• Students pursuing their education in Virginia can choose from public and private institutions.university college image by Mary Lane from Fotolia.com
  
  Virginia offers students looking for a higher education a wide range of choices with large universities and smaller, more hands-on options. Virginia schools attract students from all over the United States, as well as from other countries.
  
  

Averett University

• Averett University, founded in 1859, became one of the first universities to offer women a higher education and was among the first universities to offer alternative degrees such as a bachelor's in aeronautics and equestrian studies. The student body of Averett is approximately 2,500 students from many states and several countries. Averett also boasts an athletic department with men's and women's basketball, soccer and tennis. Other sports include cheerleading, softball, football, volleyball, golf and cross country.
  
  Averett University
  420 W. Main St.
  Danville, VA 24541
  434-791-5600
  averett.edu
  
  

Bridgewater College

• Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 and was the first coeducational college in Virginia. As a liberal arts college, Bridgewater offers students a curriculum in fields such as business, law, communications and education. Bridgewater is affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and houses approximately 1,500 students. Bridgewater also offers over 70 campus activities which include campus plays, a dance team, student recitals, films and art exhibits.
  
  Bridgewater College
  402 E. College St.
  Bridgewater, VA 22813
  540-828-8000
  bridgewater.edu
  
  

George Mason University

• George Mason University offers a diverse culture with students coming from all 50 states and 125 countries. More than 5,000 students live on campus, making the University one of Virginia's largest residential communities. Over 200 student organizations and activities are offered. Mason has 22 NCAA Division 1 teams, along with many student clubs and intramural teams. Mason offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, information technology, biotechnology and health care.
  
  George Mason University
  4400 University Drive
  Fairfax, VA 22030
  703-993-1000
  gmu.edu
  
  

Hampton University

• Students at Hampton University represent 49 states and 35 territories and nations. Hampton prides itself on American and African-American history, and is one of the "top historically black universities in the world," according to the Hampton University website. Hampton provides a large range of technical, liberal arts and graduate degree programs.
  
  Hampton University
  100 Cemetery Road
  Hampton, VA 23668
  757-727-5000
  www.hamptonu.edu
  
  

James Madison University

• James Madison University's slogan encompasses the school's culture and philosophy: "Be the Change." JMU faculty and students address global needs daily such as disease, poverty, handicaps and overall lack of opportunity. JMU is ranked as the top public master's-level school in the south by U.S. News & World Report. JMU also offers study abroad programs, hands-on learning and access to faculty with small class sizes.
  
  James Madison University
  800 S. Main St.
  Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  540-568-6211
  jmu.edu
  
  

University of Virginia

• The University of Virginia is a public school, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Virginia ranked number two of all public universities in 2009. The university offers 51 bachelor's degrees in 47 fields, and 84 master's degree programs in 67 fields. Fifty-seven doctoral degrees are offered in 55 fields. The student body of 2009-2010 included 20,895 undergraduate and graduate students.
  
  University of Virginia
  400 Ray C. Hunt Drive
  Charlottesville, VA 22902
  434-924-0311
  virginia.edu