Most
Affordable Colleges in Virginia in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Virginia combines skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, business law, and data analysis. Students build teamwork, communication, and strategic planning abilities through projects and internships. Popular options include the University of Virginia, William & Mary, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, sales representative, or financial analyst across industries statewide and beyond.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Virginia offers coursework in psychology, statistics, research methods, developmental psychology, cognition, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Programs may include laboratories and internships. Graduates pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources specialist, or youth services worker; independent practice as a psychologist generally requires graduate education and licensure. Popular Virginia choices include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and William & Mary.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Virginia gives students access to programs and employers in government, defense, cybersecurity, and software. Typical coursework includes programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, databases, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with projects that build skills. Colleges offering the degree include Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and James Madison University. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, or network administrators across industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Virginia typically combines psychology foundations with practical preparation for helping individuals and communities. Courses often cover counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, clinical mental health counselors, career counselors, or substance-use counselors, subject to licensure requirements. Popular Virginia options include William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, and the University of Virginia.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Virginia combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health nursing. Students also develop communication, ethics, and patient-care skills. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health. Colleges offering nursing degrees include the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, and James Madison University.

Best Colleges in Virginia Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 21662.0, compared with 42976.0 at schools in the top 10%, so the top 10% schools have a higher median cost.
• Average financial-aid coverage is 100.0% overall and 70.39% at top 10% schools, indicating that the overall average is higher.
• The average acceptance rate is 70.39%. Schools receive an average of 8590.74 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 21352.8 applicants.
• The median number of male applicants is 1632.5, compared with a median of 2412.0 female applicants.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1168.14 and 25.24, respectively.
• The average number of enrolled students is 6532.84. The averages are 529.7 enrolled men and 607.17 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 57.0%, compared with 89.5% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 52.0% for men and 63.5% for women.
• There are 30 institutions offering associate's degrees, 60 offering bachelor's degrees, 46 offering master's degrees, and 17 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 59 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, potential students should weigh total cost alongside financial-aid availability, and compare acceptance rates and applicant numbers with their own priorities. They should also consider graduation rates, degree offerings, and the enrollment figures, while noting that the top 10% schools have higher median costs and average graduation rates than the overall figures.

How much does studying at a college in Virginia cost?

For a student in Virginia, the reported average total cost of studying is $25,479.17. This is a useful planning benchmark, not a guaranteed full degree bill, because your program, school, housing choice, and time to graduate all matter. The reported average tuition and fees are $23,438.12, average room and board are $14,289.67, and books and supplies add $1,244.69. These figures can help you build a budget, though the components may not add up to the total because the measures can use different definitions.

Costs differ by campus, so applicants considering the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or George Mason University should check the school's estimate. Compare in-state eligibility, aid, commuting, housing, meal plans, and materials. Planning can help you find scholarships and a living arrangement that fits your budget, making a Virginia degree feel achievable. Use $25,479.17 as a starting point and ask the college for an estimate tailored to the program and circumstances.

How long does it take to finish college in Virginia?

At a Virginia college, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes two. Your timeline depends on your major, course availability, transfer credits, and part-time or full-time enrollment. At UVA, Virginia Tech, or George Mason, planning required classes with an adviser can help you stay on track.

To finish sooner, consider:

• Apply accepted AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits.
• Take summer classes, after checking workload and prerequisites.
• Transfer eligible Virginia community-college credits after confirming degree applicability.

Graduation rates provide context: the average is 57.0%, compared with 89.5% for the top 10% of schools. The averages are 52.11% for men and 61.77% for women. Rates differ by institution and student group, so use them as context - not a prediction of your outcome. Check a Virginia campus's completion data and support services as you compare options. Planning and advising can make your path more manageable.

Salary

Graduates in Virginia can use $45,742 as a median alumni salary benchmark. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is $65,420. These figures are useful reference points, not guaranteed starting salaries: your earnings can vary with your major, experience, degree level, and where you work.

Virginia offers many college options, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and William & Mary. As you compare programs, consider how each school's courses and career services fit your goals. Choosing a path that matches your strengths can make the transition from college to a rewarding career feel more achievable.

People also ask

What college in Virginia has the lowest tuition?

Virginia's community colleges generally offer the lowest tuition compared with four-year colleges, but I can't reliably name one as the least expensive without a specific year and comparison group. Rates can vary by college, residency, and fees. If you're a Virginia resident, compare total in-district tuition and mandatory fees for your intended program.

What college in Virginia has the lowest GPA requirement?

For general admission, Virginia's community colleges are often the most accessible choice: many use open-admission policies rather than requiring a minimum high-school GPA. That can make starting college feel more within reach. However, selective programs may set their own GPA or coursework requirements, so check the admissions rules for the specific program you're considering.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Virginia Ranking in 2026-2027

For Virginia students, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville combines a historic public-university setting with a research profile. Its 26,685 enrolled students create a large campus community, while a 96% graduation rate indicates strong completion outcomes. Admission is selective, with a 17% acceptance rate, so applicants should prepare carefully. The listed total study cost is $57,261, the highest among these five options; median alumni salary is $65,164. UVA may suit students seeking broad academic choices and an energetic college-town experience.

Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, is a large public institution in the state capital, offering students an urban setting and access to city life. It enrolls 28,909 students and reports a 63% graduation rate. With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is less restrictive than at several Virginia peers in this group. The listed total cost is $35,674, and median alumni salary is $46,618. VCU can appeal to students who want a sizeable campus integrated with a diverse metropolitan environment.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly called Virginia Tech, is a public land-grant university in Blacksburg with a substantial campus community. Its 38,995 enrolled students make it the largest public institution in this comparison. The graduation rate is 86%, and the acceptance rate is 55%, offering a middle ground in selectivity among these options. Listed total study cost is $34,362, while median alumni salary reaches $61,391. Students considering Virginia Tech may value its research-oriented atmosphere and distinctive college-town location.

University of Virginia's College at Wise is a small public college in the Appalachian region of southwestern Virginia, offering a more intimate setting than the larger universities listed. It enrolls 2,235 students, and its 47% graduation rate is the lowest in this group. Acceptance is moderately selective at 29%. The listed total cost, $21,662, is the lowest among the five, while median alumni salary is $40,311. Wise may interest students seeking a smaller campus and lower listed study costs overall.

Old Dominion University in Norfolk is a public university with a coastal Virginia location and a sizable student body. It enrolls 23,469 students, reports a 46% graduation rate, and has a 90% acceptance rate, making admission comparatively accessible within this set. Its listed total cost is $28,305, and median alumni salary is $49,281. Students who want an urban coastal setting may find ODU worth considering, while comparing program offerings, financial aid, and personal fit before choosing as a Virginia resident.