2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia

About

First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Virginia-Main Campus	97.9	16.81	1,420 – 1,540	17831	72359	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA Thomas Jefferson founded The University of Virginia, and the school’s Board of Visitors also included James Monroe and James Madison. The school's well known for its secret societies and sport accomplishments. The Cavaliers, who wear orange and blue, have over 30 championship wins. First Year Retention Rate 98 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 16.8% SAT Score 1,420 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $17,831 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $72,359
2	Washington and Lee University	96.61	13.97	1,450 – 1,530	24667	76516	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA Originally known as the Augusta Academy and established in 1749, it would later be named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee, the latter of which was the president of the school for five years....Read more First Year Retention Rate 97 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 14.0% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $24,667 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,516
3	William & Mary	95	34.07	1,410 – 1,530	20422	62959	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia William & Mary Williamsburg, VA The second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, King William III and Queen Mary II founded the aptly named William & Mary in 1693. Alumni include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, James Comey, and Jon Stewart. Athletes wear green and gold, and the school mascot is The Griffin. First Year Retention Rate 95 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 34.1% SAT Score 1,410 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $20,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,959
4	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	93	54.99	1,290 – 1,450	22205	67377	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is more commonly known as Virginia Tech. Students are known as Hokies and wear Chicago maroon and burnt orange to show off their school spirit. They compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Virginia Tech's motto is "That I May Serve." First Year Retention Rate 93 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 55.0% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $22,205 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,377
5	James Madison University	91.9	71.51	1,180 – 1,340	26317	57438	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Found in Harrisonburg, James Madison University accepts 72% of applicants and requires $70 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 80% of students at James Madison University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 91% and 65% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.9% Acceptance Rate 71.5% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $26,317 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,438
6	University of Richmond	90.9	22.2	1,440 – 1,540	35263	67927	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA “Verbum Vitae et Lumen Scientiae” or “Word of life and light of knowledge” is the University of Richmond’s motto. 23% of accepted students go on to attend in the fall. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, 405 athletes are cheered on by WebstUR the Spider. First Year Retention Rate 91 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 22.2% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $35,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,927
7	Patrick Henry College	88	77.44	1,260 – 1,440	25128	63721	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Patrick Henry College Purcellville, VA Patrick Henry College is a fairly new school, having only opened in 2000. 98% of students receive grant aid, with each package averaging $13,798. Most students, 88%, stay on after the first year, and many major in Political Science and Government, General, Strategic Intelligence, and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 77.4% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $25,128 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
8	George Mason University	86	87.48	1,170 – 1,370	18900	60536	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia George Mason University Fairfax, VA Found in Fairfax, George Mason University accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $70 to apply. About 59% of students at George Mason University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $18,900 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,536
9	Virginia Commonwealth University	85.3	92.32	1,040 – 1,310	22852	47161	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Based in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University accepted 92% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $75 for undergraduate applications and $70 for graduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at Virginia Commonwealth University currently receive institutional grant aid. The......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % 0.8% Acceptance Rate 92.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,852 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,161
10	University of Mary Washington	84.4	79.78	1,190 – 1,380	21615	49411	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA Located in Fredericksburg, the University of Mary Washington accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 98% of students attending the University of Mary Washington will receive grant aid from the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $21,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,411
11	Hampton University	84.2	62.25	810 – 1,100	28576	42721	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Hampton University Hampton, VA Hampton University sits on a 314-acre campus, and it’s home to several research centers, including the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute. It also has several National Historic Landmarks. 386 student athletes, known as the Pirates, compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Colonial Athletic Association. First Year Retention Rate 84 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 810 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $28,576 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,721
12	Randolph-Macon College	84	86.61	1,050 – 1,230	29058	48067	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Randolph-Macon College Ashland, VA Randolph-Macon College was founded in 1830, making it the oldest Methodist-run college in continuous operation in the United States. Although the school offers up to Master's degrees, most students are undergraduates....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 3.7% Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $29,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,067
13	Hampden-Sydney College	83.3	40.92	1,080 – 1,280	29578	55846	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, VA Hampden-Sydney College is the oldest privately-charted college in the south. This all-male school focuses heavily on tradition. The campus sprawls over 1,300 acres, with part of it named to the National Register of Historic Places. The most popular major currently at H-SC is Business/Managerial Economics. First Year Retention Rate 83 % 4.0% Acceptance Rate 40.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $29,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,846
14	Liberty University	83.18	99.32	1,040 – 1,340	29692	39707	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Found in Lynchburg, Liberty University’s acceptance rate is 99% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 97% of students at Liberty University will receive institutional grant aid. On average, these students are given $9,570 each. The first year retention rate is 83%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % Acceptance Rate 99.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $29,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,707
15	Christopher Newport University	83	87.96	1,110 – 1,310	22864	51931	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA Based in Newport News, Christopher Newport University accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $65 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 54% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. 83% of students decide to stay at Christopher Newport University......Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,931
