


Courtesy of University of Richmond
The University of Richmond traces its origins to a Baptist seminary founded in 1830. It developed into Richmond College and later became a private university with a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
A defining change came in 1914, when Richmond College and the newly established Westhampton College for women moved to the university's present campus. The colleges' histories remain visible in campus traditions and residential life, although students now study across the university's schools. The School of Law, established in the 19th century, and later additions such as the business and leadership studies schools illustrate how the institution expanded beyond its liberal arts origins.
The University of Richmond organizes its academics through the School of Arts and Sciences, Robins School of Business, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, School of Law, and School of Professional and Continuing Studies. The mix includes traditional undergraduate study, graduate and professional education, and programs designed for working adults.
Undergraduates can explore fields such as biology, economics, psychology, computer science, languages, the arts, business, and leadership studies. The School of Law awards professional law degrees; Professional and Continuing Studies serves students whose schedules or educational goals may differ from those of residential undergraduates. Applicants should check the catalog for the credential and school they want: admission to the university does not necessarily mean admission to every program or major.
The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 7 to 1. That institution-wide measure indicates relative scale, not the size of every class or guaranteed access to a particular course.
The University of Richmond is in Richmond, Virginia, on a residential campus west of the city's downtown. Its setting gives students a largely campus-centered experience while leaving employers, cultural institutions, and state government offices within the metropolitan area.
Students considering internships or off-campus work should account for travel time and whether they will have a car or use available transportation. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, but parking rules and costs should be checked separately. Richmond International Airport serves the region; it is not adjacent to campus, so air travelers need ground transportation.
The University of Richmond describes its educational purpose in terms of rigorous learning, close intellectual engagement, and preparing students to contribute beyond campus. Its academic structure combines liberal arts study with business, leadership, law, and continuing education.
The institution has Baptist historical roots, but prospective students should not assume that its founding affiliation defines current academic or religious participation requirements. Mission statements describe institutional aims rather than independently measured outcomes; students can evaluate how those aims appear in curricula, advising, and opportunities outside the classroom.
Name of the institution
University of RichmondLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1830University of Richmond is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.