Best
Colleges in Virginia in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Virginia combines business fundamentals with practical skills for managing organizations. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, economics, business law, management, statistics, and entrepreneurship. Students may specialize in areas such as human resources or supply chain management. Popular options include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, George Mason University, and James Madison University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales managers, or entrepreneurs.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Virginia combines coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognition, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Students explore neuroscience, counseling, and cultural psychology through labs and internships. Graduates with a bachelor's degree pursue roles in human resources, case management, community support, or behavioral health assistance; advanced degrees can lead to counseling, clinical practice, or research. Virginia options include the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, and James Madison University.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Virginia offers access to strong technology employers and respected universities. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build problem-solving skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular choices include Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, George Mason University, William & Mary, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, or network engineers in Virginia.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Virginia prepares students to support people through mental health, educational, and life challenges. Programs cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice, alongside supervised fieldwork. Options include George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, William & Mary, and Liberty University. Graduates may pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance use counselors, depending on degree level and licensure requirements.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Virginia prepares students to deliver compassionate care across clinical settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, adult and pediatric nursing, mental health, and community health. Programs combine classroom learning with clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health. Popular Virginia options include the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, and James Madison University.

Best Colleges in Virginia Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $21,662, compared with $42,976 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% substantially more expensive by this measure.
• On average, 100% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 70.9% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 70.9%. Schools receive an average of 8,262.23 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 20,647.1 applicants. The median number of applicants is 1,599 for men and 2,161.5 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,168.14 on the SAT and 25.24 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 6,431.44. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 518.51 and 596.63, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 57.15%, compared with 89% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 51% for men and 65% for women.
• There are 31 institutions offering associate's degrees, 60 offering bachelor's degrees, 53 offering master's degrees, and 20 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 60 coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, consider how costs and financial aid affect affordability, and compare admission selectivity, applicant volume, test scores, enrollment, and graduation outcomes. Also weigh degree offerings and school type against your educational goals; the overall averages and top 10% figures differ, so consider which factors matter most to you.

How much does studying at a college in Virginia cost?

The average reported cost of studying in Virginia is $25,479.17, a helpful starting point for planning. It is an average study-cost figure, not the full price of earning a degree: your total depends on how long you attend, your institution, housing choices, and financial aid. Popular options include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

• Average tuition and fees: $23,438.12.
• Average room and board: $14,289.67.
• Average books and supplies: $1,244.69.

These are separate average figures, so use $25,479.17 as the overall benchmark rather than adding the listed amounts together. Your actual bill can vary with campus and aid, but scholarships and lower-cost housing may make Virginia study more manageable. Before enrolling, ask each school whether its estimate is per academic year and what it includes. Comparing net costs at these colleges can help you choose a degree path with confidence today.

How long does it take to finish college in Virginia?

In Virginia, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. Your timeline can vary by major, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study part time. At schools such as Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and George Mason University, planning can make the path feel manageable. Some programs offer flexible schedules for working students.

Graduation outcomes show why steady support matters: Virginia's average graduation rate is 57.15%, compared with 89% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 51.18% for men and 61.87% for women. These figures offer perspective, not a prediction of your own success; advising and consistent progress can help.

• Use AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits, after confirming what your college accepts.
• Take summer or winter courses to fulfill requirements and keep momentum.
• Ask about accelerated, online, or year-round options; realistic planning can save time while preserving learning and wellbeing.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Virginia earn a median alumni salary of about $45,742. At schools in the top 10% for alumni salaries, the median rises to about $65,164 - a promising benchmark if you're aiming for a strong return on your education.

Your own earnings can vary depending on your field, degree level, experience, and location. Virginia students may consider well-known schools such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University, while comparing programs and career opportunities in their chosen fields.

• Median alumni salary: $45,742
• Median at top 10% of schools: $65,164

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Virginia?

By total enrollment, including online students, the three largest are Liberty University in Lynchburg, George Mason University in Fairfax, and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Fall 2023 enrollment was approximately 96,700, 40,200, and 38,200 students, respectively. Liberty's total includes many online learners, so campus populations can look quite different.

How many colleges are there in Virginia?

Virginia has roughly 130 postsecondary institutions when colleges, universities, community colleges, and eligible career schools are included. There is no single fixed count: totals vary depending on which school types and branch campuses are counted. For students, this broad range means plenty of options, from local community colleges to large research universities.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Virginia Ranking in 2026-2027

For Virginia students, the University of Virginia combines a Charlottesville setting with a strong academic reputation and a historic campus founded by Thomas Jefferson. Its 26,685 enrolled students create a large university community, while a 17% acceptance rate signals selective admission. The 96% graduation rate is the highest among these five options. Reported total study cost is $57,261, and median alumni salary is $65,164. UVA may suit students seeking a selective public university with broad academic opportunities in Virginia today.

Virginia Commonwealth University offers Virginia students an urban college experience in Richmond, with a large, diverse campus and prominent programs in the arts and health fields. Its 28,909 enrolled students make it the largest school in this group, and its 93% acceptance rate is the highest. The graduation rate is 63%, with total study costs of $35,674 and median alumni salary of $46,618. VCU can appeal to students who want city life, accessible admission, and extensive campus activity and culture.

William & Mary gives Virginia students a smaller public-university setting in historic Williamsburg, with a long academic tradition and close-knit campus feel. Enrollment is 9,597, the lowest among the five schools, while its 34% acceptance rate reflects selective admissions. Its 89% graduation rate is strong, and reported total study costs are $43,442. Median alumni salary is $50,003. Students considering this option may value its historic surroundings, manageable enrollment, and balance of public-university resources with a more intimate community and campus traditions.

Washington and Lee University offers a small, private liberal-arts experience in Lexington, Virginia, appealing to students who prefer a close campus community. Its 2,286 enrolled students make it the smallest institution listed, and its 14% acceptance rate is the most selective. The graduation rate is 94%, while total study costs are $66,800, highest in this group. Median alumni salary is $61,380. For Virginia residents, it is a distinctive option for a highly selective education in a historic setting and prestige.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly known as Virginia Tech, is a public land-grant university in Blacksburg known for its campus traditions and strong engineering focus. Its 38,995 enrolled students make it the largest institution in this selection. The acceptance rate is 55%, and 86% of students graduate. Total study costs are $34,362, the lowest listed, while median alumni salary is $61,391. Virginia students may find it a blend of campus life, practical learning, and lower costs.