Spotlight

About CICV

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia was founded in 1971 and currently operates as Virginia Private Colleges, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization representing 28 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Virginia.

CICV is the collective voice of Virginia private higher education.

George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus

George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar, VA

Bluefield University

Bluefield University

Regent University

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

University of Lynchburg

University of Lynchburg

Hollins University

Hollins University

Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University

Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon College

University of Richmond

University of Richmond

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA

Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University

Buena Vista, VA

Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University

Liberty University

Liberty University

Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA

Averett University

Averett University

Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University

Appalachian School of Law

Appalachian School of Law

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA

Emory & Henry University

Emory & Henry University

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Randolph College

Randolph College

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

Hampton University

Hampton University

Roanoke College

Roanoke College

Marymount University

Marymount University

Our Campuses

George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus

Sweet Briar College

Regent University

University of Lynchburg

Hollins University

Mary Baldwin University

Randolph-Macon College

University of Richmond

Virginia Wesleyan University

Southern Virginia University

Liberty University

Appalachian College of Pharmacy

Eastern Mennonite University

Averett University

Virginia Union University

Appalachian School of Law

Bridgewater College

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Randolph College

Hampton University

Roanoke College

Marymount University

Students

Learn more about our 28 Virginia private colleges

Find the perfect Virginia private college for you

Learn what makes private higher education unique

Parents & Families

Get the facts about a private college education in Virginia

Learn more about private college affordability & financial aid

College Counselors

Plan a visit to one of Virginia’s private colleges this summer

Get more information and data on all of Virginia's 28 private colleges

Other Stakeholders

Find data and research on Virginia private colleges

View our state and federal government relations efforts

Find A Private College

That’s Right For You

Learn The Facts

About Private Higher Education

Advocate

For More TAG Funding

Visit A College

Anytime of Year

Virginia’s private colleges & universities offer a wide and diverse variety of thought, curriculum, and student experiences.

Private higher education institutions across the Commonwealth

Students served by Virginia's private higher education institutions

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Recent News

CICV President Joins VCIC Board

Recent News

CICV President Joins VCIC Board

CICV

In Virginia, Private Colleges are the new front line for access – President Frank Shushok, Jr., Roanoke College

CICV

Randolph-Macon College Names 16th President

CICV

Important Update

Registration Open for 2025 Counselor Tour

vaprivatecolleges

Since 1971, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV), represents 27 accredited not-for-profit independent colleges & universities.

Virginia Private College President Chris Peace att

Virginia Private College President Chris Peace attended the inaugural Virginia Public Service Leadership Summit hosted by Accenture on July 23, 2025—an energizing afternoon of insight and collaboration with leaders across the Commonwealth’s public sector.

Great to see University of Richmond’s Chief Human Resources Officer Geraldine Sullivan and fellow Spider, Anita Puri, Global Public Service Industry Sector Lead at Accenture, lending their expertise and energy to the conversation!

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (C

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) is proud to announce that its President, Christopher K. Peace, Esq., has been appointed to serve on the statewide Board of Directors of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). In addition to his board service, Mr. Peace has been selected to join the organization’s Governance Committee, which oversees policy development and board recruitment.

Virginia Private College week has arrived!Virginia

Happy 2025 Virginia Private College Week (July 21-

Happy 2025 Virginia Private College Week (July 21-26th)! Each summer, through coordination with CICV, Virginia private colleges host daily information sessions for prospective students, including rising juniors, seniors, and their families. Learn more about how to visit institutions here: https://cicv.org/learn-more/virginia-private-college-week/

There is real value in choosing an accredited Virginia private college close to home. Small classes, strong support, and generous financial aid make it a smart and personal choice—without going far.

Virginia Private Colleges is proud to attend the @

Virginia Private Colleges is proud to attend the @schev_news Resources and Planning Committee meeting in Charlottesville today.

As Federal student aid is being reshaped, Virginia

As Federal student aid is being reshaped, Virginia’s Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is more important than ever.

VTAG provides up to $5,250 annually for eligible undergraduates at private, nonprofit Virginia colleges—ensuring choice and affordability in a changing landscape.

The new Reconciliation Act has major implications for students and families. It:

• Places limits on parent and student federal loans
• Eliminates Grad PLUS loans
• Overhauls Pell Grant eligibility
• Replaces all existing repayment options with one standard and one income-driven plan

Federal reform makes VTAG a critical state investment in college access and affordability.

Our Virginia Private College advocacy team was joi

Our Virginia Private College advocacy team was joined by our colleages from the Virginia Private Colleges Benefits Consortium and the 403(b) Multiple Employer Pension Plan for two days of strategy, planning, and team building.

Guided by the @LeadersRisingNetwork, we used a proven, system-driven approach to strengthen our internal collaboration, set priorities, and build a culture of accountability and trust.

Learn more: https://leadersrisingnetwork.com/about-us/

As Virginia Private Colleges approach the annual p

As Virginia Private Colleges approach the annual private college week, please take a moment to learn more about the amazing benefits our member institutions offer!

Visit: https://cicv.org/why-private/

On July 2, 1776, having led opposition to the Stam

On July 2, 1776, having led opposition to the Stamp Act a decade earlier through the Leedstown Resolutions, Virginia’s Richard Henry Lee introduced the resolution declaring the United Colonies free and independent from Britain — approved that day by 12 colonies, with New York soon to follow.

John Adams wrote to Abigail on July 3:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America… It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Virginia Private Colleges wishes you a Happy Independence Week!

Virginia Private Colleges wrapped up an engaging D

Virginia Private Colleges wrapped up an engaging Day 2 at the 2025 CFO & HR Meeting! From policy insights on the federal reconciliation act and its impact on Virginia, to peer-led roundtables and a forward-looking session on cyber resilience with our partners at AON — it’s been a great day of learning and collaboration. Thanks to all who participated and shared their expertise in support of Virginia’s private colleges! Thank you @sweetbriaredu for hosting!

Day 1 of the CICV CFO/HR Conference is in the book

Day 1 of the CICV CFO/HR Conference is in the books!

Today’s discussions explored the future of higher ed operations—from legal and compliance updates to responsible AI governance, outsourcing strategies, and navigating today’s challenging talent marketplace. Thank you to our speakers and attendees for sharing practical insights and collaborative solutions.

Looking forward to another impactful day at @sweetbriaredu tomorrow as we continue working together to strengthen our institutions and support our people.

Virginia Private Colleges was honored to present o

Virginia Private Colleges was honored to present on federal and state policy to the @ferrum_college Board of Trustees yesterday! Ferrum is one of 28 accessible and affordable nonprofit private college options in the Commonwealth!

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