2024 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia

• Lexington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  465 reviews

Other: My kid just started at Washington and Lee (W&L) and it has been an eye-opening experience seeing how special the place really is. We’ve been taken aback at the quality of the school, particularly its incredibly attentive academics, small class size, balanced life-style, and diversifying social scene. The school is fairly balanced politically. Those wishing to express either conservative or liberal views can do so in peace. Don't underestimate W&L - our kid turned-down other schools for it! 1st for learning opportunities, learning facilities, and career preparation (Wall Street Journal) 1st for best professors (Niche) 1st for allowing free speech on campus (Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression) 2nd for highest career net present value at $1.58M (Georgetown University) Overall Rank 8th (Washington Monthly and College Rapter) 9th (Wall Street Journal ) 10th (Forbes) 11th (Niche) 12th (College Consensus) And the current acceptance rate is actually 17%, (Niche is incorrect).... Read 465 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $26,063

• SAT range 1410-1530

• University Of Richmond, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  766 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 766 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $28,881

• SAT range 1280-1460

• Lexington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  214 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 214 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

• Wise, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  247 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 247 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $10,193

• SAT range 990-1230

• Harrisonburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  360 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 360 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $23,936

• SAT range 1040-1590

• Fredericksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.15 out of 5  1,301 reviews

Sophomore: The college has been a great experience as my beginner school, i have taken amazing courses that brought along even more amazing professors and experiences. The community that the school comes with stands strong with the reputation. They are a very connected school making sure that any student is involved. My journey is going very smooth with some hurdles, however, even with those hurdles i have great counselling and classmates that make sure i am always returning to the smooth sailing. As school to achieve my bachelors i am certain that the university was the right choice for me to achieve that goal!... Read 1,301 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $21,901

• SAT range 1130-1320

• Salem, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  765 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 765 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $27,758

• SAT range 1080-1230

• Newport News, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,302 reviews

Senior: CNU has a wonderful variety of classes! I will say not all of the professors are the greatest, as some are very old school and some really would be better not teaching freshmen or sophomores, (due to them trying to teach us at a grad student level which is what they are likely used to), but I have had many wonderful professors as well! The science building is so clean and has very up to date equipment. The campus is very close together so going from class to class isn't too much of a hike.... Read 1,302 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $24,059

• SAT range 1110-1320

• Roanoke, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  551 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 551 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $23,825

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Emory, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  258 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 258 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $19,797

• SAT range 960-1150

• Bridgewater, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  460 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 460 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,592

• SAT range 1010-1250

• Buena Vista, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  417 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a freshman at Southern Virginia university, and the experience so far has been incredible. Each of the staff/faculty members work so hard every day to make sure that us students have a wonderful experience. I have learned so much just in this first month of school, and the professors never hesitate to help. Everyone here is connected in some way, and it makes everything easier to get involved in activities, make friends, and be successful with academics!... Read 417 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,951

• SAT range 980-1200

• Ashland, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  522 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 522 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $26,794

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  751 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 751 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $22,584

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Richmond, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  540 reviews

Junior: Virginia Union University (VUU) is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and commitment to empowering its diverse student body. From my research, I've found that students often appreciate the vibrant campus community at VUU. The university fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop lasting friendships. The dedicated faculty at VUU is often praised for their commitment to student success. Professors provide personalized attention, mentorship, and guidance, fostering a conducive learning environment. Students appreciate the smaller class sizes, which allow for more meaningful interactions with faculty members and opportunities for collaborative learning. There are often areas for improvement in any educational institution. Some students may express the desire for enhanced campus facilities or increased resources for specific programs.... Read 540 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $16,068

• SAT range 760-940

• 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

• Sweet Briar, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  410 reviews

Freshman: Sweet Briar is one of the schools that you like or hate it. It's a small school where everybody knows everybody. Maybe not even for the better. There will always be people you don't like at school. And I'm not going to say that Sweet Briar doesn't have that, but if you're looking for a small school or to get to know people, this is the best place. I have a severe learning disability, and being able to have small classes and be able to talk to my professors. One-on-one helps. The accommodations department is beneficial. And the ESA committee is getting better. I really wouldn't be happier at any other school. I wish the food were better. And don't live in meta-glass if you can help it! but I love this place Holla Holla! Pink and Green forever!... Read 410 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $22,711

• SAT range 1020-1260