University of Virginia, Charlottesville (U.Va.), is a public research university that was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. One of the original public "ivy colleges," it is considered to be among the top 25 best universities in the United States, and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the second best public university in the nation.

The University of Virginia is comprised of eleven schools at it Charlottesville location, in addition to its College at Wise in southwest Virginia. The university offers more than 50 bachelor's degrees, 84 master's degrees, six educational specialist degrees, 57 doctoral degrees, and two professional degrees (law and medicine). The University of Virginia Health System, located adjacent to the U.Va. Charlottesville campus, is considered a top medical center that provides training for medical care professionals and excellent patient care.

One of the goals for which Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia was to develop leaders and foster leadership through many areas of study. The illustrious alumni of the University of Virginia include many great leaders, such as President Woodrow Wilson; Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, John Warner, Charles Robb, and George Allen, among others.  The U.Va. is known for producing a great number of Rhodes Scholars.

Jefferson was also a strong supporter of the arts, and the university has educated many leaders in drama and literature, including Mark Johnson (the movie producer of Rain Man and Good Morning, Vietnam), Henry Taylor (the 1986 Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry), and Edgar Allan Poe.  The U.Va. offers excellent programs in drama, music and visual arts, and the Department of Drama has modern facilities and two theatres, while the McIntire Department of Art has a well-known art gallery. The University of Virginia Art Museum exhibits a notable permanent collection as well as changing exhibits.

History

When Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, his vision was to create a university that was publicly supported and dedicated to educating leaders in public service. Jefferson undertook the university project near the end of his life, and he was very involved in the planning of the curriculum, recruitment of the faculty, and the design of the buildings and campus.  One of the more noteworthy buildings Jefferson helped to design is the Rotunda, which stands at the north end of the Lawn.

The U.Va. opened its doors in 1825, with 68 students enrolled and a faculty of eight. The curriculum in 1825 included ancient and modern languages, mathematics, philosophy, chemistry, law and medicine.

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters. It also offers an accelerated January Term.

The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine follow different academic calendars, and students should contact those schools for further information.

Colleges and Schools

• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
• Curry School of Education
• Darden Graduate School of Business Administration
• School of Engineering and Applied Science
• McIntire School of Commerce
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• Basic Medical Sciences
• School of Nursing
• School of Continuing & Professional Studies

Student Life

There are hundreds of student clubs and organizations available for involvement at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Nearly every interest is represented, whether it is academic, political, professional, cultural, social, service-oriented, athletic, artistic, religious, or otherwise. The Greek Life on campus is very active, with many local chapters of fraternities and sororities, as well as inter-fraternity and inter-sorority councils, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and more.

On campus housing is available, including in "residential colleges," and there is a wide range of on campus dining to choose from. University Avenue is a hub of student life at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, with a collection of student shops, bookstores, restaurants, cafes and more. Newcomb Hall, the student union, has a selection of snack shops.

Traditions

The school colors for the University of Virginia are navy blue and orange, with white as an accent color. The mascot is the cavalier.

The University of Virginia has several traditions for which it is known, including the reference to the campus as "the Grounds." The students are referred to as "first year," "second year," "third year," and "fourth year," rather than as freshmen, sophomores, junior and seniors.

There is a tradition of "secret societies" at Virginia, which have operated for many decades and are noted for leaving their painted marks on the university buildings. Many of the societies perform good works and service activities, though their efforts are unpublicized.

Athletics

The Virginia "Cavaliers" athletic teams compete in 25 intercollegiate sports for men and women, and all sports at U.Va. are very highly ranked. The U.Va. is one of only 15 schools to finish in the top 30 in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup standings. Intercollegiate sports at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross County
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field

Satellite Campuses

The University of Virginia has its primary campus in Charlottesville, with a satellite campus at College at Wise in southwest Virginia. The University of Virginia Health System has its buildings and facilities adjacent to the primary U.Va. campus in Charlottesville.

Community Life

The city of Charlottesville was named for the wife of George III, Princess Charlotte, when it was settled in the 18^th century. Today, this metropolitan city offers rich historical and cultural charm, and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in America.

