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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 committed to student success.

Longwood University, nestled in Farmville, Virginia, offers a rich blend of history and modern academic excellence. As the third-oldest public university in Virginia, established in 1839, Longwood holds a distinguished place among the nation's oldest institutions of higher education. It’s known for its transformation from a female seminary to a comprehensive coeducational university, officially becoming Longwood University in 2002.

The campus itself is a living history lesson. It witnessed the final days of the Civil War as armies marched past during Lee's retreat to Appomattox. Even more profoundly, Longwood stands near the former Robert Russa Moton High School, the site of a pivotal 1951 student strike that led to one of the five landmark cases culminating in the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. This unique historical context imbues a sense of purpose and civic engagement into the student experience.

With an enrollment of 5,096 students, Longwood cultivates an environment where "We Teach To Enlighten" (Docemus Docere). Students pursue a wide range of studies across 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 thrive in the Cormier Honors College. For those seeking advanced degrees, the College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers master's programs, including a fully online MBA, alongside specialized professional development and teacher recertification courses, demonstrating a strong commitment to lifelong learning and community impact.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1839, making it the third-oldest public university in Virginia and one of the hundred oldest institutions in the U.S.
  • Home to 5,096 students, fostering a vibrant learning community under President W. Taylor Reveley IV.
  • Strategically located in Farmville, Virginia, a site of significant American history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement (Moton High School).
  • Offers comprehensive education through the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, and College of Education and Human Services.
  • Features the Cormier Honors College for high-achieving students and robust graduate programs, including an online MBA.
  • Motto: "Docemus Docere" (Latin), translating to "We Teach To Enlighten."
  • Boasts an endowment of over $0.1 billion, supporting its mission and growth.

Timeline

1839
Founded as the Farmville Female Seminary Association.
1860
Renamed Farmville Female College.
1875
Renamed Farmville College.
1884
Renamed State Female Normal School.
1949
Renamed Longwood College.
1976
Became coeducational.
2002
Gained university status as Longwood University on July 1.
🏛️
187 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Longwood University

🎭

Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences

One of three undergraduate academic colleges serving a wide array of disciplines.

💼

College of Business and Economics

One of three undergraduate academic colleges, focused on business and economic studies.

📚

College of Education and Human Services

One of three undergraduate academic colleges, specializing in education and human services.

🏫

Cormier Honors College

Supports and challenges high-achieving undergraduate students.

🎓

College of Graduate and Professional Studies

Offers master's degrees (M.S., M.Ed., online MBA) and professional development courses including teacher licensure/recertification.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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