16	Shenandoah University	82	76.95	990 – 1,270	26400	48167	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Shenandoah University Winchester, VA Found in Winchester, Shenandoah University’s acceptance rate is 77% and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Shenandoah University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Shenandoah University, there is a 82% first year retention rate and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $26,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,167
17	Virginia Military Institute	80.98	71.25	1,110 – 1,330	17229	63545	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA Abraham Lincoln called the Virginia Military Institute the “West Point of the South.” Located on the Maury River in the Shenandoah Valley, 562 athletes (the Keydets) compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Big South Conference. Moe the Kangaroo cheers them on. First Year Retention Rate 81 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $17,229 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,545
18	Old Dominion University	77	90.36	1,120 – 1,290	16150	46732	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA Found in Norfolk, Old Dominion University accepts 90% of applicants and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 75% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 90.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $16,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,732
19	Longwood University	76	84.8	1,030 – 1,220	22900	46058	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Longwood University Farmville, VA Located in Farmville, Longwood University accepts 85% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 96% of students at Longwood University currently receive institutional grant aid. They receive $6,114 on average. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 84.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $22,900 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,058
20	Eastern Mennonite University	75.94	100	1,140 – 1,540	24710	48158	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA Based in Harrisonburg, Eastern Mennonite University’s acceptance rate is 100%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. About 95% of students attending Eastern Mennonite University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 0.2% Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $24,710 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,158
21	Emory & Henry University	75.6	96.33	970 – 1,170	21714	39448	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Emory & Henry University Emory, VA Found in Emory, Emory & Henry University accepts 96% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 97% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 96.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $21,714 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,448
22	Radford University	75.6	89.53	960 – 1,180	18282	44830	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Radford University Radford, VA Found in Radford, Radford University accepts 90% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $4,160 on average. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 4.0% Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 960 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $18,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,830
23	Bridgewater College	75	91.72	1,020 – 1,360	19660	45620	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Bridgewater College Bridgewater, VA Found in Bridgewater, Bridgewater College’s acceptance rate is 92%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 100% of students at Bridgewater College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 91.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $19,660 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,620
24	Randolph College	75	93.71	1,050 – 1,230	20856	39122	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Randolph College Lynchburg, VA Randolph College was an all women’s school for over 100 years, only becoming coeducational in 2007. It has an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 100% receive institutional grants, with each package averaging $15,460. Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General is the most popular major. First Year Retention Rate 75 % 10.3% Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $20,856 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,122
25	Marymount University	74.9	80.21	990 – 1,200	28147	57801	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Marymount University Arlington, VA Located in Arlington, Marymount University accepts 80% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 96% of students at Marymount University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Marymount University, there is a 74% first year retention rate and around 50% of students will earn......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 80.2% SAT Score 990 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $28,147 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,801
26	Hollins University	74	67.95	1,230 – 1,340	23444	29863	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Hollins University Roanoke, VA Located in Roanoke, Hollins University’s acceptance rate is 68% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. 74% of students continued their studies at Hollins University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 68.0% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $23,444 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,863
27	Virginia State University	74	89.1	850 – 1,020	16184	33630	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia State University Petersburg, VA Virginia State University was the first public 4-year school for African-Americans in the United States, having been founded in 1882. During the last admissions cycle, 15% of accepted students decided to attend. Two popular undergraduate majors include Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice/Safety Studies....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 89.1% SAT Score 850 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $16,184 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,630
28	Virginia Wesleyan University	74	72.87	1,190 – 1,370	21862	39200	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, VA Found in Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 98% of students at Virginia Wesleyan University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 12.1% Acceptance Rate 72.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,862 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,200
29	Roanoke College	73.5	80.07	1,080 – 1,280	27695	45330	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Roanoke College Salem, VA Found in Salem, Roanoke College accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending Roanoke College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,330
30	University of Lynchburg	70.61	43.01	1,000 – 1,250	22921	44261	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA Found in Lynchburg, the University of Lynchburg accepts 43% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending the University of Lynchburg will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 7.1% Acceptance Rate 43.0% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $22,921 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,261
31	Norfolk State University	70	87.46	870 – 1,030	12272	33412	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Norfolk State University Norfolk, VA Based in Norfolk, Norfolk State University accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 54% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. 70% of students decide to stay at Norfolk State University after completing......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 870 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $12,272 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,412
