Longwood University
Longwood University is a public university in Farmville, VA ranked #778 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 2,957 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 84.8%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.8% first-year retention, and 61.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $20,814, about $3,816 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.7%, roughly 130.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $46,058. That's about $2,370 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Longwood University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Longwood University graduates 61.6% of students within six years and keeps 77.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Longwood University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $15,200 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,887 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,804 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $32,870 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 26.0% of Longwood University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,546 to $26,405 depending on family income. Use Longwood University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,915/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,405/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $46,058
- 10-Year Median Earnings $46,058
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 73.8%
- Employment Rate 91.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Longwood University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Longwood University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Longwood University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Longwood University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Longwood University graduates earn $46,058 median, the -44.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-620
- SAT Math 500-570
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,957
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.8%
- Graduation Rate 61.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Longwood University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Longwood University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 84.8%, Longwood University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 84.8% acceptance rate, Longwood University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1190 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Longwood University undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 14.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.1%
- Psychology, General 6.7%
- Biology, General 6.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.8%
See more majors
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.5%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $78,085
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $77,415
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,752
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $58,281
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $56,178
- 6. Communication and Media Studies $55,140
- 7. Biology, General $54,876
- 8. Sociology $53,416
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $50,634
- 10. English Language and Literature, General $48,248
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $64,319
- 2. Education, General (Master's Degree) $53,281
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $52,666
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $78,085—62% more than English Language and Literature, General ($48,248). Graduate: Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs lead with $64,319 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Longwood University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 121 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 120 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)▼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- History
- Social Work
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Design and Applied Arts
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Education, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,957
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 30.3%
- Female Students 69.7%
- Caucasian 71.7%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 7.3%
- Black 10.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Longwood University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Longwood University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Longwood University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Longwood University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 71.7% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 69.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Longwood University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Longwood University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Longwood University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #778 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $20,814 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $46,058 median earnings. The 61.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Longwood University's Strengths
Ranked #778 with a B grade, Longwood University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Longwood University excel at providing affordable education ($20,814 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Longwood University's 77.8% retention and 61.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($46,058 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Longwood University and $20,814 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 61.6% six-year graduation rate sits 0.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.8% first-year retention is 1.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.7% return on investment is 130.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $46,058 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,814 is roughly $915 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.0% employment rate within three years sits 22.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,814 is about $915 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 26.0% trails the national share by 7.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Longwood University is a public university based in Farmville, VA and earns a B overall grade. It is currently ranked #778 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 77.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 61.6% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -44.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,814 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,870.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,056 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $46,058 six years after enrollment. That sits about 5% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.0%.
Plan around an ROI of about -44.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
84.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Longwood University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Farmville, VA 23909
- Website www.longwood.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$105.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.3%