The U.Va. campus itself is a big attraction for visitors, and a nearby attraction is Monticello, the home of the university's founder, Thomas Jefferson. Also nearby, are the homes of presidents James Monroe and James Madison. Other attractions in the area include the University of Virginia Art Museum, a city sculpture garden, and many local theater groups.

Many university and community ensembles and performance groups can be found in Charlottesville, including a chamber choir and orchestra, symphony orchestra, swing orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, opera workshop, and various singing groups.

William and Mary is a public school that has many majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Williamsburg, VA, in a predominantly suburban area. William and Mary has a yearly student enrollment of around 8,000.

Areas of study available at William and Mary include:

• Business And Marketing Studies
• Legal Professions And Studies
• Social Sciences
• English Language And Literature
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores between 1860 - 2170 on the SAT and within the range of 28 - 32 for the ACT exam is typical among students admitted to this school. An estimated 30 percent of all students that applied were admitted at this school, with 33 percent of those admitted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at wm.edu.

The cost of undergraduate tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state residents pay close to $14,000 and out-of-state residents pay $40,000 per year. Housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is approximately $5,600. This school may provide financial aid for students that qualify in the form of grants and loans.

Athletic programs are available at William and Mary through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)

Students can visit the College of William and Mary website to see a complete list of areas of study, student services, and more.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as "Virginia Tech," is a leading research institution - ranked 44^th in the U.S. for its university research programs.  Virginia Tech is a land-grant institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia on 2,600 acres.  It offers nearly 70 undergraduate and 150 graduate degree programs. Virginia Tech's motto, Ut Prosim, translates from the Latin as "That I May Serve." It fulfills this motto through a dedication to learning, discovery and engagement.

Virginia Tech is comprised of eight colleges and a graduate school. Its campuses feature an airport, a computing and communications complex with international access, an adjacent corporate research center, and more.

History

Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech was originally called Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. The name was changed in1896 to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute.  This name was so long that locals shortened it to "VPI."  After the name change, a new school spirit cheer was needed.  A contest was held to select a new, more suitable cheer. 1896 graduate, O.M. Stull, won the top prize for the cheer he created, which is known as "Old Hokie."  The school mascot, which originally was a turkey, eventually became a "Hokiebird."  Today the mascot wears an orange and maroon bird costume that somewhat resembles a turkey.

The school colors of burnt orange and maroon were chosen in 1896.

Virginia Tech is one of only three public universities in the U.S. that still has both an active corps of cadets and civilian students on campus. Historically, Virginia Tech required corps participation for all able-bodied males.  This tradition continued until 1964, when corps participation became voluntary.

Academics

Virginia Tech follows the semester-format academic calendar with fall and spring semesters, and two shorter summer sessions.

Colleges and Schools

Virginia Tech's colleges are:

• Agriculture & Life Sciences
• Architecture & Urban Studies
• Business, Pamplin College of
• Engineering
• Graduate Studies
• Liberal Arts & Human Sciences
• Natural Resources and Environment
• Science
• University Studies
• Veterinary Medicine

As an enhancement to its academic, outreach and research programs, Virginia Tech has created schools in its colleges and in affiliation with Wake Forest University. Virginia Tech's schools are:

• School of Architecture and Design (Part of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
• School of Public and International Affairs (Part of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
• School of Visual Arts (Part of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
• School of Performing Arts and Cinema (Part of the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences)
• Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (Part of the College of Engineering and the College of Veterinary Medicine)
• School of Education (Part of the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences)
• Myers-Lawson School of Construction (Part of the College of Engineering and the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
• Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute

Student Life

Virginia Tech offers more than 600 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and only three people are required to form a new student club.

There are several residence halls to choose from for on-campus living, and there are also on-campus dining venues.

Athletics

Virginia Tech has 21 "Hokie" athletics teams that compete in intercollegiate sports, which include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball 

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main Blacksburg campus, Virginia Tech offers classes and programs online, as well as at the following satellite campuses and centers:

• Western Campus
• Valley Campus
• National Capital Region
• Central Campus
• Hampton Roads Center
• Capital Campus
• Corporate Research Center

Community Life

Blacksburg is a traditional college town, situated between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, in Virginia's New River Valley.  Blacksburg has been ranked one of the best places to live in the nation and one of the "50 Best Small Southern Towns," thanks to its moderate climate, affordable cost of living, low crime rate, stable community and small town charm.

