Virginia’s rich history and diverse economy make it an ideal place for higher education. From Atlantic beaches to the Appalachian Mountains, the state offers stunning scenery alongside opportunities in shipping, high-tech, government, engineering, and tourism. With top colleges and universities, Virginia prepares students for thriving careers in these growing industries.
To support this incredible breadth of opportunity, Virginia is home to some of our nation's storied and venerated colleges and universities. University of Virginia, to name one example, is a pillar of U.S. education and the state still supports stellar women's colleges. The state even has at least one non-military college for men only. If you live in Virginia, you have your pick of some of our top schools. Your career already shines bright.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Virginia?
Considering a college degree in Virginia? You're making a smart move. Education opens doors to higher earnings and better career opportunities. In Virginia, graduates from top universities like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech see significant salary increases after completing their degrees.
On average, Virginia college graduates with a bachelor's degree earn about $60,657 annually, compared to $37,024 for those with only a high school diploma. This substantial difference demonstrates the financial value of pursuing higher education in the state. Even associate degree holders see a boost, with average earnings of around $41,000 per year.
Your specific earnings potential can vary based on your chosen field of study and the university you attend. For example, University of Virginia graduates report average earnings of $52,800 six years after enrolling, which rises to $77,200 after ten years. As you explore your options, remember that investing in education often leads to greater financial stability and career growth in the long run.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Virginia
Virginia has a very diverse economy. You can work as a shipbuilder on the coast, or in agribusiness for the Federal Government in the far northern part of the state. While the state is largely divided along a north/south divide with the southern regions lagging in economic activity, the overall picture shows the Virginia economy ranked #30 in the nation. However, the state is ranked 9th for its business environment and 18th in employment.
Once you have graduated with your Virginia bachelor's degree, you can become a mover and shaker in the state's economy. No matter what field you choose, there will be loads of opportunities waiting for you.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 50,040 | $91,290 |
| Budget Analyst | 2,620 | $104,050 |
| Cost Estimator | 7,730 | $75,490 |
| Financial Analyst | 9,130 | $113,800 |
| Financial Risk Specialist | 1,380 | $119,370 |
| Logistician | 9,280 | $94,120 |
| Market Research Analysts | 24,180 | $85,780 |
| Operations Managers | 92,650 | $138,980 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | 6,860 | $153,900 |
| Tax Revenue Agent | 1,340 | $57,730 |
- Accounting
- Budget Analyst
- Business
- Business Administrator
- Business Manager
- Cost Estimator
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Analyst
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- International Business Manager
- Logistician
- Market Research Analysts
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Tax Revenue Agent
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Information Technologist
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity
- Database Administrator
- Database Management
- Software Engineer
- Web Development
Top Education Careers and Salaries
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Informatics / Systems Analysts | 26,050 | $106,490 |
| Hospital Administration | 7,650 | $116,770 |
| Human Resources Specialist | 21,900 | $75,810 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 5,200 | $109,110 |
| Occupational Therapist | 3,050 | $91,970 |
| Physical Therapist | 6,720 | $91,930 |
| Public Health Educator | 1,200 | $54,640 |
| Public Relations Management | 1,300 | $85,600 (N/A for 2021) |
| Registered Nursing | 66,040 | $71,870 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 3,090 | $87,140 |
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Informatics / Systems Analyst
- Healthcare Manager
- Hospital Administration
- Human Resources Specialist
- Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Public Health Educator
- Public Relations Management
- Registered Nursing
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | 14,750 | $42,380 |
| Detective / Investigator | 3,160 | $97,770 |
| Fish and Game Warden | 210 | $48,850 |
| Forensic Science Technician | 440 | $69,260 |
| Security Specialist | 30,600 | $34,800 |
- Corrections and Case Managers
- Criminal Justice Careers
- Criminal Justice Professional
- Cybersecurity
- Detective / Investigator
- Fish and Game Warden
- Forensic Science Technician
- Law Enforcement
- Security Specialist
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Virginia
1
Columbia College-Vienna,VA
Score: 76.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,360
- Out-of-State:$9,360
- Net Price: $9,623
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 239
- Undergrad Students: 239
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $26,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
2
Mountain Gateway Community College
Score: 75.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,878
- Out-of-State:$10,881
- Net Price: $6,595
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,002
- Undergrad Students: 1,002
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,500
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
3
Northern Virginia Community College
Score: 73.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,703
- Out-of-State:$11,786
- Net Price: $8,242
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 53,810
- Undergrad Students: 53,810
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,000
- Student-to-faculty: 30:1
4
Mountain Empire Community College
Score: 73.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,863
- Out-of-State:$10,866
- Net Price: $7,900
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 2,015
