2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  2,376 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 2,376 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• Lexington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  464 reviews

Other: Washington and Lee University (W&L) is truly one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the U.S. Niche ranks W&L higher than the famous northeast liberal arts colleges! Most notably, Washington Monthly ranks W&L as the 4th best liberal arts college - AHEAD of even Swarthmore, Williams, Amherst, etc.! Why? The personal attention students receive at W&L is actually incredible. To that, the training students receive is among the best in the world, combining an emphasis on leadership and community with elite academics. From this, W&L's shockingly powerful and close-knit alumni network is also incredible. W&L infamous Greek scene is also coming into a new age. The school is diversifying its student population in a fair, inclusive manner, which is loosening the dominance of Greek life, while broadening its social scene. Take a look at the schools leadership team to understand how and why. They're modernizing, while preserving the positive aspects of W&L's distinct student life.... Read 464 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $26,063

• SAT range 1410-1530

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Wise, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  246 reviews

Junior: Academically, the college lacks consistency. Certain programs, such as general education requirements, lack substantial teaching and learning. However, other areas of academics, for example, Biology, are vast and difficult. This disconnect in academics negatively effects my peers and I’s ability to preform consistently academically as-well. The smaller size of campus and student body aids to facilitate a familial and belonging feeling. Despite the low number of students, social events are happening frequently to foster community. I have learned factually, socially, and internally with my time at UVA-Wise, so overall the experience has been beneficial. Issues with the school would include a lack of diversity, small local community outside the campus, and fluctuations in academics. However, with adversity comes resilience and ability to foster change.... Read 246 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $10,193

• SAT range 990-1230

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  255 reviews

Freshman: The faculty at PVCC are entirely dedicated to helping students progress through their coursework and into the fields of choice. As a returning student, I learned this as I tried to navigate the changes that schools had undergone since my last attendance, from online learning to the grading system. At any point, if I had a question, someone was available to answer or would point me in the right direction. This included the professors, who clearly go above and beyond to help in any way they can. I'm very happy that here is where I will begin the next stage of my career.... Read 255 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,873

• SAT range —

• Richmond, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  647 reviews

Niche User: J Sargent Reynolds Community College is a great community with amazing opportunities. I have taken more than 20 classes at Reynolds and each was well taught, organized and all of my Professors have definitely impacted my life in positive ways. There is so much support and many smiling faces along the way. I am so grateful for my time spent at this school and would recommend it to everyone!... Read 647 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,610

• SAT range —

• Annandale, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,916 reviews

Freshman: Overall, my experience with NOVA has been positive. I appreciated the range of courses and programs offered, which allowed me to explore different areas of study and find my academic interests. The professors at NOVA were knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to provide guidance and support. There were ample resources available for students, such as the library and computer labs. However, there are a few areas where I would like to see some changes. I believe NOVA could benefit from enhancing its career services and internship opportunities for students. While there were resources available, they could be more robust and better advertised to ensure students are aware of the various professional development opportunities. My overall experience with Northern Virginia Community College was positive. However, improvements in the class registration process and career services would enhance the overall experience at the college.... Read 2,916 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,627

• SAT range —

• Norfolk, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  1,575 reviews

Freshman: It has been a wonderful experience attending Tidewater Community College. The instructors are communicative, inspiring and passionate. I couldn't have asked for a better experience going into college after ten years of waiting! As long as you communicate well with the administration office, things will go smoothly regarding to enrollment. As a person that likes to get things done quickly, I was impressed how they managed to respond to my questions and concerns.... Read 1,575 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,292

• SAT range —

• Alberta, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  142 reviews

Junior: My experience at Southside Virginia Community College has been nothing short of excellent. The staff is very accommodating and the counseling department is very accessible and are quick to help with anything a student may need. One area that I would like to see a change in is the peer tutoring department. My counselor suggested a certain peer counselor who could best tutor me in MATH, but after three phone calls and two emails with no reply whatsoever, I Just gave up on trying to recieve peer tutoring in a subject I was struggling in.... Read 142 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,713

• SAT range —

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  230 reviews

Freshman: CVCC is the place to be to start off your higher education journey. CVCC is like a big family and everyone there is helpful and kind, always willing to help you out with anything you need. The instructors and professors are all very compassionate and willing to take the time to help you understand the material or answer any questions you may have. The admission, navigators, and advisors are all amazing and make sure you have everything you need and you can always make an appointment to see any of them from their Navigate app. They have many resources to help out those who need it. They have a food pantry on campus and help set up students in need for success!... Read 230 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,624

• SAT range —

• Big Stone Gap, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  124 reviews

Freshman: This college has made me feel so welcome. I attended Purdue University Northwest prior, and nothing I experienced there compares to the short time I've bene at MECC. The faculty is so nice and understanding.... Read 124 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,803

• SAT range —

• Chester, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  472 reviews

Junior: Brightpoint Community College is a Great school! They have so much to offer and have a lot of benefits, too. There are a lot of activities to join and to become a part of that are lots of fun! They offer transfer degrees and lots of awesome resources that are there for you when you need help!... Read 472 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,276

• SAT range —

• Locust Grove, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  548 reviews

Alum: Germanna helped me transition to college and plan my future where my high school couldn't. This institution has bountiful resources to help students apply, find scholarships, study, learn a vocational skill, and even offers part-time jobs that are flexible to the student's schedule. Various events and club activities are hosted every weekday with chances to earn financial aid or apply for a local job position. There is a large selection of classes on multiple campuses or online to choose from. The professors are very qualified and care about each student's outcome. This institution is a wealth of knowledge and resources to help anyone reach their goals.... Read 548 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,149

• SAT range —