James Madison University provides a variety of degree programs for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Harrisonburg, VA and publically funded. Enrollment at JMU is nearly nineteen thousand yearly.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Communications And Journalism
• Education
• Health And Clinical Professions
• Liberal Arts And Sciences

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken to apply to JMU. Scores between 23 - 27 on the ACT or 1630 - 1930 on the SAT are recommended to greatly increase the chance of acceptance. 60% of those who apply are accepted to JMU, of which 30% choose to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at jmu.edu.

The tuition at James Madison University varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay nearly $9,300 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $24,000 annually. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for a cost of $4,600 each year. Students enrolled at this school may be eligible for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The James Madison University "Dukes" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Football (NCAA Division I-AA)

Students who wish to get more about this school can visit their website at http://www.jmu.edu/.

VMI is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Lexington, VA, which is a predominantly rural area. Virginia Military Institute has an annual student enrollment of approximately 1,600. A list of some of the programs offered are:

• International Relations
• History
• Economics
• Psychology
• Civil Engineering

The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, transcripts, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. The majority of students accepted to this school earn an SAT score between 1520 to 1810, or an ACT score within the range of 22 to 27. 46% of applicants are accepted to VMI, of which 49% choose to attend.  A full suite of information on VMI admissions can be found by reaching out to the school or requesting information here. The tuition at this school varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay approximately $15,000 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $35,000 annually. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for a cost of $2,400 annually. Some students at Virginia Military Institute may qualify for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. The VMI Keydets participate in several athletic programs, within the NCAA organization. Available sports offered:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Football (NCAA Division I-AA)

Students should visit the Virginia Military Institute website to obtain a complete list of academic programs offered, admissions information, and more.

CNU is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Newport News, VA, which is a predominantly urban area. Approximately 4,900 students are enrolled yearly at CNU. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Communications And Journalism
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences
• Business And Marketing Studies
• Psychology
• Social Sciences

The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. Students may submit either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions to CNU. A score within the range of 1040 - 1240 on the SAT, or 22 - 26 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. Roughly 60 percent of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 29 percent of those accepted choosing to enroll.  Additional information on admissions can be found by calling CNU or by completing the form on this page today. Tuition & fees at CNU vary for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs around $11,000 per year and out-of-state tuition costing $21,000 annually. The cost of on-campus housing is about $7,000 annually. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. The CNU "Captains" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Sports available may include the following:

• Baseball (NCAA Division III)
• Basketball (NCAA Division III)
• Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
• Football (NCAA Division III)

Students should visit the CNU website to see a complete list of areas of study, student services, and more.

George Mason University, established in 1972 and commonly known as "Mason," is a top-ranking educational institution located in Northern Virginia.  Mason has strong research programs that span topic areas such as cancer, climate change, biosciences and information technology. Mason offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and has particularly strong programs in public policy, information technology and engineering, economics, visual and performing arts, conflict resolution, healthcare, biotechnology and life sciences.  The university's School of Law has been widely recognized as one of the top law schools in the U.S.

The area where the university's campuses are based, near Washington, D.C., is known as "the technology corridor."  George Mason University has four campuses, which are Fairfax Campus, Arlington Campus, Prince William Campus and Mason in Loudoun.

Mason has many innovative study programs such as study abroad programs for anthropology students, astronomy apprenticeships, Capitol Hill internships, and more.  The Mason faculty includes many celebrated scholars and historians, as well as cutting-edge researchers.

History

The university is named for George Mason, who lived in Fairfax County, Virginia, and was one of the founding fathers of the United States. George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights, a model for the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or Bill of Rights.

Traditions

For good luck, students at George Mason University have a tradition of rubbing the toe of the George Mason statue before an exam.

Academics

George Mason University follows the semester system, offering fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

Mason offers more than 100 academic degree programs through its many colleges and schools, which are:

• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Visual and Performing Arts
• College of Science
• Center for Global Education
• Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• School of Management
• School of Public Policy
• School of Law
• The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering

Student Life

George Mason University has one of the largest residential communities in Virginia, and all freshmen are guaranteed on-campus housing.

