• Southern Virginia University provides the finest undergraduate, liberal arts education in a Latter-day Saint environment.

    Fast Facts

    Learn that Life is Service

    Established
    President
    1867
    Reed Wilcox

    The Genius of Small

    • 16:1 student-faculty ratio
    • 98% rate their relationships with professors above average
    • 93% engage in athletics, performing arts and other extracurricular activities

    Enrollment (Fall 2012)

    • 729 students from 45 states and 10 foreign countries
    • 52% women; 48% men
    • 92% Latter-day Saints
    • 22% are returned missionaries
    • 10% are married

    Scholarships and Aid

    • 98% of students receive financial aid
    • Special grants for LDS returned missionaries

    Academics

    • 95% rate their educational experience as “good” or “excellent”
    • Seniors outperform 93% of their peers nationally in their ability to think critically and write analytically
    • Nearly 9-in-10 of job-seeking graduates were employed within 12 months of graduation
    • 42% of all graduates have attended graduate school
    • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

    Athletics

    • More than 40% of students participate in athletics
    • Provisional member of the NCAA Division III
    • Member of Capital Athletic Conference

    About Southern Virginia University

    Founded in 1867 as a school for girls, Southern Virginia has served Latter-day Saints and those with similar values since 1996. It is the only liberal arts university with a Latter-day Saint environment. By fostering both academic and spiritual growth, the university prepares its students to become leader-servants in their communities, homes and workplaces.

    Set in the majestic Shenandoah Valley at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Southern Virginia University rests atop a tree-shaded hill in Buena Vista, Virginia.

    Excellent Liberal Arts Education

    By studying classical and modern thinkers, artists, musicians, and writers, students at Southern Virginia discover how to learn. A liberal arts education teaches students to think critically, write analytically and argue effectively.

    Additionally, small class sizes and opportunities for one-on-one mentoring help students reach their full potential and develop a desire to become lifelong learners.

    Latter-day Saint Environment

    Southern Virginia embraces the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our students receive spiritual strength in being surrounded by others who are equally devoted to upholding the high moral, ethical and personal standards outlined in our Code of Honor.

    With a 93-percent LDS student body, the largest Institute of Religion on the East Coast and a YSA stake serving campus, Southern Virginia provides a great atmosphere for both secular and religious learning.

    Opportunities to Participate

    Our well-rounded students strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits through both curricular and extracurricular activities on campus. Because of Southern Virginia’s intentionally small student body, every student has opportunities to participate in a variety of interests and do the things they love most.