Longwood University: 87.8% Acceptance Rate

87.8%Acceptance

$15,200Tuition

2,957Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,347Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Longwood University

Longwood University has built its reputation on teacher education programs that have shaped Virginia classrooms for generations. The 2,957-student university sits in the small town of Farmville, where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. With an 87.79% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1115, Longwood welcomes students who are serious about learning but may not have perfect test scores. The historic campus has produced educators who work throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Students pay an average net price of $20,814 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $52,347 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments around $265. The numbers work in students' favor, especially considering 97.1% find employment after graduation. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $14,546.

The student body skews heavily female at 69.7%, reflecting the university's strength in education and social services fields. With 96.09% of students coming from Virginia, Longwood maintains strong ties to local communities. The 16 Division I athletic teams compete in the Big South Conference, giving the campus a sense of school spirit despite its small size.

Academics & Faculty

Longwood University built its reputation on teacher education and remains a top choice for future educators in Virginia. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students by name. With a 64% four-year graduation rate, students receive the personal attention needed to complete their degrees on schedule. The university operates as a full institution offering liberal arts, business, and health sciences programs alongside its flagship education school. Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting the strong draw of teaching and nursing programs. The semester system allows students to dive deep into coursework while maintaining manageable academic loads.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.6%
Retention Rate: 77.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,347
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$59,350
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$57,995
Education, General.	Master	$46,087
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$45,902
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$45,417
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$41,119
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$36,668
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$34,633
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$34,321
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Bachelor	$32,925

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Farmville sits about 60 miles west of Richmond, giving students a true small-town college experience. With 2,454 housing spots for 2,957 students, most underclassmen live on the tree-lined campus that dates back to 1839. You'll need both winter coats and shorts in Virginia's four-season climate. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in this close-knit community.

Weekends revolve around Longwood traditions like the annual Oktoberfest and Spring Weekend concerts that draw the whole campus together. With 69.7% women, the social scene skews heavily female, creating a supportive atmosphere especially strong in the education programs that built the school's reputation. Students hang out at the Pier downtown or attend Lancers Division I games, though with just 282 athletes competing across 16 sports, most social energy stays on campus. The 96% in-state student body means many go home on some weekends, but campus programming keeps plenty of students around for movie nights and residence hall activities.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 2,454 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1839

Campus Safety (2023)

31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	5	4
Rape	3	3
Fondling	2	2
Stalking	3	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Burglary	1	1
Statutory Rape	1	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–47°F
July Avg: 67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.5"
Annual Snowfall: 6.1"

Student Demographics

Longwood draws primarily Virginia residents who value affordable, quality education close to home. Women make up about 70% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education, nursing, and social work programs. The school serves a mix of middle-class families and first-generation college students, with about one in four receiving Pell Grants. Students typically choose Longwood for its personal attention and supportive campus culture rather than prestige. The 1,115 average SAT score attracts solid students who want a traditional college experience without cutthroat competition.

Men: 30.3%
Women: 69.7%
White: 71.7%
Black: 10.4%
Hispanic: 7.3%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 96.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.0%

Location

Farmville sits in rural south-central Virginia, about 65 miles southwest of Richmond. The town has a population of roughly 8,200 people, making it a classic small college community where the university shapes daily life. Rolling hills and farmland stretch in every direction from this Piedmont region town. With 96.09% of students coming from in-state, most arrive already familiar with Virginia's rural character. The historic downtown features antebellum architecture and local shops that cater to both students and longtime residents. Farmville represents the quintessential small-town college experience that many Virginia students seek. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Longwood University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Farmville, Virginia 23909

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,347
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,897
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 73.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Longwood University?

Longwood University accepts 87.79% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1210 on the SAT. This public university in rural Virginia focuses heavily on teacher education and draws almost exclusively from in-state students.

How much does Longwood University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,814 annually after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,546 on average. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Longwood University?

Longwood maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,957 enrolled students. The university is particularly known for its strong teacher education programs, which benefit from these smaller class sizes. Women make up nearly 70% of the student body, reflecting the school's education focus.

What are the graduation rates at Longwood University?

Longwood graduates 61.60% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $52,347 ten years after graduation. The retention rate stands at 77.75%, meaning most students who start at Longwood continue their education there. Employment rates are strong at 97.1% for recent graduates.

Where is Longwood University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Farmville, Virginia, a small town setting that houses 2,454 students on campus. Founded in 1839, Longwood maintains a historic campus atmosphere in rural Virginia. The Lancers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 16 varsity sports and 282 total athletes.

Does Longwood University primarily serve Virginia students?

An overwhelming 96.09% of Longwood's students come from Virginia, making it one of the most locally-focused public universities in the state. This strong in-state draw reflects the university's role in preparing Virginia teachers and its affordable tuition of $15,200 for residents. The school's rural location and education focus create a tight-knit community atmosphere.