Social activities, student clubs and organizations are plentiful at Mason, and the university hosts 23 fraternities and 14 sororities.

Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics at George Mason University include basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, Lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, swimming and diving.

Satellite Campuses

George Mason University is comprised of four campuses:

• Fairfax Campus
• Arlington Campus
• Prince William Campus
• Mason in Loudoun.

Community Life

There are many activities available on campus and in the community to keep Mason students busy, from hot cedar saunas to musical concerts or kickboxing classes. The campuses of Mason boast many arts venues and athletics facilities, and many social and cultural activities.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is one of the top research universities in the United States.  It is an urban university, with its two campuses located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.  The two main campuses for VCU are Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus.  Additionally, the university has the VCU Medical Center, along with its health sciences schools and a Level 1 Trauma Center, providing health care in 200 specialties.

In addition to advancing research and providing health care, VCU offers more than 200 academic degree programs and educates the community work force.

VCU receives more than $200 million in sponsored research funding, and offers academic research in many departments and disciplines including the VCU Center for Clinical & Translational Research, several VCU Centers and Institutes, as well as several VCU Core Laboratories.

History

Virginia Commonwealth University was founded in 1838 with the creation of the Medical College of Virginia, as a medical department of Hampden-Sydney College.  In 1854 the Medical College of Virginia became independent.  In 1860 it became state affiliated.

In 1939, the university's school of social work and public health became the Richmond Professional Institute, which became an independent state institution in 1962.  In 1968, there was a merging of the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia to form what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Academics

Virginia Commonwealth University offers fall, spring and summer sessions and students may enroll for classes throughout the year.

Colleges and Schools

Virginia Commonwealth University has many Centers and Institutes that serve as its colleges and schools for study and research, and also provide health care and student resources.

• Center for the Study of Biological Complexity
• Brand Center
• Evans-Haynes Burn Center
• Campus Learning Center
• Business and Engineering Career Center
• University Career Center
• Center for Biobehavioral Clinical Research
• Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention
• Center for Environmental Studies
• Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety
• Center for Human-Animal Interaction
• Center for Public Policy
• Center for Teaching Excellence
• Center on Health Disparities
• Center on Human Needs
• Child Development Center
• Clark Hill Institute
• Center for Clinical and Translational Research
• Clinical Research Center
• Clinical Research Center for Periodontal Diseases
• Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute
• Commonwealth Poll
• Center for Corporate Education
• Center for Craniofacial Care
• Curriculum Innovation Resource Center (CIRC)
• Da Vinci Center for Innovation in Product Design and Development
• Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies
• Center for Drug Studies
• Virginia Council for Economic Education
• Employment Support Institute
• Goodwin Research Laboratory
• Virginia Area Health Education Centers Program
• Pauley Heart Center
• Inger and Walter Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences
• Center for Institutional Effectiveness
• Center for Judaic Studies
• Mass Spectrometry Resource for the Study of Biological Complexity
• Massey Cancer Center
• Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry
• Minimally Invasive Surgery Center
• Molecular Imaging Center
• Mood Disorders Institute
• Department of Neurosurgery
• Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center
• Obesity Surgery Center
• Philips Institute of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology
• Partnership for People with Disabilities
• Center for Psychological Services and Development
• Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
• Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences
• Risk and Insurance Studies Center
• Center for Sports Leadership
• Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery
• Student Media Center
• Training and Technical Assistance Center
• Hume-Lee Transplant Center
• Transportation Safety Training Center
• Virginia Center for Urban Development
• VCU Injury & Violence Prevention Program
• Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
• Virginia Center on Aging
• Virginia Family Business Forum
• Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics
• Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities
• C. Kenneth and Dianne Harris Wright Virginia Microelectronics Center
• Virginia Real Estate Center
• Virginia Treatment Center for Children
• Wellness Resource Center
• Williamson Institute for Health Studies
• Institute for Women's Health
• Writing Center

Student Life

There are more than 400 student organizations at VCU, ranging from student government to professional development, leadership, volunteer service opportunities, political involvement, and more. There are many activities and events offered to students throughout the year through the University Student Commons and Activities (USC&A).  The USC&A also accommodates events and meeting planning, among many other student services.  Student Affairs provides many resources and amenities to students on the VCU campuses.

