• SAT range 1140-1350

• Roanoke, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  548 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Hollins was exactly what I dreamed it would be. I had always wanted a more quaint, peaceful college experience, and HU encapsulates that to the highest degree. I loved the small class sizes, relationship-building with classmates, and intentionality from all staff. I loved that I am not a test score or a number, but a person seen for my interests, personality, and passions. I loved the classes I took, and I was also provided many great opportunities, like being able to work in the president's office, speak on panels, and become an RA. It is a safe, beautiful campus full of nature and the strength of the women who came before. There are also lots of little lounges hidden around campus, which I love! The things I would change would be the quality of the food and housing. With how much is paid, the lack of variety/quality in food and the housing on campus without AC in August doesn't feel fair, especially as students are required to have a meal plan and live on campus.... Read 548 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $23,825

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Harrisonburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,179 reviews

Senior: James Madison University is a big school with a small school feel- wherever you are on campus there will be a new face but you'll probably see someone you know as well! The professors want to know you and help you accomplish your goals. The school is absolutely breathtaking and the people are super friendly. There are lots of different options to major in and the resources available at this school are phenomenal. This school does a wonderful job of preparing its students for post-grad life and has a great reputation for getting a job! The school spirit at JMU is really what drew me here in the first place. Current students and alumni are proud to be Dukes and they look out for each other when hiring. We also love our sports, our Marching Royal Dukes (MRDs), and supporting different events in and around the JMU/Harrisonburg community. Great outdoors and delicious eateries, breweries, wineries, and coffee shops nearby! Best school in the world! Go Dukes!... Read 3,179 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $18,528

• SAT range 1140-1310

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,008 reviews

Sophomore: Regent University exceeded my expectations with the content in the online biblical courses that was so insightful, and detailed surrounding the time that the Bible was actually written. I enjoyed the interactions with professors and my classmates. Overall Regent has the best online experience as navigating blackboard was easy, and communication tools were very effective! My professors usually responded the same day or the next day with answers to my questions. I absolutely loved the online courses at Regent. Also, my counselor often checked in to see how I was doing, to let me know if there was something they needed, and to let me know when I could choose more classes, unusually nice of them. Lastly, next semester I will be taking courses on campus in which I am looking forward to engaging. Regent University was a great choice of schools, and I am humbled by the experience thus far. I know that the campus will provide rich memories for my collegiate experience.... Read 1,008 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 41%

• Net price $16,579

• SAT range 960-1230

• Fredericksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.14 out of 5  1,294 reviews

Senior: Atmosphere - A nice, friendly school with chill students and kind faculty Party - This is not a party school. This is a school for introverted nerds. Professors - Competent at what they do and will work with you to help you succeed. Tuition - Expensive. Apply EARLY to FASFA! Campus - Small, about 20 minute walk from each side. Very beautiful with nice classrooms. Not much to do on campus but there are ways to find entertainment through clubs and other activities. Dorms - Sardine box. Surrounding Area - A nice area, if you have a car, or don't mind taking the bus or walking about 30 minutes to historic downtown. Historic downtown is very nice. Tutoring - There are tutors available who will happily help you, but you need to schedule with them. Some students will agree to form a study group, some won't, really just depends. Remember: shy introverts. Health Services - Very good for what they are. You can walk to the local hospital.... Read 1,294 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $21,901

• SAT range 1130-1320

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  8,024 reviews

Freshman: My experience with Liberty University has been blissful, interacting with passionate residential staff who are sincere with the Father, supportive admissions officers over the phone, a direct and transparent website, and resources responding to many essential questions that undergraduates like me would have. If you are a true believer and lover of Jesus Christ in keeping His word and the Holy Spirit dwells in you, this is the college to attend, especially if you're in Virginia! I am an admitted online LU student, but I plan on attending residentially in the future because of the "LU Tour." The campus is gorgeous! Everything about Liberty University leaves a luscious impression. However, above that, I feel the peace of the Holy Spirit throughout. I recommend the LU 100%; you won't be disappointed.... Read 8,024 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $27,891

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Salem, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  764 reviews

Senior: Don't get me wrong, Roanoke has its downfalls— many of the residential halls drastically need to be redone, and communication between offices is lacking. HOWEVER, going to college here is the best decision I could've made. Most of the professors and staff members are excellent. They love what they do and genuinely care about the students. The classes are definitely challenging but are obtainable with hard work. The people are great! I've met so many people from so many different walks of life at this school. Greek life is a huge part of campus and you can usually find an event happening Wednesday to Sunday each week, but no one cares if you're a member or not. This school is great for getting out of your comfort zone, getting to meet new people, and learning lots. I feel throughly prepared for life after graduation.... Read 764 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $27,758

• SAT range 1080-1230

• Harrisonburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  358 reviews

Sophomore: Eastern Mennonite University is a small liberal arts school, and most of its strengths and challenges come from this title. I have had a wonderful time interacting with professors and scheduling meetings 1-on-1 to talk about assignments and life in general. The opportunities to get involved in clubs and extracurriculars are extensive, and I have felt a general openness and optimism towards new ideas on campus. EMU's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee works very hard to listen to each other's needs and the needs of campus. Grants are distributed to students who want to make a difference, and present their proposals to the committee. Funding is a struggle at EMU, however. Because of its religious background, many alum donating money to the school are religious and sometimes unsupportive of the more progressive ideas and programs that are being put in place. There is also simply a smaller group of donors than a larger school, and so upkeep of older buildings is not maintained.... Read 358 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $23,936

