Considering College in Virginia? Here Are the Top Things to Know
Deciding where to go to college is anything but easy, as you must consider everything from the cost of tuition to the programs offered and everything in between. For those who are still on the fence about where to apply, Virginia is a great place to look. Virginia is home to a diverse array of higher education institutions that range from top-tier research universities to community colleges to specialized schools. Ahead, Kirk Cox, a career educator, former speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates and current president of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, speaks to the benefits Virginia colleges and universities offer students and what makes the state a hub of educational excellence.
What sets higher education in Virginia apart from other states?
Virginia has one of the most diverse systems in the country. We have an independent system unlike California or North Carolina, which have unified systems. That means students can choose from many different options, from the flagship University of Virginia to historically Black colleges and universities, like Virginia State and Norfolk State, to William & Mary, one of the oldest universities in the nation.
Why would attending college in Virginia be a great decision?
The television network CNBC always posts a list of the top states for business, and Virginia consistently ranks in the top four. We were No. 1 last year; we were No. 4 this year, but we’re always ranked. One of the reasons is also our biggest competitive strength, and that’s our education system.
What do parents think about Virginia’s colleges and universities?
The Virginia Business Higher Education Council is a group made up of representatives from all 16 public universities and the community college systems as well as about 25 prominent businesses. Every two years, we conduct a statewide comprehensive higher education poll. We ask, “If you had a child who was applying to college, how likely would you be to recommend they consider applying to a Virginia public college or university?” In the most recent poll, 90% said they would recommend Virginia schools. That shows us that people who live here think highly of our schools, and our parents are telling us they would send their kids to a Virginia school.
What should students know about Virginia colleges’ priorities when it comes to work-based learning opportunities?
We hear often that our students need and want those soft skills, and they want that practical experience. That’s why in 2020, our college and university presidents came up with a goal that every student who attends a Virginia college or university will have the opportunity for at least one paid internship in their field of study without extending the time it takes to complete their degree. We put $26.5 million in our state budget to support internships and work-based learning. We have a laser focus not just on career services, such as resume building workshops, mock interviews and a business clothes closet, but also on placing students in paid work-based experiences that prepare them for career success. We even have a program for all small businesses, where they can get up to $7,000 to hire an intern. The companies who hire those interns say they are more likely to hire those same students once they graduate, so it’s great for the state’s workforce development efforts.
What should students know about the affordability of Virginia colleges?
One of the things I hear a lot of parents talk about is they don’t want their tuition dollars going toward overhead costs. They want to know their tuition dollars are going toward instructional costs. Over the past 10 years, we’ve made a concerted effort to ensure any annual tuition increases go toward instructional costs. Our state legislature has made higher education a priority and worked with our colleges and universities to try to keep tuition down. In the last four years or so, we’ve really tried to keep the lid on tuition costs and up our game in terms of how much financial aid we offer, particularly for students from middle class families. In fact, the total cost of attendance at Virginia’s four-year public colleges and universities has declined on average since 2020.
Why is Virginia a place students should consider living long term?
Virginia is such a diverse state. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area, you’ve got some of the biggest ports and Navy infrastructure in the United States, and there’s a really great veterans community. You’ve got Old Dominion University, William & Mary and Norfolk State. Northern Virginia is the data center hub and a center of technology and artificial intelligence. Then there’s the Richmond region, which is a great place for students and graduates to thrive, mainly because there is so much in terms of arts and entertainment and things to do. There’s this real effort with all the universities to keep our talented students in Virginia.
This article is sponsored by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.