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Southern Virginia University

4.7(1)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1867
Founded
1867
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About Southern Virginia University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Established as an institution for girls, Southern Virginia University is now a four-year private liberal. SVU is a private university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university is an undergraduate institution offering a bachelor’s degree to around 1,100 students from all over the globe.

As a renowned institution in the US Education System Southern Virginia University invites applications from more than 47 states and 7 countries. The academic calendar at SVU consists of two major semesters: fall semester and spring semester (15-weeks each). In addition to this, two summer terms, of shorter duration, are also offered. The university has a four-point grading system for assessment.The international students seeking admission at SVU, need an TOEFL score and minimum 2.5 GPA.

Highlights

Type of University Private
Campus Location Buena Vista, Virginia
Campus Setting Rural
Acceptance Rate 69%
Application Portal University Application Portal
Scores Accepted SAT, ACT
English Proficiency Test TOEFL
Number of Residence Halls Seven
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Scholarships Limited but available
Official Website https://svu.edu/

Southern Virginia University Rankings

Southern Virginia University is ranked at high positions in various fields. The rankings according to US News and World Report 2023 are-

  • #171-221 among National Liberal Arts College in USA
  • #63 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Southern Virginia University Campus

Southern Virginia University has its campus located in Buena Vista, Virginia. Located in a closed proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campus offers a serene and quiet environment to its students. The single campus of the Southern Virginia University comprises

  • The Student Wellness Center provides students with one-on-one interactions with the professionals for their physical as well as mental health.
  • From fine dining to cafes, the university campus offers a good range of dining options. Some of the places are- The Garden Place, Hilltop Market, and World Cuisine.
  • For students who indulge in athletics, SVU is a great option as the institution sponsors 23 men’s and women’s athletic teams.
  • The Music department is an all inclusive platform for the students to pursue their passion. There are several options including bands, Accolade-travelling acapella group, Bella Voce-women’s chorus, and Concert band.
  • Theatre is a significant part of the university. Regular theatrical performances are an integral part of campus life.
  • The Von Canon Library is an integral part of the university campus with over 90,000 items in total.

Southern Virginia University Accommodations

Southern Virginia University has set up well-organized housing facilities incoming as well as current students. The university provides accommodation facilities in two styles- Apartment Style and Dorm Style. The details of the accommodation halls are tabulated below:

Type of Room Cost per month
Dorm-style University Housing
The Lofts (Co-ed) $411-$558
Craton Hall (Female Students) 430-$517
Robey Hall (Male students) $430-$517
Apartment-style University Housing:
Walnut Apartments (Co-ed) $544-$631
Stoddard Living Center (Co-ed) $495-$582
Carriage Townhomes (Co-ed) $443-$558
Carriage Mods (Co-ed) $447-$534

Students can also rent private rooms for accommodation while studying. They cost about $600 per semester. To explore student housing options in USA, Click here

Southern Virginia University Programs

Southern Virginia University offers a plethora of programs in about 20 academic subjects. Some of the most popular study areas at SVU include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Human Development, Psychology, and History.

Moreover, the university offers the majors’ courses across these fields-

Art, biochemistry, biology, business management and leadership, computer science, English, classical studies, family and child development, history, liberal arts, mathematics, music, philosophy, politics, psychology, Spanish, and theatre.

Southern Virginia University Admissions

The admission process at Southern Virginia University is highly convenient and student-friendly. However, international students are required to submit extra documents. All the necessary details regarding the admissions at SVU are given below:

Application Portal: University online portal
Admission Requirements: These are the major documents that need to be submitted by the international students while applying for admissions at Southern Virginia University:

  • Academic Transcripts
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Administration Fee- $255 (non-refundable)

Other Requirements:

  • SVU I-20 form
  • F-1 student visa
  • A valid passport
  • SAT and ACT scores are required while applying for the Student Visa
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses

English Language Requirements

International students, who do not speak English as their native language, are required to submit proof of their expertise in English language. Southern University Virginia accepts the TOEFL test scores for the same:-

Exam Minimum Score
TOEFL-PBT 550
TOEFL-CBT 213
TOEFL-iBT 79

Southern Virginia University Cost of Attendance

International students applying at Southern Virginia University for admissions need to incur expenses such as tuition and living expenses. The various kinds of expenses are described below for quick reference:

Tuition and Fees

Type of Expense Cost
Full-time Tuition Fee $8,980 per semester
Part-time Tuition Fee $795 per credit
Summer Tuition Fee $379 per credit

Accommodation Expenses

Room Type Cost per semester
The Lofts (four-person room) $1,992
Robey & Craton Halls $2,068
Carriage Townhomes (regular room) $2,120
Carriage Mods $2,136
The Lofts (three-person room);
Carriage Townhomes (large room)
$2,232
Library Mods $2,328
Walnut Avenue Apartments $2,524

Southern Virginia University Scholarships

Southern Virginia University is consistently striving to make the education process as affordable for students as possible. The university has therefore designed several scholarships and financial aid plans for the students.

  • Academic scholarships: Awarded to students based on the academic score (GPA score)
  • Performance scholarships: For students wishing to go in the field of Art, Design, Dance, Music, Theatre, and much more.
  • Marriott Scholarship: Awarded on first-come-first-basis, this scholarship is given to students with GPA above 3.8

Apart from the above tabulated scholarship schemes, private scholarships are also available for the students. Needy applicants are required to contact the department of Student Financial Services to get the benefit of private scholarships. Check: Scholarships to Study in USA

Southern Virginia University Alumni

Southern Virginia University generally witnesses the satisfactory placements of the passed-out students. The median starting salary for alumni of Southern Virginia University is $39,700.A few of the notable alumni are named below, along with their field of work/study-

  • Beezie Madden- Olympic winner
  • Tori Wescott- Soccer player
  • Lia Wheatley- Director of the Personal Learning Center at SVU
  • Akiva Wedge- Football player

Among the various private universities of the USA, Southern Virginia University is a great alternative for students who wish to do their majors or minors in America. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Southern Virginia University to award bachelor’s degrees to students who want to study in the USA. The mission of the university is to lift the students in intellect, character, spirituality and give them good careers and lives.

