Southern Virginia University: 99.5% Acceptance Rate

99.5%Acceptance

$20,040Tuition

967Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,002Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University serves the educational mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This liberal arts college enrolls 967 students in the small town of Buena Vista, where LDS values shape campus culture and academic life. The acceptance rate of 99.45% reflects the school's commitment to providing educational opportunities to students seeking a faith-centered environment.

Students pay an average net price of $24,014 after financial aid, with identical tuition for in-state and out-of-state students at $20,040. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,002 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,224 manageable for most. The monthly loan payment of $257 represents a reasonable investment given the earning potential. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for academic challenges.

The Knights compete in 24 varsity sports across NCAA Division III, with 621 total athletes making up a significant portion of the student body. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in this close-knit community. Out-of-state students comprise 81% of enrollment, creating a geographically diverse campus despite the specific religious affiliation.

Academics & Faculty

Southern Virginia University operates as a liberal arts college affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing character development alongside academic growth. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes, though the 38% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. The school integrates LDS values into its curriculum while offering traditional liberal arts programs in humanities, sciences, and business. Students benefit from close mentoring relationships with professors who prioritize both intellectual and spiritual development. The college's mission centers on preparing graduates who combine academic knowledge with moral leadership skills for their careers and communities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 41.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.3%
Retention Rate: 82.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,002
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$35,600
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$20,530

View all 19 programs →

Campus Life

Buena Vista sits in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, about two hours from Richmond and three from Washington D.C. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for this small college town of 6,600 residents. You'll need both winter coats and shorts here - Virginia's four seasons bring snowy winters and warm, humid summers. With 623 housing spots for 967 students, about 64% live on campus in residence halls that foster tight-knit communities.

The LDS affiliation shapes campus culture , with honor code standards that prohibit alcohol, tobacco, and premarital relationships. Students find weekend entertainment in outdoor activities like hiking Old Rag Mountain or kayaking on the Maury River. The 24 varsity sports programs keep 621 athletes busy, making athletics a major part of campus life. Study abroad programs are popular, with many students serving LDS missions that pause their education temporarily. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Small town life means limited nightlife options, but the close community compensates with campus events and outdoor adventures in Virginia's natural beauty.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 623 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1867

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	1	1	0
Dating Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–45°F
July Avg: 64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.9"
Annual Snowfall: 13.5"

Student Demographics

Southern Virginia University draws students from across the country, with 80% coming from outside Virginia to this LDS-affiliated liberal arts college. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making education accessible to families of modest means. The student body is roughly balanced between men and women. The national draw stems from the university's unique position as one of the few LDS-affiliated institutions outside Utah, attracting students seeking both academic rigor and spiritual development in a close-knit community setting.

Men: 51.6%
Women: 48.4%
White: 76.0%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 6.9%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 19.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.3%

Location

Buena Vista sits in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, about 60 miles northwest of Lynchburg and 150 miles from Richmond. The town of 6,500 residents nestles between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Southern Virginia University draws 80.6% of its students from out of state to this rural setting. The Maury River runs through campus, offering outdoor recreation opportunities that complement the college's emphasis on balanced living. Downtown Buena Vista provides basic amenities within walking distance of the 204-acre campus. The university's 17:1 student-faculty ratio works well in this intimate mountain community where outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are popular year-round. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Southern Virginia University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Buena Vista, Virginia 24416

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,002
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,312
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,224

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Virginia University?

Southern Virginia University accepts 99.45% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for students seeking a faith-based education. The average SAT score is 1075, reflecting the school's open-door policy for students committed to its LDS values and liberal arts mission.

How much does Southern Virginia University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,014 annually, with tuition set at $20,040 regardless of residency status. About 43% of students receive financial aid, and the median debt upon graduation is $24,224, reflecting the school's effort to keep education affordable for its faith-based community.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Virginia University?

The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 across the 967-student campus, allowing for personalized attention in this small liberal arts environment. The school operates on a semester system and emphasizes close mentoring relationships between faculty and students within its LDS educational framework.

What are the graduation rates at Southern Virginia University?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 42%, while the six-year rate is 38%, reflecting challenges common among small private colleges. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,002 ten years after graduation, and the school maintains an 82% retention rate for students who return after their first year.

Where is Southern Virginia University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Buena Vista, Virginia, a small town in the Shenandoah Valley that provides a close-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 623 students and 24 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, the Knights offer extensive opportunities for involvement despite the school's modest size of under 1,000 students.

Does Southern Virginia University have a religious affiliation?

The school is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and integrates LDS principles throughout campus life and academics. Founded in 1867, it serves as one of the few four-year colleges specifically designed for LDS students outside of Utah, with 76% of students identifying as white and strong emphasis on faith-based education.