The Break Point is a games room located in the University Student Commons where students can enjoy many recreational activities.

Fraternities and Sororities

There are 35 different chapters of fraternities and sororities offered at VCU, all governed by four governing councils.  The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at VCU provides overall direction of the Greek community.

Athletics

Many "Rams" athletes who studied and trained at VCU have gone on to play professional sports. The VCU "Rams" teams compete in several intercollegiate sports to include:

Men's Sports

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track & Field

Women's Sports

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

The VCU Department of Residential Life & Housing assists students in finding on-campus housing or off-campus accommodations.

There are many ways to become involved in community programs at VCU, as well as many ways to enjoy arts, culture and local attractions.  The Anderson Gallery has many art shows throughout the year, and the Singleton Center offers musical and theatrical performances.  The annual international festivals held on campus provide intercultural experiences to VCU students.

There are also many things to do in and around Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, which is listed as one of the "best places to live and work in America."  There are many parks around the city, some along the James River.

The city is rich in arts and culture, and one of its most popular attractions is the "First Fridays Art Walk."  This program showcases more than 40 art galleries and venues in the downtown Richmond area on the first Friday of each month.  The downtown area also boasts many top restaurants and venues for shopping and entertainment.

Longwood University, a public institution, offers an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Farmville, VA, the school offers a rural setting for students to study in. LU has a yearly student enrollment of around 4,800.

Areas of study available at LU include but are not limited to:

• Business And Marketing Studies
• Liberal Arts And Sciences
• Education
• Visual And Performing Arts
• Psychology

The admissions process will include the submission of an application, student records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. The majority of students admitted to LU earn an SAT score in a range of 930 to 1110, or an ACT composite score within the range of 20 to 24. Approximately 70% of all students that applied were admitted at this school, with 35% of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found at whylongwood.com.

The tuition at Longwood University varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $12,000 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $25,000 for the year. Student housing is available for students, which costs around $5,800 annually. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements by way of grants or student loans.

Longwood University has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
• Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AAA)

Contact information, admission forms, areas of study offered, and much more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.longwood.edu.

Mary Washington College, a public institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Fredericksburg, VA, the school offers a suburban setting for students to study in. Enrollment at Mary Washington College is nearly five thousand annually. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Education
• Business And Marketing Studies
• English Language And Literature
• Psychology
• Interdisciplinary Studies

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school records, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. Either the SAT or ACT exam can be taken in order to be able to apply to Mary Washington College. Scores in a range of 22 - 27 on the ACT or 1550 - 1870 on the SAT are required to increase the chance of acceptance. Mary Washington College accepts approximately 80% of applicants yearly. Of those admitted, around 27% of students attended the school. More information from the admissions office can be found here. The tuition at University of Mary Washington varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay close to $9,800 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $23,000 annually. Housing may be available for students that want to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $5,600 per year. Mary Washington College may provide financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Athletic programs are available at University of Mary Washington through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs offered include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division III)
• Basketball (NCAA Division III)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division III)

Radford University, located in Radford, Virginia, was established in 1910 as a women's institution dedicated to producing teachers for Virginia's planned expansion of its education system. Over the years the school grew in scope, offering a variety of educational opportunities for women. In the 1970's Virginia began the process of dismantling gender segregation from its public schools resulting in the renaming of Radford University and the eventual admission of men to the school. Today the school continues to grow, providing new programs of study as well as the renovation of existing facilities and the construction of new buildings to provide even more educational opportunities for students.

