
One College Hill Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416, USA


Southern Virginia University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation authorizes the institution to award bachelor's and master's degrees, ensuring that its academic programs meet established quality standards. Prospective students can be assured that the university undergoes regular evaluations to maintain compliance with rigorous criteria set by SACSCOC, which is recognized by the U. S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Additionally, specific programs within the university may pursue specialized accreditation, although details on such accreditations are not provided. The institutional accreditation through SACSCOC confirms that Southern Virginia University meets regional requirements, which is a critical consideration for transferability of credits and eligibility for federal financial aid. This accreditation status is an important factor for students evaluating the legitimacy and academic quality of the university's offerings.
Southern Virginia University requires applicants to have completed high school or hold a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Prospective students must submit a secondary school record and meet a minimum grade point average, while submission of secondary school class rank is encouraged but not mandatory.
The university mandates a TOEFL score for applicants whose first language is not English, reflecting the institution's commitment to ensuring English proficiency. Additionally, it recommends-but does not require-submission of other standardized test scores as part of the application process.
Southern Virginia University does not maintain an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit programs or college credit options prior to enrollment. However, the university does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits, providing some flexibility for incoming students with prior academic achievements.
Regarding standardized tests, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1123, which places applicants roughly in the bottom 45th percentile nationally. The SAT math and writing sections average 552 and 571 respectively, both characterized as average within the applicant pool. The mean ACT score is 22, positioned in the lower 30th percentile, indicating a relatively modest standardized testing profile among enrollees.
The acceptance rate at Southern Virginia University is notably high, essentially 100%, placing it in the top 15% nationally for admissions accessibility. This suggests a broadly inclusive admissions approach, although admitted students tend to have average academic standings compared to national benchmarks.
Southern Virginia University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their application for admission. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers to eligible students, which can help reduce the financial burden during the application process.
Applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if they demonstrate financial need, participate in certain educational programs, or meet other criteria established by the university's admissions office. These waivers are intended to make the application process more accessible to a diverse range of students who might otherwise be deterred by the cost.
Students interested in requesting a fee waiver should contact the admissions office directly to learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process for applying for a waiver. This approach ensures that applicants fully understand their options and can plan accordingly when applying to Southern Virginia University.
Southern Virginia University does not host its own ROTC program but participates in a cooperative arrangement with a nearby host institution. This means that students interested in military officer training can enroll in ROTC courses at the partnering university while pursuing their academic studies at Southern Virginia University. Such a setup allows students to engage in military leadership development and training without the university directly managing an ROTC unit on campus.
Southern Virginia University considers transfer applicants with a relatively straightforward admissions process described as minimally difficult. The institution accepts credit from CLEP subject examinations as well as DANTES exams, providing multiple pathways for transfer students to receive credit for prior learning. This acknowledgement of standardized credit exams can be beneficial for students looking to expedite their degree progress after transferring. Prospective transfer students should note that specific policies on accepting other types of credits or recommendations are not publicly detailed.
Southern Virginia University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic experience and cultural understanding of its students. These programs include semester-long exchanges, summer study options, and short-term trips that combine coursework with immersive experiences. Students can participate in programs hosted by partner institutions, allowing them to earn credits that apply toward their degrees while engaging with different cultures and academic environments.
Additionally, the university supports faculty-led travel programs that focus on specific disciplines or thematic studies, providing a focused and guided approach to international learning. These programs often emphasize experiential learning, community engagement, and global perspectives relevant to the students' fields of study.
Funding and scholarships are sometimes available to assist students in covering travel and living expenses abroad, making these opportunities more accessible. The university's study abroad office helps guide students through the application process and ensures that their overseas experiences align with their academic goals.
Median composite SAT score
1123Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
33%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
Data not availableWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Data not available