Private nonprofit Institution

Southern Virginia University — Buena Vista, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $20,040

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 99.6%

Open Admission

Enrollment 967

Active Students

Avg. Salary $50,002

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Buena Vista, Virginia
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 6/22/1970

Academic Mission & Environment

"Southern Virginia University stands as a pillar of higher education in Buena Vista, providing a robust academic foundation for 967 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Southern Virginia University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Southern Virginia University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
21.1%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
19.6%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
16.7%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
11.8%

Enrollment Share

English
6.4%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
5.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Southern Virginia University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Southern Virginia University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at Southern Virginia University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Virginia University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 99.6%
Difficulty Low

Southern Virginia University maintains an acceptance rate of 99.6%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 51.6%
Women Enrollment 48.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 480 - 658
SAT Mathematics 463 - 595
ACT English 16 - 25
ACT Mathematics 17 - 21
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Southern Virginia University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $20,040
Out-of-State Tuition $20,040

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 43.3%
Median Student Debt $24,224

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $20,040, graduates see a median starting salary of $50,002, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can Southern Virginia University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $50,002

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 38.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $24,014
Median Salary (6yr) $36,988
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista?

967 Students

Gender Comparison

51.6% Men
48.4% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

82.5%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Pacific Islander
3.1%
Asian
0.8%
Black
5.3%
White
76%
Unknown
0.1%
Hispanic
6.9%
Two or More Races
5.3%
International
2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 17.1%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 63.2%
💍
Married Students 7.4%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $65,610
Average Family Income $70,098
Median Family Income $55,443

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

67.9%
32.1%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Buena Vista Campus Environment

Located at 1 University Hill Drive, Southern Virginia University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Southern Virginia University

Is Southern Virginia University a good college in Buena Vista, Virginia?
Southern Virginia University is a recognized institution in Buena Vista with an enrollment of 967 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Virginia based on Department of Education data.
Is Southern Virginia University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Southern Virginia University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $50,002. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Southern Virginia University cost for Virginia residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Southern Virginia University is approximately $20,040. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $20,040. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Southern Virginia University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Southern Virginia University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 63.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Southern Virginia University good for Business & Marketing and Psychology programs?
Southern Virginia University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Psychology programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Southern Virginia University?
Graduates of Southern Virginia University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $50,002, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Southern Virginia University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Southern Virginia University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Southern Virginia University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Southern Virginia University earn a median salary of $50,002 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Southern Virginia University a good investment compared to other VA colleges?
Southern Virginia University stands out as a high-value investment in Virginia. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Southern Virginia University located and what is the campus like?
Southern Virginia University is located at 1 University Hill Drive in Buena Vista, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 967 learners.
Who typically attends Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, VA?
The student body at Southern Virginia University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 17.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Virginia

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Compare Southern Virginia University with other leading institutions in Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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B
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C
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D
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