About Richmond

Spiders are remarkable.

Since 1830, every Richmond Spider has arrived with a set of guiding qualities within ourselves — the qualities that make us Spiders before even setting foot on campus.

An ardent ambition that propels us past where others have stopped. An unmistakable curiosity that pushes us to dig deeper. An unyielding determination to pursue our goals with everything we have.

We know that what we do here will have an incredible impact everywhere. The things we bring on day one — our talents, our passions, our viewpoints — are what equip us to make that impact.

Boatwright Tower at the University of Richmond.

About Us

These are the numbers, facts, and rankings that bring context to our consistent placement among the nation’s best schools, most beautiful campuses, and best values within higher education.

22nd

"Best Liberal Arts Colleges"
U.S. News & World Report
(2025)

2nd

"Most Beautiful Campus"
The Princeton Review
(2025)

6th

"Best Schools for Internships"
(Private Schools)
The Princeton Review
(2024)

turtle trapping at the lake

About You

Enough about us — let’s talk about you! Every year, we welcome a new class of accomplished Spiders who shape the University through new ideas, exciting combinations of interests, and an eclectic diversity of viewpoints.

3,164

total undergraduates

62

countries represented

47

states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

Spiders are social creatures.

Because 91% of our students live on campus all four years, students make a home and build real connections here. No wonder the Princeton Review ranked us #1 for "Best Student Support and Counseling Services."
Science Advising

Academics

It’s not often talked about in nature documentaries, but Spiders are natural overachievers. With so many interests and options available, our students regularly choose more than a single major and add a minor, a second major, or even more.

16

Average number of students per undergraduate class

8:1

Undergraduate student-faculty ratio

0

Number of undergraduate classes taught by teaching assistants

There's Only One Spider

Richmond is the only university with a spider mascot. And though our community comprises Spiders of varied gifts — different passions, backgrounds, concentrations, and more — we share a drive for excellence and discovery. This results in a common love for our Spider community we endearingly refer to as “arachnophoria.”

Students sitting at a table laughing

A Best Value

Our industry-leading financial aid consistently lands us on the list of best-value colleges and universities. We work to guarantee that all students of all backgrounds can come together, learn together, and grow together.

100%

Richmond is need-blind in admission and meets 100% of demonstrated need

$60,740

Average need-based aid package

See how Spiders do Division I.

Richmond city skyline on a suny day with the James River in the foreground

Richmond: The River City

Outdoor activities on the James River, restaurants that place us on multiple must-visit lists for foodies, Fortune 500 businesses in our backyard … and we’re just getting started.