- Undergrad Students: 2,015
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,700
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
5
Central Virginia Community College
Score: 73.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,998
- Out-of-State:$11,001
- Net Price: $5,653
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 3,410
- Undergrad Students: 3,410
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,100
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
6
Laurel Ridge Community College
Score: 73.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,928
- Out-of-State:$10,931
- Net Price: $6,153
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 5,935
- Undergrad Students: 5,935
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,600
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
7
Virginia Western Community College
Score: 72.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,256
- Out-of-State:$11,259
- Net Price: $5,961
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 6,170
- Undergrad Students: 6,170
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,900
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
8
New River Community College
Score: 72.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,835
- Out-of-State:$10,837
- Net Price: $6,929
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 4,156
- Undergrad Students: 4,156
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,200
- Student-to-faculty: 32:1
9
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Score: 71.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,136
- Out-of-State:$11,139
- Net Price: $5,101
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 7,707
- Undergrad Students: 7,707
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,500
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
10
Wytheville Community College
Score: 71.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,863
- Out-of-State:$10,866
- Net Price: $5,174
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,119
- Undergrad Students: 2,119
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,300
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
11
Brightpoint Community College
Score: 71.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,938
- Out-of-State:$10,941
- Net Price: $5,693
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 9,023
- Undergrad Students: 9,023
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,800
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
12
Patrick Henry Community College
Score: 70.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,858
- Out-of-State:$10,861
- Net Price: $3,591
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,932
- Undergrad Students: 1,932
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,900
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
13
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Score: 70.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,928
- Out-of-State:$10,931
- Net Price: $6,458
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 5,174
- Undergrad Students: 5,174
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,300
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
14
Virginia Highlands Community College
Score: 70.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,863
- Out-of-State:$10,866
- Net Price: $5,613
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,052
- Undergrad Students: 2,052
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
15
ECPI University
Score: 70.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,484
- Out-of-State:$18,484
- Net Price: $20,051
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 11,745
- Undergrad Students: 11,385
- Graduate Students: 360
- Grads Salary: $39,600
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
16
Germanna Community College
Score: 67.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,066
- Out-of-State:$11,069
- Net Price: $5,996
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 8,082
- Undergrad Students: 8,082
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,800
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
17
Southwest Virginia Community College
Score: 67.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,901
- Out-of-State:$10,904
- Net Price: $9,217
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,100
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
18
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Score: 67.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,944
- Out-of-State:$10,947
- Net Price: $6,120
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 6,127
- Undergrad Students: 6,127
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,400
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
19
Tidewater Community College
Score: 65.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,714
- Out-of-State:$11,717
- Net Price: $7,599
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 15,912
- Undergrad Students: 15,912
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
20
Danville Community College
Score: 65.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,848
- Out-of-State:$10,851
- Net Price: $7,221
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 2,489
- Undergrad Students: 2,489
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,900
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
21
Blue Ridge Community College-Weyers Cave
Score: 65.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,502
- Out-of-State:$11,505
- Net Price: $8,936
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 3,718
- Undergrad Students: 3,718
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,300
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
22
Eastern Shore Community College
Score: 65.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,938
- Out-of-State:$10,941
- Net Price: $5,584
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 720
- Undergrad Students: 720
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
23
Richard Bland College
Score: 64.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,850
- Out-of-State:$14,910
- Net Price: $8,242
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 2,598
- Undergrad Students: 2,598
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,100
