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Southern Virginia University (SVU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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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

Location: 1 University Hill Drive, Buena Vista, Virginia, 24416, USA
Phone: +1 (540) 261-8400
Website: svu.edu
Unit ID: 233611

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Arts & Sciences
Campus Setting: Located in a distant town (10-35 miles from urbanized area)
Tuition: In-state: $20,040 (Tuition $19,790 + Fee $250) · Out-of-state: $20,040 (Tuition $19,790 + Fee $250)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 967
Undergraduate: 967
Graduate/Other: 0
Male: 499 Female: 468
Applications:
Total Applicants: 1,101
Admitted: 1,097
Enrolled: 295
Acceptance: 99.6% Yield: 26.9%
Staff:
Total: 225 Full-time: 173 Part-time: 52

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Southern Virginia University (SVU) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Virginia vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Business (1)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0101 Business/Commerce, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies. The programs may prepare individuals to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $223,410 -$39,520 (-15%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $104,520 -$28,600 (-21.5%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $176,170 +$15,240 (+9.5%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $104,010 -$22,020 (-17.5%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $100,360 -$14,160 (-12.4%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $117,440 -$11,740 (-9.1%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $113,860 -$2,150 (-1.9%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $96,800 -$22,860 (-19.1%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $89,080 +$2,020 (+2.3%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $80,320 -$5,780 (-6.7%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $67,500 -$3,120 (-4.4%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,730 -$23,160 (-15.5%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $67,100 -$16,060 (-19.3%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $95,900 -$12,200 (-11.3%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $106,790 -$7,920 (-6.9%)
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $132,070 +$18,230 (+16%)
Arts (4)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0101 Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Cert2y+)
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the visual and performing arts and that may prepare individuals in any of the visual artistic media or performing disciplines.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $75,790 -$26,450 (-25.9%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $35,210 -$10,130 (-22.3%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $68,220 -$8,230 (-10.8%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $101,980 +$22,490 (+28.3%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $43,570 -$12,080 (-21.7%)
50.0401 Design and Visual Communications, General. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that may prepare individuals in any of the applied art media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $67,480 -$43,970 (-39.5%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $75,790 -$26,450 (-25.9%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $95,030 +$7,030 (+8%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $56,840 -$11,770 (-17.2%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $52,250 -$26,200 (-33.4%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $78,630 +$630 (+0.8%)
50.0599 Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in dramatic/theatre arts and stagecraft not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $75,790 -$26,450 (-25.9%)
27-2011 Actors N/A N/A N/A
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $61,850 -$52,430 (-45.9%)
27-2099 Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other N/A N/A N/A
39-3092 Costume Attendants $65,890 $45,980 -$19,910 (-30.2%)
50.0901 Music, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $59,110 -$14,590 (-19.8%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
Biological Sciences (2)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101 Biology/Biological Sciences, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $123,740 -$49,760 (-28.7%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $112,110 +$11,670 (+11.6%)
19-1099 Life Scientists, All Other $101,940 $99,120 -$2,820 (-2.8%)
19-4012 Agricultural Technicians $49,680 $43,360 -$6,320 (-12.7%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $66,220 +$11,820 (+21.7%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $44,670 -$13,350 (-23%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $64,240 -$11,020 (-14.6%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $80,000 -$21,340 (-21.1%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $59,110 -$14,590 (-19.8%)
26.0202 Biochemistry. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Includes instruction in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $123,740 -$49,760 (-28.7%)
19-1021 Biochemists and Biophysicists $115,570 $114,580 -$990 (-0.9%)
19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,690 N/A N/A
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $66,220 +$11,820 (+21.7%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $44,670 -$13,350 (-23%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $80,000 -$21,340 (-21.1%)
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101 Psychology, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,730 -$23,160 (-15.5%)
19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $134,400 N/A N/A
19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,850 $103,030 -$3,820 (-3.6%)
19-3039 Psychologists, All Other $111,340 $122,970 +$11,630 (+10.4%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $51,790 -$11,770 (-18.5%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $91,490 -$2,040 (-2.2%)
Human Sciences (1)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0701 Human Development and Family Studies, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on basic human developmental and behavioral characteristics of the individual within the context of the family. Includes instruction in the conditions that influence human growth and development; strategies that promote growth and development across the life span; and the study of family systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
25-1192 Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,450 $72,180 -$12,270 (-14.5%)
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101 Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $72,820 -$21,650 (-22.9%)
Social Sciences (1)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.1001 Political Science and Government, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,730 -$23,160 (-15.5%)
19-3094 Political Scientists $137,600 $154,860 +$17,260 (+12.5%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $51,790 -$11,770 (-18.5%)
25-1065 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,160 $102,780 -$2,380 (-2.3%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $59,110 -$14,590 (-19.8%)
History (1)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
54.0101 History, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,730 -$23,160 (-15.5%)
19-3093 Historians $78,470 $103,230 +$24,760 (+31.6%)
25-1125 History Teachers, Postsecondary $93,710 $92,600 -$1,110 (-1.2%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $59,110 -$14,590 (-19.8%)
39-7011 Tour Guides and Escorts N/A N/A N/A
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101 English Language and Literature, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $95,580 +$5,180 (+5.7%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $59,110 -$14,590 (-19.8%)
43-9081 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $52,730 $49,910 -$2,820 (-5.3%)
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0101 Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.

Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Virginia Avg VA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $171,540 -$16,450 (-8.8%)
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $100,570 -$11,390 (-10.2%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $127,650 -$24,660 (-16.2%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $128,470 -$7,420 (-5.5%)
15-1242 Database Administrators $107,440 $72,280 -$35,160 (-32.7%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $158,740 +$16,120 (+11.3%)
15-1244 Network and Computer Systems Administrators $101,190 $87,500 -$13,690 (-13.5%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $104,310 -$5,950 (-5.4%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $67,480 -$43,970 (-39.5%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $107,960 -$8,740 (-7.5%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $131,170 +$25,340 (+23.9%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$34,416
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$34,416
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$20,040
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$20,040
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$9,376 (on) / $7,000 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,500
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,500
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

29%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$7,775
Avg. Loan
$10,469
Avg. Federal Loan
$7,817
Additional
Students with Any Grant
294
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
155
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
96
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$5,420
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

38%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
82%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$27,572 – $74,656
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$27,572 (25th %) $74,656 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $50,002
Median Salary After 6 Years
$36,988
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$50,002
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
46.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
63.8%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,224
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 39.0%
Middle 47.7%
High 52.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 47.3%
Independent 41.1%

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 18 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
  • Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies (1 programs)
  • Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 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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