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Longwood University

Farmville, VA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Docemus Docere (Latin)("We Teach To Enlighten")

1839
Founded
Public university
Type
2,957
Total Students
4,574
Undergrad
522
Graduate
$118M
Endowment
(2025)
$15K
Tuition (In-State)
$27K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
85%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
6-year
78%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Longwood University

Virginia's third-oldest public university, steeped in history and civic action.

Step into the rich legacy of Longwood University, a public institution in Farmville, Virginia, that stands as the third-oldest public university in the state and one of the hundred oldest in the entire United States. Founded in 1839 as the Farmville Female Seminary, Longwood has evolved through many names and transformations, from a female seminary to a coeducational university in 1976 and gaining university status in 2002. Its enduring motto, "Docemus Docere" (We Teach To Enlighten), perfectly encapsulates its commitment to education and intellectual growth.

Longwood's campus itself is a living testament to American history. Its northern end witnessed the dramatic retreat of Robert E. Lee's army just days before the end of the Civil War in 1865. Even more profoundly, the former Robert Russa Moton High School at the campus's south end was the site of the pivotal 1951 student strike. This historic event became one of the five court cases that culminated in the landmark *Brown v. Board of Education* decision, solidifying Longwood's unique connection to the fight for civil rights and educational equality.

Academically, Longwood cultivates a robust learning environment for its 5,096 students through its three undergraduate colleges: the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Education and Human Services. High-achieving students can further challenge themselves in the Cormier Honors College. For those pursuing advanced studies, the College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers master's degrees, including a fully online MBA, alongside specialized professional development courses for educators, underscoring Longwood's dedication to lifelong learning and professional excellence.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1839, making it the third-oldest public university in Virginia and among the top 100 oldest institutions in the U.S.
  • Campus adjacent to sites significant to both the American Civil War (Lee's retreat) and the Civil Rights Movement (Moton High School, linked to *Brown v. Board of Education*).
  • Serves a vibrant community of 5,096 students.
  • Offers a comprehensive academic experience through three undergraduate colleges, the Cormier Honors College, and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
  • Graduate offerings include Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), and a fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA).
  • Provides specialized professional studies for educators, including teacher licensure/recertification and Speech Language Pathology prerequisite courses.
  • Guided by the Latin motto "Docemus Docere," meaning "We Teach To Enlighten."

Timeline

1839
Founded as the Farmville Female Seminary.
1860
Renamed Farmville Female College.
1875
Granted a new charter and renamed Farmville College.
1884
Became the State Female Normal School.
1949
Renamed Longwood College.
1951
The historic student strike at Robert Russa Moton High School occurred, contributing to *Brown v. Board of Education*.
1976
Became a coeducational institution.
2002
Gained university status, officially becoming Longwood University.
🏛️
187 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Longwood University

🎓

College of Graduate and Professional Studies

Offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees, a fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA), and professional studies including teacher licensure/recertification courses, Speech Language Pathology prerequisite courses (SLP Online), and courses for the educational leadership endorsement. Also provides non-credit classes for teacher recertification.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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