School Overviews
Two of the best Northern Virginia universities are the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Both institutions are recognized for excellence by U.S. News and World Report or the Princeton Review. Each school also offers a variety of degree and program options. Continue reading to find out more about these and other top Northern Virginia schools.
Northern Virginia's Best Universities
1. University of Virginia in Charlottesville
As of 2020, this Northern Virginia university was ranked #28 among national universities, according to U.S. News and World Report. The university consists of 12 schools and colleges, with focuses in engineering and applied sciences, architecture, law, medicine, education and nursing, to name a few. This top Virginia university offers nearly 200 bachelor's, master's, educational specialist, doctoral and first-professional degrees combined.
2. James Madison University in Harrisonburg
This northern Virginia university was named a 2020 'Best Southeastern College,' as well as one of the 2020 'The Best 385 Colleges,' by the Princeton Review. This top Virginia university houses seven academic colleges, which offer more than 100 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, educational specialist and doctoral degree levels. Topics of study include tourism and hospitality management, occupational therapy, creative writing, accounting, biotechnology, kinesiology, women's studies and social work.
List of Good Universities in Northern Virginia
| College/University Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| George Mason University | University offers several bachelor's/accelerated master's degree programs, allowing students to earn both degrees at once | Fairfax, VA |
| James Madison University | Study abroad program offers experiences ranging in length from a few weeks to a year with partnering schools in countries such as China, Spain, England and Italy | Harrisonburg, VA |
| Marymount University | Catholic university; all undergraduate students participate in hands-on learning through internships, clinical experiences, student-teaching placements, or research projects | Arlington, VA |
| Shenandoah University | All new full-time students receive a MacBook Pro laptop and either an iPad Air or iPad mini; private, United Methodist Church affiliated school | Winchester, VA |
| University of Mary Washington | No graduate student teachers; all classes taught by faculty | Fredericksburg, VA |
| University of Virginia - Main Campus | Both graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research; in 2020, the school's research funding topped $441 million | Charlottesville, VA |
