UVA Wise Is Growing With Purpose
In recent years, UVA Wise has embarked on a purposeful and exciting period of growth. More students than ever are choosing the College, drawn by its strong reputation for academic quality, affordability and a genuine sense of community.
In Fall 2025, UVA Wise enrolled 2,235 students, including 560 new enrollees, 336 first-time freshmen, 157 transfer students and 67 Year-in-Wise participants. This momentum reflects the College’s focused efforts to expand access to higher education for families across Virginia and beyond.
“UVA Wise’s mission is deeply connected to the people of Southwest Virginia, and that connection keeps getting stronger,” says Chancellor Donna P. Henry. “This year, the College has enrolled 890 students from the region’s 15 counties and cities, with undergraduates from the region increasing 9% over last year.”
Enrollment also rose significantly in several counties: Wise County (+5.2%), Russell County (+28.6%) and Dickenson County (+15.3).
“These numbers tell a clear story,” Henry adds. “Families in the region see UVA Wise as the right place for students to stay close to home while building their future.”
Affordability That Makes a Difference
Affordability remains central to the UVA Wise experience. The College continues to offer the lowest median student debt among comparable institutions, with 71% of the Class of 2025 graduating debt-free.
“By removing both the application fee and the enrollment deposit, UVA Wise ensures that students can apply and commit without facing upfront costs,” says Jeff Baylor, vice chancellor for enrollment management. “For many first-generation and Pell-eligible students, who make up 64% of our student body, that access can be transformative.”
This commitment has been strengthened by the success of the Honor the Future capital campaign, which raised an extraordinary $103.8 million in support of UVA Wise. More than 75% of these funds were directed to scholarships and student aid, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from robust financial support and the promise of an affordable UVA Wise education.
Students choose UVA Wise for its combination of value, community and opportunity as well as small classes where faculty know them by name, a scenic mountain campus and a culture where student success is a shared priority. Coupled with meaningful internships, undergraduate research, clinical placements and regional partnerships, UVA Wise offers an educational environment that simply feels right to many students.
Academics That Match the Future
UVA Wise continues to provide academic programs that align with the needs of today’s workforce. The College’s liberal arts, sciences and business offerings remain the most popular. UVA Wise also leads with distinctive and forward-thinking programs, including Virginia’s only undergraduate software engineering degree.
The College’s programs equip students with practical skills and hands-on experiences that prepare them for rewarding careers and advanced studies. More than a college, UVA Wise is a community committed to access, excellence and opportunity.
Each new student adds to a growing story, one of transformation, hope and success, rooted in the heart of Southwest Virginia and shaped by all who choose to call UVA Wise home.