Mary Washington College opened a Stafford branch in the fall of 1999. It was specifically designed for mid-life professionals seeking academic degrees. It was originally called James Monroe campus. Later on, Mary Washington changed its name to The University of Mary Washington. The Stafford campus name was changed too to be University of Mary Washington, Stafford Branch. The North Building was added in 2007 and became the region’s premier venue for educational programs and conferences. It is located on Highway 17 in the Hartwood area of Stafford.

In 2009, Germanna Community College opened a facility with the support of Stafford Economic Development Authority in northern Stafford on Highway 1 or Jefferson Davis Highway. Over the years the school’s population increased and is now over capacity. In September of 2012, the Germanna Community College Automotive Technology Center opened.