32	University of Virginia's College at Wise	69	93.92	950 – 1,180	10409	39725	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, VA Found in Wise, the University of Virginia's College at Wise accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. About 93% of students attending the University of Virginia's College at Wise will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $10,409 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,725
33	Mary Baldwin University	65	94.7	980 – 1,220	18838	39075	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VA Found in Staunton, Mary Baldwin University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 97% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 94.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,075
34	Virginia Union University	63	97.8	800 – 1,000	18496	27977	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia Union University Richmond, VA A non selective HBCU, Virginia Union University received 2,700 last year. 14% of accepted students enrolled. It opened as the Richmond Theological Institute in 1886 towards the end of the American Civil War to help African-Americans enter the Baptist ministry. Virginia Union has a cozy 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. First Year Retention Rate 63 % Acceptance Rate 97.8% SAT Score 800 – 1,000 Avg. Net Price $18,496 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,977
35	Averett University	62.39	47.8	870 – 1,150	24091	46273	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Averett University Danville, VA Found in Danville, Averett University accepts 48% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 62% and 36% of students will graduate in four years. Business Administration and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % Acceptance Rate 47.8% SAT Score 870 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $24,091 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,273
36	Bluefield University	59	62.72	900 – 1,090	22191	41923	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Bluefield University Bluefield, VA Found in Bluefield, Bluefield University’s acceptance rate is 63% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 95% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 59%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % Acceptance Rate 62.7% SAT Score 900 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $22,191 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,923
37	Ferrum College	57	100	930 – 1,140	22521	36418	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Ferrum College Ferrum, VA Based in Ferrum, Ferrum College’s acceptance rate is 100% and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Ferrum College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $22,521 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,418
38	Regent University	55.9	52.27	1,000 – 1,250	18314	42066	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Regent University Virginia Beach, VA Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University’s acceptance rate is 52%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 72% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. At Regent University, there is a 55% first year retention rate and 52% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 8.4% Acceptance Rate 52.3% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $18,314 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,066
39	Virginia University of Lynchburg	51	81.73	--	17734	24718	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA Based in Lynchburg, Virginia University of Lynchburg accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % Acceptance Rate 81.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,734 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,718
40	Southern Virginia University	48	99.73	900 – 1,250	25440	36988	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, VA Located in Buena Vista, Southern Virginia University’s acceptance rate is 100%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of students at Southern Virginia University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 48% and around 28% of students will graduate in four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 48 % Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 900 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $25,440 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,988
41	American National University	0	80.52	--	19988	23830	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia American National University Salem, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 80.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,988 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,830
42	Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church	0	100	--	32314	32840	#42 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church Falls Church, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $32,314 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,840
43	Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing	0	71.89	830 – 1,010	0	58741	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing Richmond, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 71.9% SAT Score 830 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,741
44	Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach	0	0	--	11607	27873	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,607 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,873
45	Centra College	0	100	880 – 1,060	24868	59213	#45 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Centra College Lynchburg, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 880 – 1,060 Avg. Net Price $24,868 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
46	Centura College-Chesapeake	0	0	--	26289	58542	#46 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Centura College-Chesapeake Chesapeake, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,289 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,542
47	Chamberlain University-Virginia	0	100	--	0	59213	#47 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Chamberlain University-Virginia Vienna, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
48	ECPI University	0	82.69	--	20051	41278	#48 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,278
49	Riverside College of Health Careers	0	16.67	--	23596	59213	#49 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Riverside College of Health Careers Newport News, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 16.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,596 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
50	Sentara College of Health Sciences	0	80.52	--	0	78992	#50 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Sentara College of Health Sciences Chesapeake, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 80.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,992
51	South University-Richmond	0	51.35	--	26626	34115	#51 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia South University-Richmond Glen Allen, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 51.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,626 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115
52	South University-Virginia Beach	0	34.21	--	23181	34115	#52 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia South University-Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 34.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,181 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115
53	Strayer University-Virginia	0	0	--	14963	36582	#53 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Strayer University-Virginia Arlington, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,963 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,582
54	Sweet Briar College	0	71.74	1,020 – 1,360	25598	35533	#54 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 71.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $25,598 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,533
55	University of Management and Technology	0	0	--	8987	63721	#55 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia University of Management and Technology Arlington, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,987 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
56	Washington University of Science and Technology	0	11.49	--	0	63721	#56 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Virginia Washington University of Science and Technology Alexandria, VA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 11.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721