FAQs

Ques. What are the rankings of Southern Virginia University?

Ans.Southern Virginia University is ranked as # 171-221 among National Liberal Arts Colleges 2023 by US NEWS. Moreover, it is highly ranked for its campus safety- # 3 among the Safest College Campuses in Virginia.

Ques. Is it very difficult to get into Southern Virginia University?

Ans.The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 69%. It means that getting admission at Southern Virginia University is not very difficult.

Ques. Is there any accommodation facility for international students?

Ans.Southern Virginia University has a total of 7 residence halls on campus. The cost of accommodation ranges from $1,992 to $2,524 per semester. Students can also find off-campus housing options near the university.

Ques. What is the tuition fee for graduation at SVU?

Ans.The tuition fee is $8,980 per semester for full-time students. For part-time students, the fee is $795 per credit. The fee for the summer term is only $379 per credit.

Ques. What are the popular study areas offered by SVU?

Ans.Southern Virginia University offers majors and minors across the fields of biology, business management and leadership, computer science, psychology, Spanish, biochemistry, English, classical studies, family and child development.

Ques. What are the major requirements for international students while applying for admissions at SVU?

Ans.International applicants need to submit the official academic transcripts and an evaluation of foreign academic credits by a recognized foreign credential evaluation service. They need to have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They also need to submit an administration fee of $255, which is non-refundable.

Ques. What type of visa is required by international students at SVU?

Ans.International applicants must have an F-1 student visa in order to pursue a program at Southern Virginia University. SAT and ACT scores are required while applying for the Student Visa. Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses and a valid passport are the further mandatory requirements to get the visa.

Ques. Are there any scholarships available for students at SVU?

Ans.Southern Virginia University has an ample number of scholarships in order to ease the education process for students. Some of the major scholarships are Academic Scholarship, Need-based Scholarship (up to $6,345) and Returned Missionary & Service Scholarship ($1,500 annually).

Ques. What exams are accepted as proof of English language proficiency at Southern Virginia University?

Ans. Southern Virginia University accepts the TOEFL test as proof of English language proficiency by the international applicants. The minimum score required to qualify are-

  • Paper-based Test- 550
  • Computer-based Test- 213
  • Internet-based Test- 79
Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

15

Fee from

₹19,45,631.4

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 15 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 19.5 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 20,780 /Yr
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

South Virginia University is a private liberal arts university that is located in Buena Vista, Virginia. The university has an acceptance rate of 69% (fall 2018). It received 956 total applications. The enrollment rate for fall 2018 was 47%. The Southern Virginia University invites application for Fall and Spring sessions.

  • The university offers only bachelor's programs.
  • Applications can be made with university website
  • Southern Virginia University accepts only TOEFL score as proof of English Proficiency.
  • Standardized test scores are required for UG admissions.

Highlights

Application Portal Online
Administration Fee $255
Acceptance Rate 69%
SAT code 5625
ACT code 4400
Average SAT score 1041
Average ACT score 19
Mode of Payment Master-Card/ American Express/Discover/visa
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Intake Seasons Fall and Spring
Financial Aid Work-Study, Loans, Grants, and Scholarships

Southern Virginia University Admission Deadlines

The university suggests that the applications are received as early as possible. A suggested application deadline is March 1.

Southern Virginia University International Admissions

International applicants are required to fulfill additional requirements when applying for Southern Virginia University. The details of international admission requirements and the process are mentioned below:

Application Submission Requirements for International Applicants

  • Official transcripts or certified copies of academic records
    • Translation of transcripts
    • Evaluation of transcripts by WES.
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
    • 1 guidance counselor letter
  • Financial Statement
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Proof of immunization
  • Personal essay
  • Copy of Passport and Visa Certification

English Language Requirements

International applicants must submit the following minimum scores:

Name of the Test Score Required
TOEFL (IBT) 79
TOEFL (PBT) 550
TOEFL (CBT) 213

Visa Process for International Students

  • Submit a supporting bank letter/ Certification of Finances, a copy of Passport or national ID to obtain Form I-20 from the University.
  • Apply for F-1 Visa
  • Schedule visa interview

Southern Virginia Undergraduate Admissions

Southern Virginia University provides around 17 different majors and 18 different minors. It is recommended for international students to submit their application much before the deadline so that their application could be evaluated in time.

Application Portal: university website

Academic Requirements

  • Candidates are required to submit original study records, transcripts (translated in the English language), mark sheets and exam results while applying to any of the courses available in the Southern Virginia University.
  • GPA- 2.5
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
    • 1 guidance counselor letter
  • Financial Statement
  • Standardized Test Scores
    • SAT minimum: 850
    • ACT minimum: 17
  • Proof of immunization
  • Personal essay
  • Copy of Passport and Visa Certification

To avoid last-minute confusion, students are advised to submit their applications 2 weeks before the deadline of the application submission. International applicants can contact the Primary Designated School Officer for International applicants for details and other queries related to admissions at 5402618530.

Placements & Recruiters

Southern Virginia University Placement Details

Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Virginia, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Buena Vista, Virginia, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Contact Information

1 University Hill Dr, Buena Vista, VA 24416

+1-540-261-8400

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

4.7/10
Top Rated

Based on 1 rating

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
7.0/10
Faculty
8.0/10
Infrastructure
6.0/10
Accommodation
3.0/10
Placement
2.0/10
Extracurricular
2.0/10