Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia

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2020 Counselor Tour

Calling all Counselors! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for CICV's annual counselor tour! The April 1-4 tour will feature seven campuses in the southwestern part of the state. Your provide your transportation to Roanoke College, and an $80 registration fee, and our colleges cover the rest. We provide air-conditioned transportation, a meal at every college, quality interaction with students and staff at each institution, and professional networking with counselors from many sectors and regions. We have a three year tour cycle that rotates around the Commonwealth, so many counselors will return for several years running in order to cover the whole state. We think that is a great endorsement of the program we put together each year. Register at your earliest opportunity and feel free to share the opportunity with colleagues. The tour typically has about 50 participants.

Virginia Private Colleges Week July 22-27, 2019

Virginia's private colleges invite families to explore our campuses, visit admissions and financial aid representatives, and learn about our exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities. Visit at least 3 schools and receive 3 application fee waivers that can be used at any college participating in Virginia Private College week--not necessarily the schools visited. For more information, please visit our Virginia Private College Week page .

Virginia Private Colleges Facts and Figures!

Read the Virginia Private Colleges Annual Report to learn how our institutions generate value for the Commonwealth. For more information, please visit our Data and Research page.

Virginia Private Colleges partner with US Dept. of Energy to go solar!

15 Virginia private colleges have partnered with the US Department of Energy to prepare their campuses for solar power. For more information, please visit our Solar Market Pathways page.

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MYTH: Only low income or extremely smart students receive financial aid for college.

FACT:There are many forms of financial assistance available that are not merit or need-based, including institutional grants and state grants, as well as work-study programs. According to a recent study by the Human Capital Research Corporation, institutional grants constitute the largest source of financial assistance for students attending Virginia private colleges.
MYTH: Private colleges cost significantly more than public colleges.

FACT:The difference is far less than many families assume, thanks to significant institutional, merit and need-based grants and the Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG). According to a recent study by the Human Capital Research Corporation, the average price gap between a Virginia private and public college is only $4,700 (after grant aid from all sources).
MYTH: Private College v. Public College – there’s not much difference, really.

FACT:Parents and students should compare graduation rates, the time it takes to earn a degree, overall class size, student/faculty ratio, and the personal attention received by students. With a strong commitment to graduating students in four years or less, an average class size of only 16 students, and a 11:1 student/ faculty ratio Virginia private schools rank very favorably in all categories.
MYTH: Private colleges are too expensive.

FACT:In 2011, 87% of freshmen at Virginia private colleges demonstrated financial need, with an average financial aid total of $20,463 (grants, work study and loans). Virginia residents attending an in-state private college also receive the undergraduate Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) award ($3,200 in 2016-17). Federal tax credits and deductions can benefit some of those who do not receive grant aid.
MYTH: Private liberal arts colleges won’t prepare me for a job.

FACT:The benefits of a private liberal arts college are more valuable than ever. Students learn to think and communicate effectively – attributes sought by employers in all professions.
MYTH: Private colleges are not diverse.

FACT:Virginia private colleges enroll a higher percentage of African American undergraduates than Virginia public institutions. They also enroll a larger percentage of Pell Grant recipients (students who receive federal need-based aid).