Southern Virginia University
About Southern Virginia University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southern Virginia University is a private university in Buena Vista, VA. It has a 99.5% acceptance rate and a 46.1% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,053 students.
Founded
1867
Location
Buena Vista, Virginia
Students
936
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
96.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
33.5%
Below national average
Tuition
$21,280
Per year
Avg Net Price
$22,213
After financial aid
SAT Average
1150
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$50,002
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$35
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Southern Virginia University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1150/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
33.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
74%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
44%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
63.6%
$/Student
$7.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 74% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$21,280
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,894
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,431
After Financial Aid
$22,213
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$18,957
Receive Grants
45.2%
Take Loans
57.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $34,431/yr, including $9,894 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $22,213.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern Virginia University fund their education.
While in School
45.2%
Get Grants
Free money
57.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$55,443
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,224
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,224 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern Virginia University.
Gender
46.9%
Female
53%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
936
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
17.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
6.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (47% women, 53% men). 17.1% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
936
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southern Virginia University fields 15 varsity teams with 727 student athletes, about 78% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
USA South
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
727
78% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
64% / 36%
466
Men
261
Women
12
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern Virginia Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$50,002
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$57K
44 grads
4yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
42 grads
4yr Earnings
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
—
23 grads
English Language and Literature, General
$33K
14 grads
4yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$22K
14 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
—
14 grads
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $50K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Virginia University
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Virginia University?▾
How much does Southern Virginia University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern Virginia University?▾
How much do Southern Virginia University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.