Our Member Colleges and Universities

The VFIC is a consortium of 17 traditional independent liberal arts colleges in Virginia. These remarkable institutions, educating over 28,000 under-graduates each year, provide small classes, low student-faculty ratios, personal attention to students, and a time-tested liberal arts experience — important and distinctive options compared to large public universities.

 

 

VFIC Colleges and Universities include:

  • Two HBCUs and One Hispanic University
  • Two of the 25 oldest colleges and universities in the United States
  • Phi Beta Kappa chapters at 9 VFIC institutions
  • Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) for all 17 VFIC colleges and universities.
Shenandoah University Bridgewater College Emory & Henry College Hampden-Sydney College Hollins University University of Lynchburg Mary Baldwin University Marymount University Randolph-Macon College Randolph College Roanoke College Sweet Briar College University of Richmond Virginia Wesleyan University Washington and Lee University

SEVENTEEN WORLD CLASS MEMBER SCHOOLS

VFIC member schools are devoted to excellence in liberal arts and sciences education, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Health (STEM-H) programs, and are staffed with award-winning faculty.

  • Diversity – ethnically, economically, and globally diverse students and faculties
  • Students – high-achieving students of all backgrounds
  • Faculty – among the best in their fields

Our schools educate students at minimal taxpayer cost, invest in the promise of succeeding generations, and contribute to a prosperous Commonwealth and global awareness.

VALUE AND IMPACT

… a broadly pragmatic liberal arts and sciences education.

Students learn critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration — precisely the durable, transferable and flexible skills that businesses demand.

… in environments where ethical leadership and responsible citizenship are valued.

Small class sizes and ample clubs, community activities and collegiate and intramural athletics expand student leadership opportunities to develop skills inside and outside the classroom.

… needed Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Health (STEM-H) programs.

38% of undergraduate degrees conferred at VFIC schools are STEM-H.

Fifteen of our member schools prepare the next generation of teachers.

… with award-winning faculty who continue a distinctive tradition of academic challenge.

Nine of the 15 Virginia chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s top honor society, are located at VFIC schools.

… ethnically, economically, and globally diverse students and faculties.

62% demonstrate financial need.

42% are ethnically diverse.

… high-achieving students of all backgrounds who benefit from the experience.

VFIC member schools shatter the stereotypical image that independent colleges are reserved for the privileged, or an elite few.

30% of undergraduate students at VFIC schools receive Pell Grants. These federal need-based awards made to low-income students promote access to education.

… faculty among the best in their fields.

Since 1987, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has recognized the classroom excellence of more than 71 individuals at VFIC schools with Outstanding Faculty Awards.

They educate students at minimal taxpayer cost.

VFIC member schools serve 35,000 undergraduate, graduate, and first professional students providing access to a liberal arts education throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

They invest in the promise of succeeding generations.

Over 5,500 bachelor’s degrees and 2,600 graduate, doctorate and first professional diplomas are awarded each year by our member colleges.

Undergraduates at VFIC colleges complete bachelor’s degrees in four years more often than students at public institutions in Virginia.

VFIC member schools offer a variety of options for students to continue their education. One has a pharmacy school, two have law schools, nine offer MBA programs, fifteen provide master’s programs and seven serve doctoral candidates.

They contribute to a prosperous Commonwealth and to global awareness.

Not only are our member schools major employers in their communities, but their graduates add to the state’s vitality.

International students and faculty members along with multicultural & inclusivity programming and study-abroad programs raise cultural understanding and encourage tolerance and globalism.

Energy-saving and conservation programs at our member schools enhance and improve environmental stewardship.

 

VFIC Member College and University Websites

The seventeen independent colleges and universities are spread throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each has its own unique mission, but all share a common goal of preparing students from Virginia and other states to be tomorrow’s leaders. Use our map and the links below to visit their respective websites.

 

 

 

 

1. Batten University
2. Bridgewater College
3. Emory & Henry University
4. Hampden-Sydney College
5. Hampton University
6. Hollins University
7. Mary Baldwin University
8. Marymount University
9. Randolph College
10. Randolph-Macon College
11. Roanoke College
12. Shenandoah University
13. Sweet Briar College
14. University of Lynchburg
15. University of Richmond
16. Virginia Union University
17. Washington and Lee University