Colleges & Universities in Virginia
Virginia's public university system is genuinely extensive and nationally prominent -- Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia both posted record Fall 2025 application numbers, alongside William & Mary and George Mason University anchoring their own distinct identities.
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Learn moreVirginia Tech and the University of Virginia anchor a genuine, nationally prominent research identity
Virginia Tech enrolled 38,995 students for Fall 2025 (31,536 undergraduates), an increase over the prior year and a record 57,700+ first-year applications. The University of Virginia enrolled roughly 3,976-3,985 first-year students for Fall 2025 off a record 64,457 first-year applications, with a state mandate to keep roughly two-thirds of each entering class Virginia residents -- both genuine, nationally prominent research universities.
William & Mary and George Mason University round out Virginia's major research-university network
William & Mary (Williamsburg, one of the oldest universities in the country) and George Mason University (Fairfax, Northern Virginia's largest public research university) are two further major Virginia research universities not separately sized in this research pass -- research current enrollment and program details directly.
Confirm current, specific figures for your target campus or program
This record cites well-corroborated enrollment and application figures for Virginia Tech and UVA specifically, but recommends confirming current, program-specific details directly with each institution's admissions office before relying on statewide generalizations about Virginia higher education.
Key takeaways
- Virginia Tech (Blacksburg) enrolled 38,995 students for Fall 2025, a record 57,700+ first-year applications.
- The University of Virginia (Charlottesville) enrolled roughly 3,976-3,985 first-year students for Fall 2025 off a record 64,457 first-year applications, with a two-thirds Virginia-resident mandate.
- William & Mary and George Mason University are two further major Virginia research universities worth researching directly.
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