Virginia Private College Week, July 30 - August 4, 2007

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) announces Virginia Private College Week, July 30 - August 4, 2007. During this week, students who visit at least three of the member colleges will receive application fee waivers to apply free to three of the CICV colleges. Most of the colleges will offer campus tours and sessions about admissions, financial aid and academic programs

This event encourages in-state high school seniors and their families to visit campuses of the private colleges that interest them. Robert Lambeth, president of CICV, explains, "During Private College Week, families will learn about the quality and affordability of our institutions . . . What makes private colleges different from many state universities are our small classes and the personal attention our students receive."

CICV was founded in 1971 to promote the interests of nonprofit, private colleges and universities in Virginia. The CICV wants to inform families that private college education is more affordable than they may think. In 2006, Virginia private colleges awarded over $200 million in scholarships and grants. Also, in-state students who attend a Virginia private college are also eligible for the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG).

TAG is a Commonwealth of Virginia award, in the amount of approximately $3,200. It is not based on merit or need. It is available for four years at the undergraduate level.

The CICV website states, "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 schoolsVirginia'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."

CICV member colleges and universities:

Averett University, Danville
Bluefield College, Bluefield
Bridgewater College, Bridgewater (near Harrisonburg)
Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg
Emory & Henry College, Emory
Ferrum College, Ferrum(near Rocky Mount, VA)
Hampden-Sydney, Hampden-Sydney (near Farmville)
Hampton University, Hampton
Hollins University, Roanoke
Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Roanoke
Lynchburg College, Lynchburg
Marymount University, Arlington
Mary Baldwin College, Staunton
Randolph College, Lynchburg
Randolph-Macon College, Ashland
Roanoke College, Salem
Saint Paul's College, Lawrenceville
Shenandoah University, Winchester
Sweet Briar College, Amherst
University of Richmond, Richmond
Virginia Intermont College, Bristol
Virginia Union University, Richmond
Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk/VA Beach
Washington and Lee University, Lexington

More information about Virginia Private College Week and the application fee waivers can be found at www.privatecollegeweek.org or by contacting any of the participating colleges.

Information for this article was gathered from richmond.com and Virginia's Private Colleges website.