Southern Virginia University (SVU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Southern Virginia University
Set in the Shenandoah Valley at the foot of the Blue Ridge, Southern Virginia University pairs a values-centered culture and a liberal-arts foundation. It's known for close community, thoughtful discussion, and hands-on learning in the arts and sciences. Students find a well-kept library and studios, labs and performance spaces, athletic facilities, plus advising, tutoring, counseling, and career support.
Campus life leans active and friendly. You'll find student clubs, service projects, music and theater, plus athletics and intramurals. And the valley becomes your playground for hiking and paddling. The atmosphere rewards accountability, with an honor-code vibe and campus gatherings that build shared tradition. Career prep draws on internships, alumni connections, and faculty mentorship, while Buena Vista's small-town setting opens doors to neighbors and local businesses.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Southern Virginia University (SVU) offers 17 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 165 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (1 programs, 34 graduates), Arts (4 programs, 25 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 23 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 23 graduates) and Human Sciences (1 programs, 15 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (1 programs, 34 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 34 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0101 |
Arts (4 programs, 25 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Visual Communications | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0401 |
| Music | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0101 |
| Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0599 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 23 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Psychology (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 15 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development and Family Studies | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
19.0701 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Social Sciences (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
History (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
54.0101 |
English (1 programs, 6 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Southern Virginia University (SVU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southern Virginia University (SVU)
How much does it cost to attend Southern Virginia University (SVU)?
The annual tuition at Southern Virginia University (SVU) is $20,040 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $34,416 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,376 (on) / $7,000 (off) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Southern Virginia University offer?
Southern Virginia University (SVU) offers 17 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University (SVU) has an 99.6% acceptance rate and a 26.9% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,101
- Students admitted: 1,097
- Students enrolled: 295
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University (SVU) provides financial aid to 29% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,775 and average loans of $10,469.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,456
- State/Local grants: $4,543
- Institutional grants: $5,420
- Federal loans: $7,817
The university supports 294 students with grants and 155 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Southern Virginia University graduates?
Southern Virginia University (SVU) graduates earn a median salary of $36,988 after 6 years and $50,002 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $27,572 (25th percentile) to $74,656 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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