2024 Top Colleges for Protective Services in Virginia

• 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

• Purcellville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  31 reviews

Junior: My two years at Patrick Henry College have been some of my life's most informative, impactful, and exciting years. First, the courses offered at PHC have practical use in life and a biblical foundation that makes them relevant for building a Christian worldview. Second, the professors at PHC are intentional about mentoring and discipling students through one-on-one meetings and in the classroom. Third, the size of the smaller campus allows students to develop meaningful friendships with those they are studying with. The Lord has definitely used my time at PHC to strengthen and direct my walk with Him!... Read 31 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,430

• SAT range 1170-1380

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  8,022 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 8,022 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $27,891

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Fairfax, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  4,938 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 4,938 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,841

• SAT range 1140-1350

• Richmond, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,668 reviews

Sophomore: Virginia Commonwealth University has been an adventure as a campus and university to learn under. The main aspects that differentiate VCU from most other universities in Virginia are the urban landscape, art forward movement, and the progressiveness of the university itself. I like the arty feel of the campus and university and I feel much more comfortable in this urban setting rather than the rural campuses like UVA. The campus can be accessed easily and is also very walkable. The main issues are the traffic and homeless people, but I don't find it much as a problem if you plan ahead, are generally cognizant, and kind. The programs and classes are exciting and not too unbearable. Though, I am a bit biased because my major is in psychology and I was not able to take most of the General Education classes due to my pre-existing credits. The professors are also generally great. A select few are unlikable to all and there are many instructors that cater to different learning styles.... Read 4,668 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $19,656

• SAT range 1070-1300

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  35 reviews

Sophomore: What I enjoy the most is the flexibilty the university offers. The school students a self pace program that allows students to fit classes to their busy schedule. The staff and techs are very military friendly and support the service members. I attend college on line and would not change anything, all my experiences have been great.... Read 35 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,075

• SAT range —

• Hampton, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  2,137 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 2,137 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $33,204

• SAT range 980-1120

• Annandale, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,915 reviews

Alum: Best community college ever! Saved a lot of money and most professors are sweethearts. I loved classes in person prior to COVID, after COVID I stuck with online courses. Alexandria Campus has lot of spots you can study other than the library. Extremely diverse, loved having classes with different people all ages. Most professors genuinely care for the wellbeing of their students. Admin could do a lot better, wouldn't trust advisors too much. Do your own research on what classes you need to graduate NOVA/ transfer to a 4 year.... Read 2,915 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 —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Hampton, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  556 reviews

Freshman: My experience touring and meeting the staff, students and Teachers at Virginia peninsula was empowering. The Administration staff was more than helpful and friendly when asking questions about enrollment, helped a lot of students fill out their schedules on over crowded days. Interacting with other students felt like great opportunity to become more involved with the school. As I was meeting more people, the more information on how the school works, tours, group meetings for studying and other social groups. Overall Virginia Peninsula community college interactional school and I will recommend to upcoming seniors and others.... Read 556 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,109

• 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 —

• Cedar Bluff, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  196 reviews

Freshman: Southwest Virginia Community College was a GREAT choice for me. Coming out of Highschool, Southwest helped me to figure out the college life with ease. My Junior and Senior year of high school was greatly affected by COVID19. This caused me to be online while trying to finish high school. I feel like due to this, it took away from a lot of the learning experience that I needed to help me be prepared for college. All of the important classes, the meetings with college representatives, and more. Southwest was a great help and very understanding to all my needs. They were very easy to work with. My first year of college was an excellent experience at Southwest!... Read 196 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,669

• SAT range —

• Danville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  358 reviews

Sophomore: Love this school! The professors are great and the class sizes are small. If you want to go to a school where you aren't just a number, go to Averett. They have so many resources for students and everyone wants you to succeed.... Read 358 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $22,674

• SAT range 910-1100

• Martinsville, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  177 reviews

Sophomore: Patrick & Henry Community College is a very detail-oriented school who cares about its students and wants the best for them always. The campus itself is always attended to and look stunning with the pride and care they put into it. The staff is incredible, always wanting to communicate with the students and letting them know how they can be involved. I have had a wonderful 2 years attending here and look forward to the future ahead of me!... Read 177 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,827

• SAT range —

• Weyers Cave, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  252 reviews

Freshman: Blue Ridge is a great community college, and I wish more people would attend! not only do you save a ton of money by attending a community college for associates degrees and especially before transferring to another college, blue ridge offers classes that those bigger 4-years don't. like most of their non-credit classes; CDL, welding, phlebotomy. Blue Ridge is also a safer campus than most major 4-year schools. keep in mind that the campus isn't as big, but its also isn't situated in the middle of a city. they have round-the-clock security, and on top of that blue ridge is right next to a police academy. the professors aren't just here to cash a check, they genuinely care about their students and want them to do well. teachers are always very accommodating about meeting with students and many offer long office hours, where students are encouraged to pop in if they have any questions or just want to talk. Blue Ridge Community College is wonderful and I can't recommend it enough.... Read 252 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,182

• SAT range —

• Abingdon, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  104 reviews

Graduate Student: Very neat academic programs, good value for money, people get along well, campus is extremely well taken care of and beautiful even for such a small campus. There aren’t exactly athletic programs at VHCC, but the Professors are extremely helpful and provide work situation based assignments in accordance to your major. There aren’t any dorms/housing provided by the college, and no cafeteria of any sorts. The Wolfgrounds Coffee Shop is the only, and highly recommended place to go! Overall, the faculty and staff provides one of the safest and efficient environments for students of all ages and help them achieve their goals from bottom up!... Read 104 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,621

• 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 —

• Wytheville, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  144 reviews

Freshman: I'm very excited to being my studies this fall! Everyone there is very helpful! In a few weeks, I will go back and complete my registration.... Read 144 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,279

• SAT range —

• Clifton Forge, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  60 reviews

Sophomore: MGCC is a great school. The staff is very friendly, and the curriculum is challenging. It is a great learning environment with a small town feel. It is perfect for transferring or obtaining an associate degree.... Read 60 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,690

• SAT range —

• Salem, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: Had a great online learning experience but if you aren't willing to put the time in without a constant pat on the back then it may not be the right choice for you as far as online, you may want to go to a campus location. For me it was perfect, flexible scheduling and great professors. Great University, highly recommend.... Read 70 reviews

• grade D

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,898

• SAT range —

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  68 reviews

Senior: As a Christian student, I want everything I do to glorify God. While I've been attending Liberty Online, everyone here has been key in encouraging me in that. From my professors who understand my needs, to the online campus shepherds who pray for me, right down to the admissions team who agreed with me about praying for God's will in where and if I should continue my college education. I think what you get out of any class, especially online, depends on the effort you put in, but my professors have made an effort to give me good feedback and help make it easier for me to realize my potential. A note for future students: Don't take their resources for granted. Explore the student dashboard! The writing center, the Jerry Falwell library, so much more is available to online students than I realized in my first year. But most importantly, go to the university that God's calling you to. Every school needs a light, and I'm proud to be at a school that has so many.... Read 68 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Annandale, VA•

• 2 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  26 reviews

Niche User: I take classes through my high school for Northern Virginia Community College and I absolutely love this program! The rigor of the courses allows me and my classmates to challenge each other with the curriculum and strive to be the best version of ourselves in the classroom. I do wish there were more projects and writing assignments in the classroom but, this lack might be unique to my school and the appointed Dual Enrollment teachers. All-in-all, the Dual Enrollment program is a great way to get ahead on your university credits and the rigorous classes are amazing tools that help to prepare you for the level of curriculum difficulty we will face in our future endeavors.... Read 26 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —