Virginia's private colleges and universities have a long and distinguished tradition of excellence and a nationwide reputation for quality. The 25 member colleges of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) have played a vital role in developing the state's tradition of academic excellence.

Virginia's 25 private colleges are extremely diverse. They include:

• single sex and coeducational institutions
• historically black colleges
• highly selective institutions
• institutions which serve the average college-bound student
• two year and four year institutions
• graduate and professional schools

Private colleges in Virginia provide a wide variety of academic programs in supportive environments with excellent facilities. They offer outstanding faculty, small classes, and extensive interaction between professors and students. At Virginia's private colleges, the top priority of the faculty is teaching.

There are also many opportunities for extracurricular activities and leadership development, and all colleges make available a wide range of academic support services.

Virginia's private colleges send a large percentage of students on to graduate and professional school, and job-seeking students have remarkable success in securing career-related employment after graduation.

In the fall of 2002, 42,826 students were enrolled at CICV's 25 member colleges. 24,424 of these students were Virginians.