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
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