Academics

Radford University offers a plethora of programs aimed at providing students a wide variety of choices in regards to their education and future. Radford offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a large number of minor studies to accompany majors. The school also offers certificate programs in a small number of fields. The school is dedicated to academic excellence, and to that end is constantly reviewing programs and modernizing facilities to ensure that information and services are up to date. Such dedication guarantees that graduates will have received a quality education from which to build their career.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Art History
• Cinematic Arts
• Finance
• Social Work

Admissions

Students interested in attending Radford University must complete and submit the admissions application along with any relevant transcripts and test scores. The school highly recommends that students interested in attending take the time to visit the campus either through an open house event or scheduled appointment. Students will be evaluated based on their transcripts, test scores and application and will receive notification of admission shortly after submission. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and scholarships. Interested students should visit the financial aid office and speak with a counselor to begin the application process and determine if and which awards an individual may be eligible for.

Athletics

The Radford Highlanders compete in the Big South Conference of the NCAA. The school operates 19 athletic programs for men and women. The men's rugby club has won two national championships, and is the only Radford Athletic team to have won a championship, though the men's basketball  and tennis team, as well as the women's softball team have won Big South Conference tournaments.

Athletic programs offered:

• Baseball and Softball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Golf
• Tennis
• Cross Country
• Track and Field
• Swimming and Diving
• Volleyball
• Field Hockey

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Designated as a "high-research-activity" university, the ODU researchers generate more than $80 million in annual funding through 400 or more research projects. Research areas of particular note include programs in bioelectrics, modeling and simulation, alternative energies, nanotechnologies, and maritime health and systems.

Considered a "Best Southeastern College" by the Princeton Review, ODU offers more than 65 bachelor's degrees, 56 master's degrees, 41 doctoral degrees and two educational specialist degrees. Distance learning is available through ODU, which offers more than 50 degree programs online, via satellite or video-streaming and CD.

Faculty at ODU have be widely recognized for their achievements, and have won more than 20 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Awards, among others.

History

Old Dominion University was founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. It became an independent institution of higher education in 1962. In 1969, ODU gained university status.

Academics

The academic calendar for Old Dominion University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. At ODU, these are referred to as "First Semester," "Second Semester," and "Summer Semester." The Summer Semester is divided into five sessions.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Letters
• College of Business and Public Administration
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Technology
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Sciences
• Honors College

Student Life

There are roughly 300 student clubs and organizations available for involvement at Old Dominion University. These include groups that focus on academic, professional, political, religious, social, leadership and many other interests. Students can also participate in programs for volunteer service and various hobbies. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership also organizes access to the campus radio station (WODU) and the student-run newspaper "The Mace and Crown."

On campus and off campus housing are available, and more than 4,000 students live on campus during the academic year. There are many dining options available on and off campus as well.

The ROTC is quite active on campus, and there are many active fraternities and sororities at ODU.

Traditions

The ODU school colors are blue (dark, royal blue) and silver, with white as an accent color. The school mascot is "Old Blue" the lion. The school symbol is a lion with a royal crown on its head, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the "Monarchs." Early in its history, the athletic teams for ODU were nicknamed the "Braves," but this changed once the school became independent. One school tradition is to have students touch up the blue paw prints that are painted on the grounds of the campus, representing all the places where "Old Blue" has traveled.

School spirit is strong at ODU, and on every "Spirit Friday" students and faculty are asked to wear the school colors of blue and silver or ODU apparel. The school Spirit Crew will patrol the campus and reward those who observe the tradition with a prize.

Athletics

The ODU "Monarchs" athletic teams compete in 18 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division I level, and the NCAA FCS level. Varsity sports at ODU include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Sailing
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis

Satellite Campuses

The Norfolk Campus is ODU's primary location. Extended campus centers for ODU are:

• Peninsula Higher Education Center
• Virginia Beach Higher Education Center
• Tri-Cities Center
• Distance Learning Partners

Community Life

ODU has many business and research programs that contribute to the local economy and community. Many ODU programs and camps are designed for community youth, and include sports and engineering camps, science fairs, robotics challenges, a child development center, music groups, a governor's school for the arts, and more.

The City of Norfolk has much to offer in terms of culture, recreation, arts and entertainment. The downtown area of the city is very easy to walk around, and is considered a desirable place to live. There are many distinct and historical neighborhoods, each with their own character. The Freemason Historic District near the Elizabeth River is characterized by tree lined, cobblestone streets. The Granby District is a popular shopping area where many of the early buildings near the Opera House have been converted into residential lofts and trendy homes. There are many more neighborhoods and areas to explore.

