All schools
Southern Virginia University logo
PrivateTown

Southern Virginia University

SVU

Buena Vista, Virginia 24416

Visit website

Campus Vibe

Sciences-focusedTight-knitCollege town

Known for business — close-knit campus

Southern Virginia University is a private institution in Buena Vista with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1099, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A small campus of 967 undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

38% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $50,002 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,014.

Established
1867
Motto
Learn that Life is Service
Type
Private liberal arts college
Conference
Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

5 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
100%Acceptance
1099SAT Avg
967Students
17:1Student:Faculty
38%Grad Rate
$50,002Earnings 10yr
$24,014Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Southern Virginia University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate99.6%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1099

Reading & WritingMid: 571
480658
MathMid: 552
463595

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
1825

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

99.6%

Trend

SAT Avg

1099

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$20,040
Room & Board$9,376
Books & Supplies$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance$33,066
Average Net Price$24,014
Median Debt at Graduation$24,224
Monthly Payment (10yr)$257

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$20,722
$30–48K$21,345
$48–75K$23,925
$75–110K$25,350
$110K+$26,686

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$24,014

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

4400.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$14,250

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

5

Peer Average

3

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Programs (19)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
967
Gender Split
48% / 52%
Women / Men
First Generation
17%
Pell Grant Recipients
43%

Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Black 5%
Hispanic 7%
Asian 1%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate38.3%
Freshman Retention82.5%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$36,988
8 Years$39,289
10 Years$50,002

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$23,700
Men
$52,800

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Knights

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

103Above Average

Estimated from VA state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Raleighpop. 470K
141 mi(244 min)
Washingtonpop. 690K
149 mi(258 min)
Baltimorepop. 570K
183 mi(317 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Southern Virginia University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications