Virginia Tech Ranks #4 for Best College Campuses in the US

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Note:
September 12, 2023: This blog post, which was originally published in August of 2023, reflected the 2023 information from Niche.com about the Best College Campuses in the U.S. They have since updated their site to show the 2024 listings.

Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech ranks fourth in the 2023 Best College Campuses by Niche.com. The 2023 Best College Campuses rankings are based on student reviews and key statistics using data from the U.S. Department of Education. These top ranked colleges are scored based on campus food, housing, local area, and safety.

Virginia Tech is the Commonwealth’s leading research institution. The university’s main campus, located in Blacksburg, sits on 2,600 acres, and caters to more than 37,000 students. VT offers 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, has research facilities across the state, offers study-abroad opportunities, and owns and utilizes an 1,800-acre agriculture research farm.

Discover more about Virginia Tech and Montgomery County here.

See the full rankings of colleges here.

Read more about how the rankings are calculated here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Claims Top Honors in Multiple Categories

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New River Valley, VA – Home of more presidents than any other state, Virginia has a long and rich history that attracts quality jobs and world-class education. Virginia has a diverse blend of small towns, city attractions and the ambiance of the country. With such a historical tradition of excellence and beauty, Virginia’s list of accolades can only continue to grow.

Here are some of the Commonwealth’s recent rankings:

The New River Valley is a ‘natural fit’ for anyone looking to live in a region of the Commonwealth of Virginia. With access to outdoor recreation, fine arts, high quality employment, and unmatched educational opportunities, it’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley feels like home.

Find out more about the quality of life and the abundant business opportunities in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

See rankings specific to the New River Valley here.

 

photo by Kelly
 

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Inmotion Recognized as One of Top Virginia Employers for Internships

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Montgomery County, VA – Inmotion received an award for Top Virginia Employers for Interns in 2022. This inaugural award was a collaboration between The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce . The award recognized 32 recipients who were selected for their work-based learning opportunities.

Interns at Inmotion ‘get immersed in real role activities they would actually see in their careers’.

The recipients’ programs were picked based on a variety of factors, including “a minimum 8-13 week-long internship; exposure to senior leadership, structured mentorship programs, and team lunches, social events and learning opportunities”.

Review the full list of award recipients here.

Does your company have interns for the summer? Enroll them in the NRV Experience program hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week program features a series of community engagements, professional development, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns with the NRV Experience here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.” Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Harmonia Founder Wins Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award

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Montgomery County, VA – Pallabi Saboo, Founder of Harmonia Holdings Group LLC, was among 30 women selected for the inaugural Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award awarded in 2021. The award recognized those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field and made significant contributions to their community.

Virginia Business reported that Harmonia, a software company headquartered in Blacksburg, VA, grew “from 10 employees and less than $2 million in revenue to 400 workers and $90 million in revenue” under the direction of Pallabi Saboo. Harmonia has also received numerous awards and recognitions under her leadership.

Discover more about the winners of the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for companies in the Information Technology industry. With exceptional education programs from local colleges and universities, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a Natural Fit for you and your business here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

3 NRV Locations Rank Among Places with Lowest Cost of Living in VA

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New River Valley, VA – Niche.com recently listed three locations around the NRV among the top twenty places with the lowest cost of living in Virginia. Ranking of cost of living by city was based on the consumer price index and access to affordable housing using data from the U.S. Census and BLS. Check out the locations below: The affordability of Virginia’s New River Valley is one of the many reasons people choose to live, work, and do business in the region. Residents enjoy an excellent quality of life and below average cost of living, making the NRV a ‘Natural Fit.’ Browse the full rankings from Niche.com here. Thinking of relocating to the NRV? Explore our Cost-of-Living Calculator here.
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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.” Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
Floyd Among Travel + Leisure’s Best Small Towns in Virginia

Floyd Among Travel + Leisure’s Best Small Towns in Virginia

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Floyd County, VA – Travel + Leisure recently listed Floyd as one of the twelve best small towns in Virginia to visit. Here’s what Travel + Leisure’s Jennifer Prince had to say about Floyd:
“The mountain town of Floyd serves as a haven for music and features the annual Floyd Fest, a 5-day music and art festival set against the backdrop of Southwest Virginia’s scenic landscape. The area is filled with fascinating moonshine history and artisans who offer glimpses into their process via studio tours. In addition, music lovers will enjoy visiting the Floyd Country Store, which hosts live events several times a week.”
Not only is Floyd a great place to visit, but it is also a wonderful place to live and work. Explore Floyd County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley, here. Learn more about living in Virginia’s New River Valley here. Read the full list from Travel + Leisure of Virginia small towns to visit here.
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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.” Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
6 NRV Locations Win Best of Blue Ridge 2023 Awards