The University of Virginia's College at Wise is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Wise, Virginia, which is a predominantly rural area. UVA-Wise has an annual student enrollment of approximately 2,000.

Areas of study offered at UVA-Wise include but are not limited to:

• Social Sciences
• Liberal Arts
• Commerce
• Biological and Physical Sciences

Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Students may take either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions at The University of Virginia's College at Wise. A score in a range of 1250 to 1580 on the SAT, or 17 to 22 for the ACT is usually submitted among accepted students. UVA-Wise has an admissions rate of 77% of which only 41% decided to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at uvawise.edu.

The cost of undergraduate tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state residents pay approximately $8,500, while nonresidents pay $23,000 per year. Housing may be available for students that would like to live on-campus for around a cost of $5,800 each year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.

This school has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered:

• Baseball (NAIA Division II)
• Basketball (NAIA Division II)
• Football (NAIA Division II)
• Golf (NAIA Division II)
• Softball (NAIA Division II)

To see a full list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please take a look at the school's website at http://www.uvawise.edu/.

VSU is a public historically black institution located in Petersburg, Virginia. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. As a land grant institution this school is one of the larger public institutions in the state of Virginia. Nearly five thousand students enroll at VSU per year.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Education
• Security And Protective Services
• Psychology
• Interdisciplinary Studies

The admissions process will include the submission of an application, student records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. The most common test scores among students accepted to Virginia State University are in the range of 16 - 19 for the ACT exam, or 1160 - 1390 on the SAT. Roughly 60% of all applicant were admitted at VSU, with 29% of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at vsu.edu.

The cost of tuition varies for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay close to $7,800, while nonresidents pay $18,000 annually. On-campus housing is available for students and costs around $5,500 annually. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The mascot for Virginia State University is the "Trojans", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Available sports offered:

• Baseball (NCAA Division II)
• Basketball (NCAA Division II)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division II)

Students can visit the school's http://www.vsu.edu to see additional information.

About
Norfolk State University, located in Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1935 as part of Virginia Union University. By 1942 the school became an independent institution, but was once again made part of another school system two years later, this time as part of Virginia State College. By 1969 the school has once again achieved independence, this time with ability to confer bachelor degrees, followed by earning university status in 1979. Norfolk State University is a mostly black college established in the tradition of Historically Black Universities.

Academics
Norfolk State University offers a number of programs that may result in an undergraduate or graduate degree. Students may pursue the major that bests suits his or  her interests and goals. Programs are divided up among different schools that comprise the university. Graduate programs have additional criterion for entry into a program, including having earned a bachelor's prior to admissions.

Programs offered include:

• Accountancy
• Business
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Mass Communications

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested on enrollment at Norfolk State University must submit an application and have earned a minimum 2.3 GPA. Students under the age of 21 must also have taken the SAT or ACT and have earned the posted minimum scores to be considered. As a Virginia public school, priority in admissions is given to residents of the state.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must obtain a federal PIN and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will then be used to determine need, eligibility and financial awards. Students may be asked to provide additional financial documentation to ensure that the information provided is accurate prior to the disbursement of financial awards.

Athletics
The Norfolk State University Spartans participate in intercollegiate athletics through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Intercollegiate athletics allow students to experience personal and group success in an environment of healthy competition, while developing useful skills and habits, such as discipline and good health, which are applicable to one's daily life. Additionally, students will learn to work with others in pursuit of a common goal, and experience the emotions from forming bonds with teammates. The school colors are green and gold.

Athletic programs offered:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Bowling (Women Only)
• Cross Country
• Football (Men Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Nevada State College, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Henderson, Nevada, the school offers a rural setting for students to study in. Nevada State College has a yearly student enrollment of approximately three thousand. Students can choose from many areas of study, including:

• Health And Clinical Professions
• Psychology
• Education
• Business And Marketing Studies
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. 66% of those who apply are admitted to this school, of which 36% choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at nsc.nevada.edu. The cost of tuition is different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay approximately $4,400 and out-of-state residents pay $15,000 for the year. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can take a look at the school's nsc.edu to see additional information.