Southern Virginia University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Buena Vista, Virginia with 936 undergraduates. It admits 96% of applicants, costs an average of $23,913 a year after grants and graduates 40% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Southern Virginia University acceptance rate and admissions
Southern Virginia University admitted 96% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Southern Virginia University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $21,380 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $10,344 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $35,746 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $23,913 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $23,913 a year after grants and scholarships, $11,833 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Southern Virginia University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Southern Virginia University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 40% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $53,570 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $20,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 37% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Southern Virginia University majors and what graduates earn
Southern Virginia University awarded bachelor's degrees in 17 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from business ($56,726).
All 17 majors at Southern Virginia University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 34 | $43,298 | $56,726 | $17,750 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 8 | $30,539 | $40,419 | n/a |
| Psychology | 23 | n/a | $36,808 | $24,504 |
| English | 6 | n/a | $33,115 | n/a |
| Biochemistry and molecular biology | 17 | n/a | n/a | $19,875 |
| Human development and family studies | 15 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Graphic and industrial design | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer and information sciences | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Art and design, general | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Romance languages | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Philosophy | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Students and location
- 936 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 47% women, 53% men
- 14 students for every faculty member
- Setting: distant town
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University admitted 96% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Southern Virginia University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $21,380. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $23,913 a year in 2024-25.
Is Southern Virginia University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Southern Virginia University reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Virginia University?
40% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Southern Virginia University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $53,570 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Virginia · Southern Virginia University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.