Southern Virginia University (SVU)
Private nonprofit four-year college in Buena Vista, VA that costs an average of $23,913 a year after financial aid, admits 96% of applicants and graduates 40% of full-time students.
Private nonprofitTown (distant)936 undergraduates
Cost of SVU
| Total cost of attendance (per year) | $35,746 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, in-state | $21,380 |
| Housing and food (on campus) | $10,344 |
| Books and supplies | $1,500 |
| Average net price after aid | $23,913 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price / year |
|---|---|
| $0–30,000 | $19,583 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $20,776 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $22,337 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $23,910 |
| $110,001+ | $28,801 |
Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Get your own estimate with SVU's net price calculator ↗.
Admissions
| Acceptance rate | 96% |
|---|---|
| Test scores | Neither required nor recommended |
Graduation, earnings and debt
| Graduation rate | 40% |
|---|---|
| First-year retention | 74% |
| Median earnings 6 years after enrolling | $40,272 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $53,570 |
| Rank in Virginia (earnings) | 31st of 51 similar colleges |
| Median debt of graduates | $20,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 (10-year plan) |
| Students with Pell grants | 49% |
| Students with federal loans | 54% |
Majors and programs at SVU
Earnings one year after graduation and median debt, by program. Click a program for details and comparisons.
Bachelor's degree programs (21)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce | 78 | $43,298 | $17,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 22 | $30,539 | — |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 40 | — | $19,875 |
| Biology | 20 | — | — |
| Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | — | — | — |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 14 | — | — |
| Computer Science | — | — | — |
| Design and Applied Arts | 10 | — | — |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 4 | — | — |
| English Language and Literature | 20 | — | — |
| History | 14 | — | — |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 24 | — | — |
| Mathematics | 7 | — | — |
| Music | 19 | — | — |
| Philosophy | 6 | — | — |
| Political Science and Government | 13 | — | — |
| Psychology | 65 | — | $24,504 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 7 | — | — |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | — | — | — |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | — | — | — |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 19 | — | — |
Similar colleges in Virginia
| College | City | Net price / yr | Acceptance | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampden-Sydney College | Hampden-Sydney | $26,626 | 41% | $76,989 |
| Emory & Henry University | Emory | $24,031 | 84% | $52,287 |
| Mary Baldwin University | Staunton | $15,810 | — | $48,703 |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Harrisonburg | $24,731 | 100% | $58,912 |
| Virginia Union University | Richmond | $29,932 | 98% | $44,816 |
| Averett University | Danville | $27,629 | 57% | $56,693 |
| Ferrum College | Ferrum | $18,070 | 89% | $48,617 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia Beach | $20,237 | 73% | $54,390 |
About SVU
| Type | Private nonprofit four-year college |
|---|---|
| Location | Buena Vista, VA |
| Setting | Town (distant) |
| Undergraduates | 936 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 14 to 1 |
| Accreditor | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Website | svu.edu ↗ |
Frequently asked questions
What is SVU's acceptance rate?
Southern Virginia University admits 96% of applicants.
How much does SVU cost per year?
The full cost of attendance is $35,746 a year (tuition and fees: $21,380). After grants and scholarships the average student pays $23,913 a year, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $19,583.
How much do SVU graduates earn?
Former students earn a median of $53,570 a year, 10 years after first enrolling — 31st of 51 similar colleges in Virginia. The best-paid bachelor's program is business/commerce ($43,298 a year after graduation).
What is SVU's graduation rate?
40% of full-time students graduate within six years, and 74% of first-year students return for a second year.