UVA College at Wise

The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVA Wise) is a public liberal arts college located in Wise, Virginia. Founded in 1954, it is the only division of the University of Virginia located outside of Charlottesville. UVA Wise emphasizes a strong liberal arts education within a close-knit community, aiming to provide accessible and affordable higher education.

Academics

UVA Wise offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with 34 majors, 43 minors, and 24 teaching licensures, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. The college is particularly recognized for its programs in natural sciences, education, and business/economics, providing hands-on learning opportunities such as the Appalachian Watershed Field School for science students and an entrepreneurship program for aspiring business leaders. In Fall 2023, UVA Wise launched its first graduate program, a 30-credit hour Master of Education (M.Ed.) with concentrations in Curriculum & Instruction, Library Media, and Special Education. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, with an average class size of 15, fostering personalized attention.

International Students

UVA Wise welcomes international students, with 2% of its student body comprising international individuals. The college requires international applicants to submit official, translated academic transcripts and evidence of English language proficiency through IELTS (score of 6.0 or above), TOEFL (score of 67 or above), or Duolingo English Test (score of 100 or above). International Merit Scholarships are available for students with a minimum 3.2 GPA. All new international and exchange students are required to live on campus and participate in a "Welcome to Wise Session" upon arrival, with shuttle services arranged to and from Tri-Cities Airport. The campus also hosts an International Club, contributing to cultural integration.

Campus & Location

UVA Wise is situated on a 396-acre campus amidst the scenic Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. The town of Wise offers a small-town atmosphere with opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and fishing due to the surrounding natural beauty. On campus, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, welcoming residence halls, a busy Student Center, and over 50 clubs and organizations. Local transportation is available through MetGo, offering free service around the Town of Wise and the City of Norton.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from UVA Wise experience varied earning outcomes, with nursing graduates reporting the highest median earnings at approximately $53,252. Business administration and management graduates have a median salary of around $32,001, while education majors earn approximately $33,956. The college has a strong focus on regional economic development and entrepreneurship, with initiatives like "The Nest," a co-working space that supports aspiring entrepreneurs, and the CO.STARTERS program, which has a high success rate for new businesses. Career services include a four-year program for professional goal development, job-seeking skills, and graduate school preparation, including access to services of the University of Virginia. UVA Wise also builds partnerships with local and regional businesses and industries, including Northrop Grumman, Sykes, and Crutchfield, to provide opportunities for students.