As a parent or guardian, you’re not just hoping your student earns a degree. You want them to be known. Supported in their spiritual life. Challenged academically. Surrounded by people who help them rise to their potential rather than getting lost in the crowd.
That’s why the idea of “right fit” in a university matters so much. College is where students discover who they are, what they care about, and who they want to become. When that environment fits their values and goals, it can make all the difference—not only in your student’s academic success, but in their confidence and character.
Southern Virginia University was built with that vision in mind. It offers a college experience designed for students who want strong academics, meaningful community, and a faith-supportive campus where they can grow into grounded, purpose-driven professionals. In this blog, we’ll walk through the unique structure of SVU’s model and why it helps students thrive in ways many traditional colleges simply can’t match.
Whether it’s public, private, religious, or secular, all types of colleges offer something valuable—just not always the combination your student needs.
Some campuses boast endless resources, others offer strong community, and some specialize in preparing students for specific careers. The challenge is finding a place that brings those strengths together in a way that supports your student academically, personally, and spiritually.
A quick comparison helps show the landscape:
Public universities give students a wide range of majors and activities, but overflowing campuses and crowded classes make it harder to build close relationships with…well, anyone.
VS.
Private colleges are known for smaller class sizes, individualized support, and campus cultures where students build close relationships with faculty and peers.
Secular colleges focus on academic preparation, but they may not nurture the spiritual habits and values that many LDS families hope their student will continue.
VS.
Faith-based colleges create an environment where faith is part of daily life. Students find a community that encourages spiritual habits, an encouraging social life, and values-based decision-making.
Technical or specialized schools offer clear career pathways, but their narrow focus limits exploration for students still discovering their interests and limits them to a single career trajectory.
VS.
Liberal arts colleges emphasize breadth and flexibility. Instead of rushing students into a narrow track, they help students develop strong writing, communication, and critical reasoning skills (all abilities that employers consistently rank as top hiring priorities).
Other religious colleges may create faith-based communities, but doctrinal differences can leave Latter-day Saint students feeling slightly out of sync with campus life.
VS.
Latter-day Saint universities incorporate restored Gospel values into every aspect of campus life, from student events to classroom discussions.
Southern Virginia University aligns with many of the values Latter-day Saint families seek. As a private, liberal arts institution with a faith-supportive environment, SVU offers small classes, close faculty engagement, and a community where students grow in both confidence and character.
Instead of choosing between strong academics or a values-centered experience, students can experience both—along with the freedom to explore majors, build meaningful friendships, and develop the habits that will carry them into adulthood.
Life is more than a job, and college should be more than a way to funnel students into a career. Here are a few features that set SVU apart and help students prepare for meaningful careers and personal lives.
Within SVU’s liberal arts framework, students can choose clear academic pathways toward careers in business, STEM, health, education, the arts, and more. Faculty advisors help students connect their interests and strengths to majors, minors, career concentrations, and professional tracks.
Most students learn best when they aren’t lost in a lecture hall. With an average class size of 15 students, SVU’s intimate learning environment creates space for discussion and mentorship. Professors know students by name, which means they can challenge them, support them, and tailor their instruction to help each one thrive.
University life should strengthen your student’s testimony rather than pulling them away from it. SVU integrates spiritual life into the rhythm of campus in ways that feel natural, uplifting, and supportive. Students are encouraged to build habits of prayer, worship, service, and discipleship while navigating academic and social life.
Whether your student hopes to attend medical school, graduate school, or pursue an advanced professional degree, SVU prepares them well. Graduate preparation tracks, writing-intensive coursework, academic advising, and leadership opportunities help students stand out in competitive applicant pools.
Read more about how SVU alumni are prepared for post-baccalaureate success in our guide.
Students often say that mentoring relationships with faculty and staff become the defining part of their SVU experience. Professors invest in their success, guide them through challenges, and help them build networks and skills they’ll use long after graduation.
Instead of pushing students into a narrow track from day one, SVU encourages exploration. They develop strong communication, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities alongside major-specific coursework. This broad foundation helps them adapt, lead, and transition confidently into careers or further study—no matter where life takes them.
Many parents hear “liberal arts” and wonder whether it’s too broad or too abstract for today’s job market. In reality, a true liberal arts education is one of the most reliable ways to prepare students for a world that changes quickly. Instead of training them for a single job that may look different five years from now, it teaches them how to think, communicate, adapt, and lead—skills employers consistently say they value most.
So what makes a liberal arts college a liberal arts college? At SVU, the liberal arts aren’t just a philosophy; they’re woven into every class and every major. Students learn to write clearly, speak confidently, collaborate well, and approach problems from multiple angles. They grow into well-rounded thinkers who can handle complex decisions and communicate clearly, whether they’re working in a hospital, a lab, a classroom, or a boardroom.
Is a liberal arts education worth it? Read more in our blog.
Choosing a college isn’t just about picking a major or finding a campus that looks nice on a brochure. It’s about giving your student a place where they can grow into the kind of professional and person you hope they’ll become: capable, confident, resilient, and grounded in their faith.
Southern Virginia University offers an environment designed for that kind of growth. With small classes, faculty who genuinely know their students, and a values-centered campus culture, SVU helps young Latter-day Saints discover their strengths and step boldly into their future. Students don’t just earn a degree here; they gain mentors, friendships, spiritual formation, and a foundation for whatever comes next.
If you're looking for a place where your student will be seen, supported, and set up for success, SVU is ready to welcome your family into our community. Download the Guardian’s Guide to Southern Virginia University to learn more about your role in helping your student thrive.