Colleges in Virginia

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia(SCHEV)is the coordinating body for higher education schools in Virginia. The Council was established by Virginia's General Assembly and Governor in 1956. It makes public policy recommendations for Virginia colleges and universities in areas such as enrollment projections, capital and operating budget planning, technology needs, financial aid, educational programs and more to the Governor and the General Assembly.

There are several colleges in Virginia that are nationally acclaimed. Virginia schools have many areas of study that are valuable to companies and industries across the state. More than 450,000 students attend the 100+ in-state Virginia schools of higher learning. Additionally, there are 23 community colleges in Virginia that are a part of the Virginia Community College System. They are located around the state on 40 different campuses. These Virginia schools provide technical and occupational training programs designed to provide employees to nearby industries, making them invaluable to the state's economy. Community colleges in Virginia awarded more than 23,000 degrees and certificates in the 2010-2011 school year alone.

Virginia's colleges and universities are exceptional and diverse. They range from private liberal arts colleges to public universities. The state has 15 public comprehensive colleges and universities. Eight of these are doctoral institutions. There are over 50 fully accredited private four-year institutions. The state has one public junior college and 23 public community colleges. Occupational, technical and workforce development centers are scattered across the state. In addition to these public and private colleges in Virginia, over 65 out-of-state institutions offer either coursework or complete degree programs at sites around Virginia.

The University of Virginia ranks number 24 in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges and Universities. It was founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville in 1819.

Currently, the undergraduate enrollment is around 15,000. First year students must reside on campus. Graduate programs include the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, the Curry School of Education, School of Law, School of Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Economy

The gross state product(GSP)of Virginia was reported as well over $300 billion early in the 21st century. In 2004, the per capita personal income was $35,477. In 2000, the state had the highest number of independent cities and counties listed in the top 100 wealthiest U.S. jurisdictions. This statistic was based upon median income. In 2006 and 2007, Virginia was ranked by both Forbes Magazine and CNCB respectively, as being the top state for business. Richmond is one of only 12 cities in the nation that has a Federal Reserve Bank. With 17 Fortune 500 companies and 10 Fortune 1000 companies, Virginia is considered to be the wealthiest southern state.

Sources of income for the state of Virginia include military installations, tobacco, peanuts, soybeans,tomatoes and hay. Income from wineries and vineyards along the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Northern Neck has been steadily increasing. The northern part of the state is host to software and communications companies, the professional government sector and consulting firms.

The American Electronics Association reports that Virginia has more workers in technology than any other state. In 2006, computer chips became the highest gross export, surpassing coal and tobacco combined. Dulles technology Corridor on the border of Loudoun and Fairfax counties is saturated with Internet, software engineering and communication technology firms. The biotechnology industry in the state is strong thanks to the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park biotech incubator and the new Janelia Farm at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Excellent educational and career opportunities make the state of Virginia a popular southeastern state for higher education.