Campus Identity
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.
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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.
Campus Lifestyle
Southern Virginia University is a under 1,000, small-town school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 186 miles from Cape Charles, VA and 26 miles from Wintergreen Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D3
USA South Athletic
School Size & Setting
Under 1,000
Town setting
Beach Access
186 miles
Cape Charles, VA
Weather
Warm Climate
49°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Southern Virginia University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Wintergreen Resort, 26 miles away with 5 lifts and 129 skiable acres. All are within 31 miles of campus.
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia
Nearest Beach
Students at Southern Virginia University are 186 miles from Cape Charles, VA.
Cape Charles, VA
Ocean access within 185.9 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Buena Vista, VA
Buena Vista has a cool climate, with winters averaging 34°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.
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
Southern Virginia University in VA earns a composite safety score of 57/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
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
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $21,280 |
| Room & Board | $10,878 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $32,158 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
21 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
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 2024-25 academic year, Southern Virginia University charges $21,280/year in tuition. Including room and board ($10,878/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $17,960/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,213/year — what students actually pay. 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), avg net price ($22,213/year after aid), campus culture in Buena Vista, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Southern Virginia University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Southern Virginia University directly for the most current information.
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