Higher Education in Virginia
Virginia is one of the most historic and beautiful states in America. From soaring Appalachian mountain peaks to the warm sunny beaches of the Atlantic, the Commonwealth of Virginia seems to have it all, including one of the largest higher education system in the United States.
Today, Virginia’s system of higher education includes 15 public four-year colleges and universities, 23 community colleges on 39 campuses, one two-year junior college, and many private institutions. Each of these institutions benefit from the state’s proximity to the nation’s capital and to Jamestown, which is known as the birthplace of America. However, each institution enjoys these advantages in very different ways, depending on its unique mission and focus.
The diverse array of educational opportunities ranges from large public research universities to small public liberal arts colleges. Many of the larger institutions also have satellite facilities or graduate centers that make high-quality instructional programs available to traditional and non-traditional students. In 2011, approximately 413,000 students attended Virginia’s public colleges and universities, including more than 13,000 international students.
For more information about Virginia higher education, please visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) website at www.schev.edu. Take a look and you’ll find that Virginia is a great place to be a student, both on campus and off!