Info on Virginia's public colleges

Hey everybody, does anyone have a good sense of Virginia's public colleges? I am weighing my options and was hoping for some comparisons on aspects like cost, programs, campus life, etc. Anything you guys could share with me would be great!

Sure, I can give some basic information on a few of the largest public universities in Virginia. Just to set the expectation though, every student's experience can be different, even at the same university, so take all this information with a grain of salt.

First, the University of Virginia (often called UVA). It's a high-ranking public university located in Charlottesville, known for its robust programs across many fields including Commerce, Engineering, and Pre-Med to name a few. It also has a very prominent Greek life and extracurricular activities. Cost can be a factor here as it is a bit pricier than other Virginia public schools. UVA also offers generous financial assistance. Remember, however, to confirm the financial terms by using UVA's net price calculator.

Then, there's Virginia Tech (VT), located in Blacksburg. VT is famous for its Engineering and Information Technology programs. It offers a strong faculty-student ratio, and students often praise its campus life which revolves around the 'Hokie' spirit (Hokie is their mascot). In terms of cost, Virginia Tech is slightly less expensive than UVA but still on the higher side for public schools in the state.

Next is James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg. It's lauded for its Business, Nursing, and Education programs. JMU has a vibrant campus life with a wide variety of organizations and clubs. Plus it has a beautiful campus. In terms of cost, JMU is significantly cheaper than both UVA and VT for in-state students.

Finally, we have George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax. It's the largest public university in Virginia and lies in close proximity to Washington, D.C., so internships and job opportunities in the capital are common for GMU students. GMU is especially known for its programs in Economics and Government. It's typically a commuter school which can impact the traditional college experience, but they do have a rise in on-campus dwellers which helps enhance the universities community. The tuition tends to be on the more affordable end among these four universities.

Remember that each of these universities has its own unique strengths. I suggest considering what's most important to you (majors/programs, cost, location, etc.) to determine which could fit you best.