About Averett University
Averett University builds its reputation around two unique programs that set it apart from typical small colleges: equestrian studies and aviation. With 1,162 students on a campus in Danville, Virginia, this Baptist-affiliated university maintains the intimate feel of a town-distant setting. The school's 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention across its specialized programs.
Students pay an average net price of $23,262 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $38,550. Graduates earn a median of $51,516 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden given these earning potential numbers. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle and working-class families.
The athletic program fields 18 varsity sports with 513 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Nearly half the student body participates in athletics at some level. The retention rate of 58.63% suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life, though the employment rate of 96.9% shows strong job placement for graduates who complete their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $23,262 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $38,550. Graduates earn a median of $51,516 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden given these earning potential numbers. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle and working-class families.
The athletic program fields 18 varsity sports with 513 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Nearly half the student body participates in athletics at some level. The retention rate of 58.63% suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life, though the employment rate of 96.9% shows strong job placement for graduates who complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Averett University operates as a small private university that has carved out distinctive niches in equestrian studies and aviation programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, the 44% four-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish on time despite this close attention. The university maintains strong ties to its Baptist heritage while offering practical career-focused programs. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, particularly in the equestrian center and flight training facilities. With just over 1,100 students, Averett provides the personalized attention of a small college while offering specialized programs that larger universities might overlook.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.6%
- Retention Rate
- 58.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,516
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,898 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,464 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,725 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Bachelor | $25,709 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Averett's 19-acre campus sits in Danville, Virginia, about two hours south of Richmond and three hours from Washington D.C. The small town setting means you'll know your way around quickly, and with only 529 beds for 1,162 students, about 45% of undergraduates live on campus. Virginia's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. With 513 athletes among just over 1,000 students, nearly half the campus participates in the Cougars' 18 varsity sports programs. The school's Baptist heritage influences campus culture, though students come from diverse backgrounds with equal gender split and significant diversity. Weekends often revolve around athletic events, given the strong sports culture, or trips to nearby cities. The equestrian and aviation programs draw students passionate about these specialized fields, creating tight-knit communities within the broader campus.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. With 513 athletes among just over 1,000 students, nearly half the campus participates in the Cougars' 18 varsity sports programs. The school's Baptist heritage influences campus culture, though students come from diverse backgrounds with equal gender split and significant diversity. Weekends often revolve around athletic events, given the strong sports culture, or trips to nearby cities. The equestrian and aviation programs draw students passionate about these specialized fields, creating tight-knit communities within the broader campus.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 529 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1859
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–47°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.7"
Student Demographics
Students split evenly between men and women, drawn equally from Virginia and other states. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, reflecting Averett's commitment to serving working-class families. The diverse student body includes significant Black representation at 27%, while white students make up just under half the campus. This demographic mix aligns with the university's Baptist roots and mission of accessibility. The balanced in-state and out-of-state enrollment suggests Averett has built both local credibility in southern Virginia and modest national recognition, particularly through specialized programs like equestrian studies and aviation.
- Men
- 50.0%
- Women
- 50.0%
- White
- 49.0%
- Black
- 27.3%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 50.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.0%
Location
Averett University sits in Danville, Virginia, about 45 miles south of Lynchburg and 140 miles southwest of Richmond. The campus occupies a small town setting in south-central Virginia near the North Carolina border. Danville was once known as the "Last Capital of the Confederacy" and later became a major tobacco and textile center. Today the city of roughly 42,000 residents is working to revitalize its downtown area while maintaining its historic character. The surrounding region features rolling hills and rural landscapes typical of Virginia's Piedmont area. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Averett University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Danville, Virginia 24541
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,516
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,647
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Averett University?
Averett University accepts 76% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1010, with middle 50% scores ranging from 850 to 1170.
How much does Averett University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Averett University is $23,262 after financial aid, lower than the sticker price of $38,550. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for students from lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Averett University?
Averett University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,162 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs like equestrian studies and aviation, which the school is particularly known for.
What are the graduation rates at Averett University?
Averett University has a 44% four-year graduation rate and 58% retention rate from first to second year. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,516 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 97%.
Where is Averett University located?
Averett University sits in Danville, Virginia, a town setting that provides a close-knit community feel. About 51% of the 1,162 students come from in-state, while the campus houses 529 students in residence halls.
Does Averett University have strong athletic programs?
Averett University fields 18 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III as the Cougars. With 513 total athletes out of 1,162 students, nearly half the campus participates in varsity athletics through the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
