Averett University

With 50 majors and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, Averett leans into its liberal arts roots while offering pragmatic programs in business, healthcare, and criminal justice. The university emphasizes skills like 'independent problem-solving,' 'clear writing,' and 'scientific reasoning' across disciplines. Standout programs include bachelor’s degrees in Art, Chemistry, and Modern Languages, plus a graduate program in Criminal Justice. However, the 63% freshman retention rate and 59% overall retention rate hint at academic challenges for some students. Online and hybrid options expand access, particularly for adult learners.

Life at Averett revolves around tight-knit involvement, with student government, honor societies, and spiritual groups anchoring campus culture. The Division of Student Life pledges an 'inclusive environment' for personal growth, backed by visible security staff that students praise for responsiveness. Though the undergraduate population is small (1,180 students in fall 2023), the university cultivates diversity—evidenced by programs like its Finnish student exchange, which adds a global flair to Danville’s rural setting. Housing and Greek life options are standard for a school of its size, but service-learning commitments and niche clubs (like those tied to modern languages) punch above their weight.

Averett’s 44% six-year graduation rate (and 43% for Pell Grant recipients) outpaces many regional peers, though its four-year rate lags at 31%. The university transparently tracks these metrics alongside employment data for graduates, with wage outcomes varying significantly by program. For context, the 150% graduation rate benchmark (which allows six years for bachelor’s degrees) is a federal standard where Averett performs comparably to similar private institutions. Notably, students who persist tend to graduate—the 59% retention rate suggests those who stay beyond freshman year are likely to complete their degrees.

99% of Averett students receive financial aid, with the university awarding over $20 million annually to offset costs. The average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.—$23,781 after grants and scholarships—is competitive for a private institution, though still steep for many families. Merit aid?Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need. is a major lever, with average aid packages totaling $24,485. Prospective students can use the university’s Net Price Calculator to estimate individualized costs, which often come in below the sticker price thanks to robust institutional support.

Averett carves a distinct niche as a small Virginia university that blends liberal arts rigor with career-ready programs and uncommon global touches (like its Finnish exchange). Its test-optional?Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policy and near-universal financial aid make it accessible, while the 13:1 faculty ratio ensures personalized attention. The six-year graduation rate, while modest, reflects stronger outcomes than many peers, particularly for Pell Grant recipients. For students seeking a close-knit community with pragmatic degrees—and the occasional Nordic twist—Averett delivers.