University of Virginia's College at Wise

75.6%Acceptance

$11,656Tuition

1,214Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,325Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Virginia's College at Wise

UVA Wise brings University of Virginia's academic reputation to the mountains of Appalachian Virginia. This small liberal arts college serves 1,214 students who want personal attention without the big university price tag. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. Students come here for programs in nursing, business, and education that connect directly to regional job markets.

The financial picture looks promising for families watching their budgets. Students pay an average net price of $11,180, which drops to just $6,448 for families earning $30,000-$48,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $45,325 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $16,750 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $178, which most graduates can handle given the strong employment rate.

This campus runs on Appalachian grit and small-town values. Women make up 58.7% of students, and 83% come from Virginia. The Highland Cavaliers compete in 17 Division II sports with solid athletic scholarship support totaling over $1.5 million. Nearly half of students graduate within four years, respectable for a school serving many first-generation college students from rural communities.

Academics & Faculty

UVA Wise operates as a small public liberal arts college that emphasizes personalized education in Virginia's coal country. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to know students by name and provide individual mentoring. With just 1,214 students, class sizes stay manageable for meaningful discussion and hands-on learning. The college has built a strong reputation for teacher education and nursing programs that serve the Appalachian region. However, the 49.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face balancing academics with work and family obligations. The liberal arts curriculum encourages students to explore multiple disciplines before choosing a major, though some struggle to complete degrees within traditional timeframes.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.8%
Retention Rate: 73.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,325
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$55,512
Education, General.	Bachelor	$35,060
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$34,171
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$30,616
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$30,409
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$30,228
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$26,896
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$22,087
History.	Bachelor	$20,140

View all 30 programs →

Campus Life

Wise sits in the heart of Appalachian Virginia, about three hours from both Raleigh and Lexington. You'll need a winter coat for the mountain climate, though summers stay comfortable in the low 80s. With housing for 589 students and total enrollment of 1,214, about half the student body lives on campus in a close-knit community where the 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

Weekends revolve around the 17 varsity sports teams, particularly basketball and football games that bring the small town together. The 350 student-athletes make up nearly 30% of the student body, creating a campus culture where everyone knows someone on a team. Students often head to nearby parks for hiking or make the drive to bigger cities for entertainment. With 83% of students from Virginia, many go home on weekends, though campus programming works to keep residential students engaged. The mountain setting creates a tight community where study groups often turn into lasting friendships.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 589 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Aggravated Assault	12	7
Burglary	3	2
Dating Violence	3	2
Stalking	2	1
Fondling	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–41°F
July Avg: 61°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.0"
Annual Snowfall: 52.6"

Student Demographics

UVA Wise draws students primarily from Virginia and neighboring Appalachian communities, with 83% coming from in-state. The student body leans female at nearly 59%, reflecting strong programs in education and healthcare that traditionally attract more women. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves many first-generation and lower-income families from the region. The school functions as an accessible pathway to higher education for rural Appalachian students who want small classes and personal mentorship without leaving their home region.

Men: 41.3%
Women: 58.7%
White: 50.3%
Black: 9.3%
Hispanic: 1.3%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 83.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.0%

Location

Wise sits in the heart of Appalachian Virginia, about 150 miles southwest of Richmond and roughly 100 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee. The town of 3,000 residents nestles in the coal-mining region of southwest Virginia's mountains. UVA-Wise draws 83.20% of its students from in-state, many from the surrounding rural communities where the college serves as an educational anchor. The campus provides a small-town atmosphere where students know their professors personally. The mountainous setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities but limited urban amenities. The nearest significant city requires a substantial drive through winding mountain roads. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare UVA-Wise with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wise, Virginia 24293-4400

2017-06-12 11 46 34 View north along Virginia State Route 382 at Coeburn Mountain Road (Virginia State Secondary Route 646) at the University of Virginia's College at Wise in Wise County, Virginia

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,325
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,382
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Virginia's College at Wise?

The acceptance rate is 75.57%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This small Appalachian liberal arts college focuses on providing personal attention rather than selective admissions. With an average SAT score of 1038, students typically perform slightly below national averages but benefit from supportive faculty relationships.

How much does University of Virginia's College at Wise cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $11,180, making it one of the most affordable four-year options in Virginia. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $15,634, while those from middle-income families ($30-48K) pay just $6,448. With 83% of students coming from in-state, most benefit from the lower in-state tuition of $11,656.

What are class sizes like at University of Virginia's College at Wise?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, ensuring small classes and individual attention from professors. With only 1,214 total students, this creates an intimate learning environment where students can't hide in the back of lecture halls. The college emphasizes personalized education typical of liberal arts institutions.

How do graduates of University of Virginia's College at Wise perform after graduation?

Graduates earn a median salary of $45,325 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. The employment rate reaches 95.5%, though the six-year graduation rate is 49.80%. Students typically graduate with $16,750 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $178.

Where is University of Virginia's College at Wise located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Wise, Virginia, a small town in the heart of Appalachian coal country. Housing capacity serves 589 students, creating a close-knit residential community. The Cavaliers compete in 17 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level, with 350 total athletes receiving $1.5 million in athletic scholarships.

Does University of Virginia's College at Wise serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 58.73% women and primarily white (50.25%), with 9.31% Black students reflecting the regional demographics. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity among the student population. The college serves as an important access point for first-generation college students in rural Appalachian Virginia.