7 Colleges Near Harrisonburg VA To Find Your Path to Success

A teenage boy sits on a fallen log playing guitar in a forest at sunset

You don’t need me to tell you that college is a really big deal. This is your chance to find your independence while starting to pursue your career. Your college is where you are going to build up your strongest friendships, create lifelong connections, and find your passion. So, when you are looking for your perfect place, you want to make sure you are taking a lot of things into consideration. As a Harrisonburg senior photographer, I have gotten to chat with students about the things that make their schools so unique. If you are on the search for your perfect spot, I would love to highlight some colleges near Harrisonburg, VA you might want to consider! 

Find The Colleges Near Harrisonburg, VA That Best Fit Your Career Goals

James Madison University

800 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

James Madison University is a Harrisonburg, VA public college that has been around for a little over a century. There are quite a few things that set this school apart. To begin, the campus is positively gorgeous. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the school features over 700 acres of pristine land with mountain views. When you live on campus, you are going to get to choose from over 25 dining options, including food trucks and popular food chains. They have even been rated as one of the top colleges when it comes to dining options! Their rec center offers cooking classes, rock climbing, and group exercise. As far as classes go, you are going to be able to choose from over 70 majors and over 130 programs. No matter what you want to study, JMU is probably going to have your perfect option! 

A guitar player in jeans walks in a leaf covered trail with guitar on his back

Blue Ridge Community College

One College Lane, Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486

Blue Ridge Community College is a great option for Harrisonburg, VA students looking for a nearby, budget-friendly spot where they can get started on their college education. This school is here to make college both affordable and accessible. They start new sessions of classes every few weeks, so you don’t have to wait for the next semester to get going. They offer a variety of transfer options that let you easily move onto a four-year university if you choose. Additionally, this is a center that is going to let you improve your career as well as your life. They have degrees and certifications that work across occupations. They also have special interest classes that will get you started on your next passion. 

Bridgewater College

402 East College Street, Bridgewater, Virginia 22812

Bridgewater College is a private liberal arts college that was started in 1880. If you are searching for a quiet campus with a smaller class size, this is going to be your place. They have an undergraduate enrollment rate of 1,395 students. You are going to get the chance to build up strong friendships while getting started on the next phase of your life! Their housing options let you customize the set-up that works best for you. Plus, they have over 70 clubs and organizations, 17 intramural sports, and 50+ annual events. Their majors give you a collaborative approach to your education and span 75 programs. From arts and music to computer science, you are going to find the one that you want! 

A tennis player leans on a chain link fence holding a racket in a blue shirt after exploring Colleges Near Harrisonburg, VA

Eastern Mennonite University

1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

Eastern Mennonite University is a Harrisonburg, VA religious college that believes in using your faith to take action. With this school, you are going to work across the community so you can improve the lives of those everywhere. The school has medium class sizes with student-to-teacher ratios of 10:1. They also have extensive financial aid options, with 100% of their students receiving assistance. EMU is a hands-on school that wants to make sure you are ready for the next steps in your career. Their programs feature experience that will have you prepared for once you graduate. They offer over 45 degrees and have graduate programs that will help you advance. 

The University of Virginia

208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904

The University of Virginia is a school that was founded in 1819 by none other than Thomas Jefferson himself. Today, the school remains a popular choice for people both in the state as well as those around the country. The school has a thriving student life, including self-governance options and a NCAA Division I Athletics Program. Their students enjoy creative writing, live music, and drama presentations. This college has been rated the number one college in Virginia by Forbes and is a top 5 Public University. Their robust programs will ensure you are going to be able to pursue the degree that is right for you. From Nursing to Law to Engineering, this college has it all! 

A high school senior in jeans and a maroon shirt leans on a farm fence at sunset with arms crossed after exploring Colleges Near Harrisonburg, VA

Piedmont Virginia Community College

501 College Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902

Piedmont Virginia Community College is another fantastic option for Harrisonburg, VA students who want to get their gen eds out of the way. With this college, you are going to learn from skilled professors about a variety of different topics. Whether you want to go onto a four-year university or simply want to learn more about a topic of interest, they are going to have options for you! They also make it a breeze to apply. You can take care of the entire process online or partner up with an admissions coach. In addition to their associate degrees, you will be able to pursue both career studies certificates as well as FastForward Credential Programs. With this school, you are going to have the tools you need to start your future career! 

Mary Baldwin University

101 E Frederick Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401

Mary Baldwin University is a smaller, private school that has less than 1,300 undergrad students. The school was started in 1842 as a way to level the education field for people across the area. While it originated as an all-girls school, the university now welcomes every student. Their small size means that you can find programs completely tailored to your needs. They offer over 90 programs in everything from nursing to the arts and humanities. They also boast a diverse student life with 13 Division III sports teams as well as various clubs and organizations. 

A high school senior sits on a tennis court with balls and a racket after exploring Colleges Near Harrisonburg, VA

I Hope This Helps You Narrow Down The Choices Of Colleges Near Harrisonburg, VA For Your Future

With these colleges near Harrisonburg, VA, you are going to have a school that feels custom-made for you. Check them out today to find out where you should apply. 

Are you looking for a way to make your high school senior year extra memorable? Then let’s connect! As a Harrisonburg senior photographer, I adore working with students so they can celebrate this huge accomplishment! If you have been considering booking your session, send me a message so you can decide if I am the photographer for you!

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