• SAT range 1040-1590

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  707 reviews

Sophomore: I am in love with the small campus atmosphere, individual attention from professors who care about you as a person, and the ease to get involved in the campus community. There is genuinely a place for everyone and so much support so long as you reach out for it!... Read 707 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $27,305

• SAT range 970-1170

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  726 reviews

Sophomore: As a student who completed their first year at Virginia Wesleyan University, I would say that my experience was great. I felt as though this school was exactly what I was looking for, and more. The campus is quite small, and very private. I appreciate this since this allows me to get to class on time, as well as not have to worry about who is on campus. The staff have been wonderful, especially the professors. While there were some I did not love, others were extremely helpful and tentative when addressing students. I am so excited to start my second year!... Read 726 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $22,584

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Bridgewater, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  455 reviews

Alum: Bridgewater College is a small liberal arts institution of higher education. It was founded as a teachers college in 1880. BC has changed a lot in the years since it was Spring Creek Normal School, but it has remained true to its roots as the first co educational institution in the state of Virginia. Bridgewater has a mostly residential campus with a small student body hovering around 1600. Bridgewater has small class sizes, and professors that are committed to the growth of the students. The smaller class sizes allow the professors and the students to get to know each other. Even though Bridgewater College is a small institution, they have a wide variety of activities for students. With many clubs and organizations, outdoor programs, intramural sports, and even research opportunities. Bridgewater competes at the NCAA Division 3 level, fielding 22 intercollegiate teams.... Read 455 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,592

• SAT range 1010-1250

• Norfolk, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  4,601 reviews

Alum: My overall experience at Old Dominion University was a very positive one. First, the my courses were interesting and focused on being applicable outside of the classroom. Second, the professors are both knowledgeable and helpful. They want to see you succeed and will help however they can. Third, the school promotes fantastic diversity. It acts as a safe environment for people from all backgrounds to express their personal beliefs and encourages dialogue between students. Fourth, the school has just finished a new football stadium. Athletics at ODU are a great time and while they might not be as big as some other universities, it acts as a real point of unification for students, alumni, faculty, and the local community. Finally, the student life at the school is whatever you want to make of it. If you want to be apart of Greek Life, there are tons of options for you. If you want to be involved in the local community or student affairs there is that too!... Read 4,601 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $17,254

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Hampton, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  2,139 reviews

Freshman: I enjoyed Hampton! One of the things I liked about Hampton would be the scenery, it is a beautiful clean campus. Another thing I liked about Hampton would be how efficient the staff was, they are very quick with their work and almost always have an answer to which they deliver in a clear concise manner. I also liked the social scene as there were always activities and clubs I could participate in no matter the time. With all the things I did like there are things I would like to change. One of the things I would like to change would be the lunchroom food, the food is not the best and they did have good food Fall semester of 2022. Another thing I would like to see change would be the cleanliness of the dorms, more so the dorm I stayed in which was Harkness Hall. The dorm is not unsanitary however there are times when it comes close to reaching that point. Other than the two things I would like to see change I did enjoy my time at Hampton and do plan on going back for my Sophomore year.... Read 2,139 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $33,204

• SAT range 980-1120

• Ashland, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  518 reviews

Sophomore: There are so many wonderful things about RMC, the small school feel, friendly students, many different clubs and activities on campus, and access to professors and research opportunities. Ashland is a safe town and you can walk for food or just to check out the holiday decorations or small shops nearby. I gave four stars instead of five for two reason. One that is consistently mentioned here is the food. I hope that when the contract is up with the current company, the college changes many things about dining. There is a lack of lower priced options in dining plans for on campus students, some have cars and prefer to only eat on campus about half the time. Second, there were times last year I felt overwhelmed by work. I was working sometimes almost constantly, there was no work-life balance. I think/hope the message was received by admin and because I think this year is a lot better. Overall, a great school, great financial aid, you’ll be glad if you decide to come here!... Read 518 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $26,794

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Staunton, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  629 reviews

Junior: As a transfer student interested in studying to become a BCBA, Mary Baldwin is the perfect fit for me! I needed something that I can do all online because I work full time. Plus, I wanted a college that would take all my transfer classes. Not only does MBU do that, they allow me to fast track my master's degree by taking and applying undergraduate classes to the graduate curriculum. The staff is super helpful and the website is easy to understand. I'm so grateful I have found this school!... Read 629 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,525

• SAT range —

• Emory, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  257 reviews

Sophomore: I love E&H! It's set in a beautiful mountain location, in close driving distance from anything a college student could need (Walmart and Starbucks) and offers a close-knit community where I feel safe and connected.... Read 257 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $19,797

• SAT range 960-1150

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  254 reviews

Junior: When I first got to Randolph I didn’t think I would be as social as I am now. My first visit I was very nervous and didn’t think I would fit but it comes to find out that I was wrong. Everyone was so nice to me and that made me want to open up and explore what the college experience is all about ! There’s so many helpful teachers and mentors on campus and i’m really grateful for that!... Read 254 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $23,166

• SAT range 910-1140

• Falls Church, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: University of the Potomac, be it Washington D.C, Virginia, Chicago Campus is the best University any International Student could ask of though their tuition fees for International student is a cutthroat. The student admission officer is hospitable and patient, DSOs, Professors/Lecturers have endurance and teaches with layman understanding, classmates are friendly and student life is minimal... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,564

• SAT range —