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NCAA Division III Colleges in Virginia

17 schools in Virginia. See our methodology.

Washington and Lee University stands apart among Virginia's Division III colleges with a remarkable 94.9% graduation rate, nearly 20 percentage points above its closest competitor. This Lexington institution combines academic excellence with selectivity, accepting just 17% of applicants while maintaining a relatively modest enrollment of 1,884 students. The state's 17 Division III colleges serve varied populations across price points ranging from Mary Baldwin's $17,833 net cost to Shenandoah's $30,055, yet all benefit from Virginia's VTAG grant program supporting private education. These institutions prepare graduates for Virginia's federal contractor economy, where companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruit. Post-graduation earnings span from $44,427 to $94,810, reflecting both institutional strength and Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C.'s high-paying professional markets. The state's defense-heavy economy particularly values the liberal arts foundation these colleges provide, creating pathways into consulting, analysis, and management roles that drive the regional economy.
17
Schools
$23,107
Avg. Net Price
$57,908
Avg. Earnings
58.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Virginia

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,884 $23,911 94.9% 17.0%
2 4,402 $22,197 75.1% 85.4%
3 3,504 $21,108 67.4% 85.8%
4 876 $24,668 65.3% 39.8%
5 2,127 $30,055 70.5% 80.4%
6 1,188 $17,833 55.7%
7 1,801 $27,786 65.9% 79.8%
8 1,795 $25,153 57.9% 81.4%
9 1,489 $27,759 74.6% 85.5%
10 1,599 $20,187 61.6% 95.9%
11 520 $18,436 51.5% 95.0%
12 1,243 $20,583 49.1% 81.4%
13 1,162 $23,262 43.6% 76.0%
14 967 $24,014 38.3% 99.5%
15 1,388 $20,173 49.4% 90.4%
16 800 $23,615 47.1% 99.5%
17 745 $22,085 28.9% 84.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Washington and Lee University's graduation rate so strong?

Washington and Lee achieves a 94.9% graduation rate through highly selective admissions (17% acceptance rate) and substantial per-student investment. With only 1,884 students, the university maintains low student-to-faculty ratios and provides extensive academic support systems that ensure nearly all enrolled students complete their degrees.

How do Virginia's VTAG grants affect private college costs?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant helps reduce net costs at private institutions, contributing to the $17,833-$30,055 range seen across these 17 Division III colleges. Mary Baldwin University offers the lowest net price at $17,833, making private education accessible to middle-income Virginia families.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Virginia's economy?

Virginia's federal contracting sector, anchored by companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, actively recruits liberal arts graduates. Earnings range from $44,427 to $94,810, with higher salaries concentrated around Washington D.C.'s defense and consulting markets where analytical and communication skills are highly valued.

Is there a correlation between acceptance rates and graduation success?

More selective schools generally show higher graduation rates. Washington and Lee (17% acceptance, 94.9% graduation) and Hampden-Sydney (40% acceptance, 65.3% graduation) outperform schools with 95%+ acceptance rates, suggesting that admissions selectivity correlates with student retention and completion.

Does enrollment size impact graduation rates at these colleges?

Smaller colleges often achieve better graduation outcomes. Washington and Lee (1,884 students, 94.9% graduation) and Hampden-Sydney (876 students, 65.3% graduation) demonstrate how intimate campus environments can support student success, while larger schools face greater challenges maintaining high completion rates across varied populations.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.