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
24
Rappahannock Community College
Score: 64.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,985
- Out-of-State:$10,961
- Net Price: $6,550
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,767
- Undergrad Students: 2,767
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,400
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
25
Southside Virginia Community College
Score: 61.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,848
- Out-of-State:$10,851
- Net Price: $6,565
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,258
- Undergrad Students: 3,258
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,800
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate
The Virginia Employment Commission projects high growth for these occupations, listed with their projected growth from 2022 through 2032:
| Occupation | Projected Growth |
|---|---|
| Management Analysts | +7,922 jobs |
| Motor Vehicle Operators | +7,003 jobs |
| Restaurant Cooks | +6,807 jobs |
| Construction Trade Workers | +6,350 jobs |
| Financial Specialists | +6,252 jobs |
| Operations Specialties Managers | +6,205 jobs |
| Health Technologists and Technicians | +6,070 jobs |
| General and Operations Managers | +5,180 jobs |
| Top Executives | +4,560 jobs |
| Nurse Practitioners | +3,994 jobs |
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Virginia
1
University of Virginia
Score: 91.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,986
- Out-of-State:$58,014
- Net Price: $17,831
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 25,924
- Undergrad Students: 17,612
- Graduate Students: 8,312
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
2
Washington and Lee University
Score: 91.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,525
- Out-of-State:$64,525
- Net Price: $24,667
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 2,277
- Undergrad Students: 1,898
- Graduate Students: 379
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
3
William & Mary
Score: 86.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,040
- Out-of-State:$49,412
- Net Price: $20,422
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 9,762
- Undergrad Students: 6,963
- Graduate Students: 2,799
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
4
Virginia Military Institute
Score: 85.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,484
- Out-of-State:$51,186
- Net Price: $17,229
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Total Enrollment: 1,560
- Undergrad Students: 1,560
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
5
Virginia Tech
Score: 82.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,478
- Out-of-State:$36,694
- Net Price: $22,205
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 38,294
- Undergrad Students: 30,504
- Graduate Students: 7,790
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
6
George Mason University
Score: 77.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,815
- Out-of-State:$39,397
- Net Price: $18,900
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 39,527
- Undergrad Students: 27,666
- Graduate Students: 11,861
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
7
University of Richmond
Score: 77.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,600
- Out-of-State:$62,600
- Net Price: $35,263
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 3,776
- Undergrad Students: 3,054
- Graduate Students: 722
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
8
James Madison University
Score: 74.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,576
- Out-of-State:$30,790
- Net Price: $26,317
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 22,758
- Undergrad Students: 21,006
- Graduate Students: 1,752
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
9
Shenandoah University
Score: 74.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,028
- Out-of-State:$36,028
- Net Price: $26,400
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 4,343
- Undergrad Students: 2,590
- Graduate Students: 1,753
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
10
University of Mary Washington
Score: 73.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,559
- Out-of-State:$31,479
- Net Price: $21,615
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,808
- Undergrad Students: 3,611
- Graduate Students: 197
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
11
Christopher Newport University
Score: 73.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,351
- Out-of-State:$30,988
- Net Price: $22,864
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 4,503
- Undergrad Students: 4,407
- Graduate Students: 96
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
12
The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Score: 69.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,656
- Out-of-State:$32,540
- Net Price: $10,409
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,911
- Undergrad Students: 1,911
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
13
Randolph-Macon College
Score: 69.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,002
- Out-of-State:$48,002
- Net Price: $29,058
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 1,523
- Undergrad Students: 1,500
- Graduate Students: 23
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
14
Averett University
Score: 69.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,550
- Out-of-State:$38,550
- Net Price: $24,091
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 1,378
- Undergrad Students: 1,180
- Graduate Students: 198
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
15
Virginia Commonwealth University
Score: 69.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,458
- Out-of-State:$39,042
- Net Price: $22,852
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 28,238
- Undergrad Students: 21,205
- Graduate Students: 7,033
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
16
Hampton University
Score: 69.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,162
- Out-of-State:$29,162
- Net Price: $28,576
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 3,649
- Undergrad Students: 3,255
- Graduate Students: 394
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
17
Marymount University
Score: 69.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,050
- Out-of-State:$39,050
- Net Price: $28,147
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 3,667
- Undergrad Students: 2,216
- Graduate Students: 1,451
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
18
Old Dominion University
Score: 69.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,262
- Out-of-State:$32,662
- Net Price: $16,150
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 22,541
- Undergrad Students: 17,736
- Graduate Students: 4,805
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
19
Hampden-Sydney College
Score: 68.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,388
- Out-of-State:$52,388
- Net Price: $29,578
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 876
- Undergrad Students: 876
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
20
University of Lynchburg
Score: 68.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,540
- Out-of-State:$35,540
- Net Price: $22,921
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 2,592
- Undergrad Students: 1,792
- Graduate Students: 800
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
21
Radford University
Score: 66.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,286
- Out-of-State:$25,185
- Net Price: $18,282
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 7,531
- Undergrad Students: 5,704
- Graduate Students: 1,827
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
22
Virginia State University
Score: 66.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,755
- Out-of-State:$22,006
- Net Price: $16,184
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 5,190
- Undergrad Students: 4,829
- Graduate Students: 361
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
23
Hollins University
Score: 66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,260
- Out-of-State:$42,260
- Net Price: $23,444
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 782
- Undergrad Students: 673
- Graduate Students: 109
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
24
Longwood University
Score: 65.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,200
- Out-of-State:$27,410
- Net Price: $22,900
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 4,545
- Undergrad Students: 3,223
- Graduate Students: 1,322
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
25
Regent University
Score: 65.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State:$20,686
- Net Price: $18,314
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 10,168
- Undergrad Students: 4,577
- Graduate Students: 5,591
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia
1
University of Virginia
Score: 92.46
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,118
- Out-of-State:$32,022
- Net Price: $17,831
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 25,924
- Undergrad Students: 17,612
- Graduate Students: 8,312
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
2
Washington and Lee University
Score: 91.55
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: N/A
- Out-of-State:N/A
- Net Price: $24,667
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 2,277
- Undergrad Students: 1,898
- Graduate Students: 379
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
3
William & Mary
Score: 87.08
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,905
- Out-of-State:$29,352
- Net Price: $20,422
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 9,762
- Undergrad Students: 6,963
- Graduate Students: 2,799
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
4
George Mason University
Score: 78.5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,726
- Out-of-State:$35,677
- Net Price: $18,900
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 39,527
- Undergrad Students: 27,666
- Graduate Students: 11,861
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
5
University of Richmond
Score: 77.05
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,852
- Out-of-State:$27,852
- Net Price: $35,263
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 3,776
- Undergrad Students: 3,054
- Graduate Students: 722
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
6
James Madison University
Score: 74.65
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,856
- Out-of-State:$29,304
- Net Price: $26,317
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 22,758
- Undergrad Students: 21,006
- Graduate Students: 1,752
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
7
Shenandoah University
Score: 74.62
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,232
- Out-of-State:$23,232
- Net Price: $26,400
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 4,343
- Undergrad Students: 2,590
- Graduate Students: 1,753
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
8
University of Mary Washington
Score: 74.12
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,198
- Out-of-State:$19,530
- Net Price: $21,615
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,808
- Undergrad Students: 3,611
- Graduate Students: 197
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
9
Christopher Newport University
Score: 73.61
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,136
- Out-of-State:$17,766
- Net Price: $22,864
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 4,503
- Undergrad Students: 4,407
- Graduate Students: 96
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
10
Old Dominion University
Score: 69.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,016
- Out-of-State:$30,756
- Net Price: $16,150
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 22,541
- Undergrad Students: 17,736
- Graduate Students: 4,805
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
11
Virginia Commonwealth University
Score: 69.93
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,404
- Out-of-State:$27,550
- Net Price: $22,852
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 28,238
- Undergrad Students: 21,205
- Graduate Students: 7,033
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
12
Hampton University
Score: 69.41
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,099
- Out-of-State:$13,099
- Net Price: $28,576
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 3,649
- Undergrad Students: 3,255
- Graduate Students: 394
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