6 NRV Locations Win Best of Blue Ridge 2023 Awards

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New River Valley, VA – Six well-known locations and events around the NRV recently won Best of the Blue Ridge 2023 Awards from Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Additionally, there were six businesses from around the region that were highlighted as runners up in different categories.

This is the 13th annual Best of the Blue Ridge Awards. In November 2022, readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors voted on their “favorite outdoor businesses, events, food/drinks, and destinations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic” to determine this year’s winners.

Browse the New River Valley’s Best of the Blue Ridge winners and runners up below:

Winners:

Runners Up:
  • Mountain Lake Lodge: Best Kid-Friendly Adventure Spot
  • Buffalo Mountain Ziplines: Best Zipline
  • 5 Mile Mountain Distillery: Best Distillery
  • Red Rooster Coffee: Best Coffee Shop
  • Runabout Sports: Best Running Shop
  • Mountainside Holistic Clinic: Best Wellness Center


    • See all the Best of the Blue Ridge 2023 award winners here.

    Explore more of the outdoors across Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

    Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

2022 NRV Awards and Accolades

Celebrate the NRV with 2022 Awards and Accolades

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New River Valley, VA – The NRV is a great place to live, work, and do business, and because of that fact, the region was celebrated throughout 2022. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades and awards won this year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, businesses, and universities.

Regional Rankings

VA Earns Top Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

Virginia Earns #1 Business Climate Spot From Site Selection Magazine

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New River Valley, VA – Virginia Business has announced that the state has earned the top spot in Site Selection magazine for best business climate. Virginia has catapulted nine places from its number ten ranking last year and has unseated Georgia, which has had an eight-year streak at the top.

The head of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, CEO and President Jason El Koubi, is quoted in the article citing specifics,

“In 2021, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership announced 130 projects in Virginia, expected to bring more than 18,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in investment. And since January, VEDP has announced 65 more projects. Virginia has been most successful attracting projects in advanced materials, supply chain management, data centers, and life sciences.”

Site selectors were surveyed and responded that their number one criteria for site selection is workforce skills, followed by tax climate and workforce development.

Virginia is ahead of the curve with major workforce programs and partnerships. The Virginia Tech Talent Pipeline Program “aims to produce 31,000 in-demand computer science graduates during the next two decades through a cooperative program with 11 Virginia universities”. Additionally, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the result of collaboration between VEDP and the Virginia Community College System, provides “customizable job training and other support to qualifying companies at no cost,” per the article.

The New River Valley also has several exciting talent development initiatives, including a recent announcement regarding a GO Virginia grant to fund workforce development in Floyd and Pulaski counties.

Find out more about the robust business climate in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

 

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

 
Virginia Tech Among 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America

VT Ranks Highly in U.S. News & World Report Top Colleges Rankings

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Montgomery County, Va– Virginia Tech has issued a press release detailing an impressive array of top-30 engineering, learning communities, and computer science rankings in the U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 Best Colleges rankings.

The rankings utilized 17 different standards of academic quality in its rankings. These include graduation and retention rates, affordability, degree value after graduation, faculty resources, financial resources, and test scores.

The VT College of Engineering was well represented with eight related departments making the list including,

Industrial engineering (No. 4)

Environmental engineering (No. 8)

Civil engineering (No. 11)

Aerospace engineering (No. 12)

Electrical engineering (tie No. 15)

Computer engineering (No. 25)

Undergraduate Engineering (doctorate) (No. 16)

Computer science (tie No. 29)

The university came in at No. 22 in the Learning Communities division. The division focuses on students who typically take two or more linked courses as a group and get to know each other and their professors exceptionally well. The press release states, “College presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students, and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools each nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of learning communities.”

In addition, the university scored highly in the following areas:

Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 34)

Best Undergraduate Business (No. 39)

Most Innovative Schools – National Universities (No. 41)

Overall National Universities (No. 62)

Find the university’s abundant rankings mentioned across various publications and platforms here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

 

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.