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Southern Virginia University

Buena Vista, VA·Private·https://svu.edu/

Campus Identity

NCAA D3

Southern Virginia University is a small private nonprofit university in Buena Vista, VA. Approximately 936 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 26 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 57/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Southern Virginia University is a small private nonprofit university in Buena Vista, VA. Approximately 936 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 26 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 57/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

96%
Acceptance Rate
1,451 applications
22
ACT Score (50th %ile)
$17,960
In-State Tuition
$17,960
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,878
Room & Board
936
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
21%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
NCAA D3
Athletics
USA South Athletic
Selectivity96% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

Campus Lifestyle

Athletics

NCAA D3

USA South Athletic

School Size & Setting

Under 1,000

Town setting

Beach Access

186 miles

Cape Charles, VA

Ski Access

26 miles

Wintergreen Resort

Weather

Warm Climate

49°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

26 mi away
129 skiable acres5 lifts
The Omni Homestead Resort

Virginia

31 mi away
42 skiable acres2 lifts

Nearest Beach

Cape Charles, VA

Ocean access within 185.9 miles

186 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Buena Vista, VA

34°Jan37°Feb44°Mar54°Apr63°May71°Jun75°Jul74°Aug67°Sep56°Oct45°Nov37°Dec

Station: LEXINGTON · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

57/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety367287
36/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
72/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
87/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.

Tuition
$17,960
Room & Board
$10,878
Total
$28,838

These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.

Calculate Your Net Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Southern Virginia University located?

Southern Virginia University is located in Buena Vista, VA. The main campus address is 1 University Hill Drive, Buena Vista, VA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Virginia University?

Southern Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 96%, making it accessible. Out of 1,451 applicants, 1,399 were admitted in the most recent year. 936 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Southern Virginia University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Southern Virginia University scored between ? and ? on the ACT, with a median of 22. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Southern Virginia University?

For the 2023–24 academic year, Southern Virginia University charges $17,960/year in tuition. Including room and board ($10,878/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $17,960/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use Southern Virginia University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

Does Southern Virginia University have college sports?

Yes — Southern Virginia University competes at the NCAA D3 level in the USA South Athletic. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.

Is Southern Virginia University the right fit for me?

Whether Southern Virginia University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (96% admit rate), cost ($17,960/year out-of-state), campus culture in Buena Vista, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Southern Virginia University against similar schools side-by-side.

Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Southern Virginia University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Buena Vista, VA
Size
Under 1,000
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's
NCAA
NCAA D3
Conference
USA South Athletic
School Year Weather
Warm · 49°F avg
On Campus Safety Score
57/100
Nearest Airport
Lynchburg, VA (LYH) · 30 mialso SHD (44 mi), ROA (45 mi)

Location

Buena Vista, VA

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.