Our College

The University of Virginia's College at Wise

A public, four-year residential college located in the lush mountains of southwestern Virginia, The University of Virginia's College at Wise is recognized as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The only division campus of the University of Virginia, UVA-Wise was founded in 1954 and currently enrolls about 2,000 students.

UVA-Wise is home to Virginia’s only undergraduate degree program in software engineering. UVA-Wise offers 30 majors, 32 minors, seven pre-professional programs and 24 teaching licensures.

For three consecutive years, students at UVa-Wise have graduated with the lowest debt load of any liberal arts college in the nation, according to “U.S. News and World Report.” 
UVA-Wise has been selected for inclusion in “Colleges of Distinction,” which recognizes institutions for engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.

Enrollment

2,067; male-to-female ratio is 1-1.3.

Location

Wise, amid the scenic Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. A 396-acre campus located 60 minutes from Tri-Cities, Tennessee and Virginia.

Academic Structure

A public liberal arts college offering 30 majors, 32 minors, and 24 teaching licensures. Degrees include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Pre-professional Programs

Dentistry, engineering, forestry, law, medicine, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Faculty

The student-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. Average class size is 14, with only 2 percent of classes having more than 40 students. UVa-Wise has a faculty of about 140; 69 percent of full-time faculty hold the terminal degree in their area of instruction.

Founded

1954. Public liberal arts college. The only division college of the University of Virginia.
Career Services

A four-year program to develop professional goals, job-seeking skills, and graduate and professional school preparation. Includes JobTrak access, workshops, individual counseling, experiential learning, on-campus interviews, access to services/programs of the University of Virginia, part-time jobs while in college and alumni mentorships.

Placement Record

Typically, 97 percent of the graduating class is employed or seeking a graduate or professional degree.

Campus Life

More than 50 student organizations including fraternities and sororities.

Athletics

Member of the Mid-South Conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). About 200 students participate in six men's and five women's programs.

Admission

Moderately selective and offered on a rolling basis. Freshmen will demonstrate average SAT scores of 500 verbal and 490 math. High school grade point average is 3.34.

Financial Aid

Eighty percent of UVA-Wise students receive some form of financial assistance, including federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans and college employment.

Distinctions

Ranked among the nation's top 10 public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Selected for inclusion in "Colleges of Distinction."

Accreditation

The University of Virginia's College at Wise is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of The University of Virginia's College at Wise.