Longwood University

Longwood’s academic offerings are rooted in the liberal arts, with over 100 areas of study and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The most popular majors are Business Administration (15%), Elementary Education (9%), and Nursing (9%), reflecting the university’s strengths in professional preparation. Faculty engagement is high, with 82% holding terminal degrees. Students praise niche courses like psychopathology and sports psychology, and the 4+1 accelerated master’s programs add flexibility for ambitious undergraduates. The curriculum emphasizes employer-valued skills, though some students report variability in academic rigor across departments.

Life at Longwood revolves around its residential campus, where 79% of students live on-site. The vibe is tight-knit and tradition-steeped, with rituals like CHI Walks (a secret society initiation) and a bustling roster of 200+ clubs. Division I athletics (Big South Conference) draw school spirit, while the Student Success Center offers robust academic support, including writing tutors. Farmville’s small-town setting fosters safety (with campus police), though some students note limited off-campus entertainment. One student summed it up: 'You join everything because everyone knows everyone.'

Longwood’s six-year graduation rate is 78%, slightly below national averages for public universities. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation, though longer-term data is sparse. The university touts its inclusion in Money’s Best Colleges list for affordability and outcomes, but job placement varies by major—education and nursing graduates typically fare better than liberal arts peers. Notably, 15% of students pursue advanced degrees within a year of graduating.

Longwood’s in-state tuition is $16,538, while out-of-state students pay $29,146. However, 97% of incoming students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $15,252 bringing the 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. down to $21,772–$23,271. Scholarships (like the Longwood Foundation Awards) and grants dominate aid offerings, though 60% of students take loans. The university’s Net Price Calculator helps families estimate costs, but some note that aid packages can shrink after freshman year.

Longwood’s quirky traditions (like secret society initiations) and hyper-engaged campus life set it apart from larger Virginia schools. Its teacher-prep pipeline and nursing program deliver strong ROI, while the honors college offers a more rigorous track for high achievers. The Farmville location—equal parts charming and isolating—fuels the school’s insular camaraderie. For students seeking a personalized, spirited, and affordable public education, Longwood delivers—provided they’re okay with trading urban amenities for a cloistered college bubble.