13
Marymount University
Score: 69.39
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,950
- Out-of-State:$22,950
- Net Price: $28,147
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 3,667
- Undergrad Students: 2,216
- Graduate Students: 1,451
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
14
University of Lynchburg
Score: 68.77
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,485
- Out-of-State:$10,485
- Net Price: $22,921
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 2,592
- Undergrad Students: 1,792
- Graduate Students: 800
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
15
Radford University
Score: 67.63
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,457
- Out-of-State:$18,503
- Net Price: $18,282
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 7,531
- Undergrad Students: 5,704
- Graduate Students: 1,827
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
16
Virginia State University
Score: 67.28
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,626
- Out-of-State:$19,186
- Net Price: $16,184
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 5,190
- Undergrad Students: 4,829
- Graduate Students: 361
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
17
Regent University
Score: 66.6
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,128
- Out-of-State:$16,128
- Net Price: $18,314
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 10,168
- Undergrad Students: 4,577
- Graduate Students: 5,591
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
18
Hollins University
Score: 66.57
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,595
- Out-of-State:$17,595
- Net Price: $23,444
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 782
- Undergrad Students: 673
- Graduate Students: 109
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
19
Longwood University
Score: 66.57
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,678
- Out-of-State:$18,846
- Net Price: $22,900
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 4,545
- Undergrad Students: 3,223
- Graduate Students: 1,322
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
20
Norfolk State University
Score: 66.28
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,084
- Out-of-State:$21,498
- Net Price: $12,272
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 6,045
- Undergrad Students: 5,510
- Graduate Students: 535
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
21
Emory & Henry College
Score: 65.29
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,200
- Out-of-State:$25,200
- Net Price: $21,714
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 1,364
- Undergrad Students: 1,107
- Graduate Students: 257
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
22
University of the Potomac-VA
Score: 65.26
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,400
- Out-of-State:$5,400
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 547
- Undergrad Students: 177
- Graduate Students: 370
- Grads Salary: $72,700
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
23
Sweet Briar College
Score: 65.25
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,300
- Out-of-State:$12,300
- Net Price: $25,598
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 464
- Undergrad Students: 464
- Graduate Students: 3
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
24
Eastern Mennonite University
Score: 64.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,200
- Out-of-State:$15,200
- Net Price: $24,710
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,292
- Undergrad Students: 863
- Graduate Students: 429
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
25
Bridgewater College
Score: 64.66
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,816
- Out-of-State:$18,816
- Net Price: $19,660
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,436
- Undergrad Students: 1,391
- Graduate Students: 45
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Scholarships for Virginia College Students
Virginia students use Scholarships and Grants for a dual purpose. First, they help pay tuition, fees, and book bills. Second, they are a great honor that can be added to one's resume. Thus, even if a scholarship will only cover a portion of your books, for instance, when you add the award to your resume your future employers will note your initiative and achievement.
KFLP
KPMG Future Leaders Program
https://womensleadership.kpmg.us/charitable.html
Amount: $10,000 (Renewable for 4 years)
Deadline: January 31
This prestigious scholarship fund offers $10,000 per year for all four years of college, but pays off in other ways, too. Women who become part of this program are paired with an alumnus of the program, a woman who has achieved great things. The program also includes a retreat where awardees learn about leadership from Condoleezza Rice, and even get to learn the game of golf. If you are an up-and-coming high school student with a stellar transcript and extra-curricular activities, you owe it to yourself to apply to this magnificent program.
NFBSP
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program
Amount: $3,000-$12,000
Deadline: March 31
To apply for this prestigious scholarship, you will need to prove that you are legally blind in both eyes, be a citizen or resident of the United States or Puerto Rico, be in pursuit of a four-year degree, and be willing to participate in the NFB's national convention. If you are a finalist, you will receive funds to travel to the conference. There, you and fellow finalists will participate in a variety of activities. Your outcomes will determine whether or not you win a scholarship worth $3,000 to $12,000.
ASEC
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests#overview
Amount: $2,000 (1st Place); $250 (2nd Place); $100 (3rd Place); $25 (Finalists)
Deadline: Varies (Previously April)
This is award is structured more as an essay contest than a scholarship competition, but you can win as much as $2,000 which will certainly help with your education, no matter how you choose to spend it. The Ayn Rand Institute provides a choice of three essay topics that revolve around her novel Atlas Shrugged. You'll need to rely on keen powers of literary analysis to win, but if you love the book it will be a pleasure.
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