Here are some of the most important reasons why more and more students choose Southern Virginia every year.
Latter-day Saint Environment
Southern Virginia is the only independent liberal arts college dedicated to educating Latter-day Saints and those who share our values. With a Code of Honor, temple days, five university wards and the largest daytime LDS Institute in the east, our students take comfort in being surrounded by others who are equally dedicated to upholding high moral, ethical and personal standards.
Academic Excellence
We are committed to providing the finest liberal arts education available within a wholesome Latter-day Saint environment. Graduating seniors from Southern Virginia rank in the top seven percent of seniors nationally in their ability to carefully and critically analyze complex materials, propose solutions and communicate their findings clearly.
Small Classes
Unlike state schools and large private universities where students can feel lost among the masses, Southern Virginia offers classes with an average size of just 16 students. Small classes promote discussion and interaction, enhance learning opportunities and provide outstanding preparation for graduate school.
Distinguished, Dedicated Professors
At Southern Virginia you’ll never be taught by a teaching assistant; you’ll only be taught by expert faculty members, four-in-five of whom have Ph.D.s or terminal degrees in their fields. And, given our low student-to-faculty ratio, you can develop personal relationships—even friendships—with your professors.
Opportunities to Participate
Students at Southern Virginia are active and engaged in the classroom and beyond. What we call “The Genius of Small,” allows each of our students the chance to get involved in a variety of programs and activities that encourage student interaction, promote service and a positive, healthy lifestyle.
Whether it’s intercollegiate or intramural athletics, music, fine and performing arts, student government, academic societies or recreational clubs, you’ll never run out of ways to get involved and discover more about yourself.
Graduation Guaranteed
While students at other universities take five or six years to earn a degree, we promise you'll graduate in four years if you follow our four-year academic plan—or we'll cover your additional tuition costs at Southern Virginia. Many hard-working students are even able to graduate from Southern Virginia in three years or less, saving both time and money.
Service Opportunities
Our mission is “to prepare leader–servants in the workplace and the world; in the community and the church; and in the home.” With that goal in mind, we strive to find service opportunities both on and off campus. By the time they graduate, Southern Virginia students have truly given back to their communities and built important leadership skills.
Fun
Southern Virginia’s idyllic location brings fun, beauty and history right to your doorstep. In three hours or less you could be touring the U.S. Capitol or the Washington D.C. Temple, visiting Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello, or checking out dozens of other must-see attractions around historic Virginia.
Locally you’ll find quaint shops, two movie theaters, art galleries and museums. If you prefer the outdoors, you can hike, bicycle, camp and explore in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
Nationally Recognized Travel Study Program
With our Travel Study program, we’ll show you the world. You can earn valuable course credits in a variety of domestic and international locales, including Washington, D.C.; New York City; Nauvoo; China; England and Italy. Our students are twice as likely as students at other universities to participate in a travel study program.
When students who complete 56 credit hours at Southern Virginia, they receive a $400 voucher toward any Travel Study program.
All of the Above
We know that many schools have one or some of the opportunities listed above, but Southern Virginia is the only college where all of them come together in one unique place.