Our Colleges

Virginia's private colleges and universities have a long and distinguished tradition of excellence and a nationwide reputation for quality. The 29 member colleges of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) have played a vital role in developing the state's tradition of academic excellence.

Virginia's 29 private colleges are extremely diverse. They include:

single sex and coeducational institutions
historically black colleges
highly selective institutions
institutions which serve the average college-bound student
graduate and professional schools

Private colleges in Virginia provide a wide variety of academic programs in supportive environments with excellent facilities. They offer many advantages and are more affordable than you might think.

Advantages…

They offer outstanding faculty, small classes, and extensive interaction between professors and students. At Virginia's private colleges, the top priority of the faculty is teaching rather than individual research.
There are also many opportunities for extracurricular activities and leadership development, and all colleges make available a wide range of academic support services.
Virginia's private colleges send a large percentage of students on to graduate and professional school, and job-seeking students have remarkable success in securing career-related employment after graduation.

Accreditation…

All CICV members with undergraduate programs have Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation, the same as Virginia’s 2- and 4-year public colleges
The Appalachian College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
The Appalachian School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association.

Virginia private colleges have a presence in every region of the state, including several cities that do not have a 4-year public college (Roanoke, Lynchburg, Winchester, and Danville).

Click here to learn more about our Virginia private colleges and universities.