Top Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia

Washington and Lee University, located in Lexington, Virginia, is widely recognized for its outstanding academic programs and rich historical tradition. As the top-ranked liberal arts college in the state in the U.S. News & World Report's 2009 rankings, Washington and Lee University stands as a beacon of academic rigor and community engagement. The university’s ranking reflects its strong commitment to providing a well-rounded, high-quality education. The school is known for its exceptional faculty, with many professors recognized for their accessibility and teaching excellence. Washington and Lee has built a reputation for fostering close relationships between students and professors, and this is evident in the Princeton Review's 2007 ranking of the university, which placed it 4th for "Professors Get High Marks" and 6th for "Professor Accessibility." This emphasis on personal attention and mentorship allows students to thrive in an academic environment that is both challenging and supportive.

Washington and Lee is divided into three distinct schools: The College, the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the School of Law. The College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, with a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Williams School, one of the university's flagship programs, focuses on business, economics, and political science, and it has a reputation for producing graduates who excel in these fields. The School of Law, also highly regarded, has been ranked 25th in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 law school rankings. Washington and Lee's undergraduate and graduate programs work in tandem to offer students a seamless education that prepares them for success in the professional world. The university's blend of strong academics, close-knit community, and commitment to excellence makes it a top choice for students seeking a comprehensive and intellectually enriching liberal arts education.

The University of Richmond, located in Richmond, Virginia, is another institution that has earned national recognition for its academic programs and overall value. Ranked 33rd in the U.S. News & World Report's 2009 liberal arts college rankings, the University of Richmond is regarded as one of the best liberal arts institutions in the country. Like Washington and Lee, the University of Richmond is known for its academically rigorous programs, exceptional faculty, and commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. The university's offerings include a range of liberal arts disciplines, as well as strong programs in business, law, and international studies. The University of Richmond is particularly noted for its business school, the Robins School of Business, which is ranked 12th nationally by Businessweek and tied for first in academic quality. The school has a long-standing tradition of producing graduates who go on to successful careers in business, finance, and other professional fields.

In addition to its strong business programs, the University of Richmond is also recognized for its commitment to fostering a vibrant campus life. The university is known for its beautiful campus, which provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students. The university’s ranking among the “25 Hottest Schools in America” by Newsweek is a testament to the vibrant campus culture and the high level of student engagement. Furthermore, the University of Richmond is included in the Princeton Review's “100 Best Value Colleges” list, a recognition that underscores the university's affordability relative to its academic quality. This combination of strong academics, an active campus life, and a commitment to student success makes the University of Richmond a top-tier liberal arts institution that is highly regarded both regionally and nationally.

Virginia Military Institute (VMI), located in Lexington, Virginia, is another unique institution that stands out in the U.S. News & World Report's rankings. VMI is ranked 71st overall among the nation’s top public and private liberal arts colleges, and it is ranked third among public liberal arts colleges, following the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy. VMI offers a distinctive education that combines the rigor of a liberal arts curriculum with the discipline and leadership training of a military academy. The institution has a long history of producing graduates who go on to serve in leadership roles in the military, government, and private sector.

VMI is known for its strong programs in engineering, and the institution is highly regarded in the subject league tables. It is ranked 7th in Civil Engineering, 14th in Mechanical Engineering, and 21st for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. These rankings reflect VMI’s commitment to providing a strong foundation in the sciences and engineering, in addition to its focus on leadership development. VMI’s unique combination of military training and academic excellence prepares students for a wide range of careers, particularly in fields that require discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The institution’s ranking as one of the top military academies in the country is a reflection of its commitment to producing graduates who excel in both the academic and professional arenas.

Sweet Briar College, a women’s college located in Sweet Briar, Virginia, is also ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the state. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings, Sweet Briar College is placed 84th nationally. Sweet Briar is known for its strong academic programs, especially in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college offers a close-knit academic environment where students are encouraged to pursue their intellectual passions and develop leadership skills. As a women’s college, Sweet Briar places a strong emphasis on empowering women to become leaders in their fields, and it has a reputation for producing graduates who go on to successful careers in a variety of professions.

In conclusion, the liberal arts colleges of Virginia, including Washington and Lee University, the University of Richmond, Virginia Military Institute, and Sweet Briar College, are highly regarded for their academic excellence, unique offerings, and commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields. These institutions provide students with the resources, support, and opportunities to pursue intellectual growth, leadership development, and career success. Whether through Washington and Lee's close student-faculty relationships, the University of Richmond's top-tier business programs, VMI’s rigorous military training, or Sweet Briar’s focus on empowering women, these colleges represent the best of liberal arts education in the state of Virginia. The rankings of these institutions in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 liberal arts rankings reflect their continued commitment to providing students with a high-quality, transformative educational experience.

List of liberal arts colleges in Virginia (US):

• Randolph-Macon College
  
• Randolph College
  
• University of Richmond
  
• Roanoke College
  
• Southern Virginia University
  
• Sweet Briar College
  
• University of Mary Washington
  
• University of Virginia's College at Wise
  
• Virginia Wesleyan College
  
• Virginia Military Institute
• College of William & Mary
  
• Washington and Lee University
  
• Liberty University
  
• Bridgewater College
  
• Christendom College
  
• Christopher Newport University
  
• Emory and Henry College
  
• Founders College
  
• Hampden-Sydney College
  
• Hollins University
  
• James Madison University
  
• Lynchburg College
  
• Mary Baldwin College
  
• University of Mary Washington