Key Facts About Higher Education in Virginia
Part of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s (SCHEV) role as the Commonwealth's coordinating body is to advocate and promote higher education in Virginia through research and analysis. Considering its complexity, policymakers and other stakeholders often come across big questions about higher education’s purpose and value. SCHEV prepared the following infographics to address some of those questions.
For more information about these or other topics, please see the Reports & Publications or Research & Statistics pages on our website. For questions about specific legislation, please contact Beverly Rebar at beverlyrebar@schev.edu.
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How Does Our Higher Education System Work?
This snapshot provides an overview of postsecondary education in Virginia and includes the number of institutions, student outcomes, the value of higher education, its cost, governance, the statewide strategic plan to become the best-educated state by 2030, and more.
Is College Worth It?
Postsecondary education and training is still the surest path to financial security. Graduates not only have higher earnings, but are also more likely to have health insurance, engage in their community and less likely to receive public assistance.
Does Higher Education Pay Off for Virginians?
Virginia has an excellent system of higher education, often topping national rankings on a variety of measures. With two-thirds of all money going toward instruction, and relatively low total cost (tuition and state support) of degree production, higher education in Virginia is worth the investment.
Who Pays for the Cost of College?
We’ve seen the headlines and heard the stories: college is expensive and the price keeps rising. But, families and the Commonwealth share the responsibility of funding higher education.
What Choices Do Virginians Have for An Affordable Education?
Postsecondary education and training do not just mean a bachelor’s degree. Between apprenticeships, workforce credentials, associate degrees and the military, Virginians have many options after high school.
Do We Serve All Virginians Equitably?
Despite the overall strength of higher education in Virginia, low-income, rural and students from racial minorities earn degrees at lower rates. SCHEV is striving for equity in Virginia where individuals are supported differently based on their needs, instead of assuming everyone benefits from the same supports.
