10 Best Colleges In Virginia

Virginia might be the place for you if you want to go to college in a state rich in history as well as natural beauty.

Higher education is more popular than ever, with new colleges and universities springing up all over the United States. The competition is fierce, as older schools strive to meet modern standards while new schools work hard to establish a strong reputation.

Colleges in Virginia are no exception, as the state has some of the best colleges in the country, providing high-quality education at reasonable costs. If you’re looking for the best college in Virginia, look no further than this article.

It discusses the ten best colleges in Virginia’s tuition and fees, acceptance and graduation rates, rankings, history, campus, majors, and SAT scores.

Benefits of Studying in Virginia

When choosing a college, there are many factors to consider, including academic programs, reputation, job placement, and location. Virginia is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience, both inside and outside of the classroom. Here are some of the benefits of attending colleges in Virginia:

1. Washington, D.C. Is Just a Bridge Away

Washington, which is home to a plethora of businesses, non-profits, and, of course, political organizations, offers students of all educational backgrounds a plethora of opportunities, ranging from internships to valuable networking opportunities.

Students can also enjoy D.C.’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife. Our Virginia campus is only 15 miles from the nation’s capital, making it a convenient commute.

2. The Serenity of Virginia

Virginia is located in Vienna’s quiet, bucolic town, despite its proximity to Washington. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, our location provides the ideal setting for concentrating on one’s studies while taking in all of Virginia’s natural beauty.

3. History

Virginia is a historical hotspot in the United States. Many historic Civil War battlegrounds can be found in the region, including the First and Second Battles of Bull Run in Manassas. Arlington National Cemetery, one of our country’s most important and solemn sites, is only a short drive from our campus.

The proximity to Washington, D.C., also means easy access to some of the country’s most important sites, monuments, and documents. You can’t help but feel like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself when you’re surrounded by so much history.

4. Low Unemployment Rate

The state of Virginia has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. The unemployment rate in 2019 was 2.8 percent. However, just as the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on other countries economies, it had an impact on Virginia’s as well, pushing the unemployment rate to 10.6%.

When compared to other states that were severely impacted by the lockdowns, with rates exceeding 20%, we can say that Virginia and a few other states were “luckier” in this regard.

5. Low Tax Rates

The state of Virginia has some of the lowest sales and income tax rates in the country. Virginia’s current sales tax rate is 4.3 percent. It can range from 3% to 7%, depending on which municipality you live in.

6. Quality Healthcare

Virginia not only has some of the best universities, but it also has some of the best hospitals in the country. The University of Virginia Medical Center is known for nephrology, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for cardiology, and Inova Fairfax for gynecology.

The top three hospitals in the state are also nationally ranked for at least one specialty: the University of Virginia Medical Center is known for nephrology, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for cardiology, and Inova Fairfax for gynecology. You won’t have to worry about anything with this level of professionalism; you’ll be well taken care of if you become ill.

Recommended Salary in Virginia

Finding a suggested salary for your new life in Virginia will largely be determined by the lifestyle you intend to lead there. In Virginia, the living wage is $16.61 per hour, which is the minimum wage required to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, and other necessities for an individual adult.

In Virginia, the average annual salary index is $68,000, or $17.31 per hour.

You can start calculating your recommended salary by applying the 30 percent rule, which states that you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent. According to the 30 percent rule, if you plan on renting in Arlington, where the median rent for a one-bedroom is $2,014, your monthly wages should be at least three times this amount. As a result, your monthly income should be at least $6,042, or $72,504 annually.

10 Best colleges in Virginia

1. University of Virginia-Main Campus

The University of Virginia (UVA) was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson as a public university with the mission of educating leaders, advancing human knowledge, and cultivating an informed citizenry. In 2020/2024, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Virginia as the best hospital in Virginia.

Money Magazine ranked it the second best-value public university in 2020. In 2024, U.S. & World Report ranked it as the fourth best public national university. It’s one of Virginia’s best colleges.

The University of Virginia has a 24 percent acceptance rate and a 94 percent graduation rate. The average SAT score of enrolled students is 1430, with a GPA of 4.32. UVA students also have an average ACT score of 32.

Tuition for in-state students costs $14,836, while tuition for out-of-state students costs $47,257. Grants, scholarships, need-based, and work-study loans are all available to UVA students. It meets 100 percent of financial needs, and 35 percent of UVA students receive some form of need-based financial aid.

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2. Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University (W&L) was established in 1749 as a private liberal arts college in Virginia. It is the United States 9th oldest higher education institution, and in 2024, it is ranked 9th in Best Colleges in National Liberal Arts Colleges.

W&L’s campus is warm and inviting, with a vibrant culture that encourages students to join one of the more than 100 clubs and organizations on campus to gain communication and leadership skills. According to the Virginia university rankings, W&L is among the best.

The acceptance rate at Washington and Lee University is 19%, and the graduation rate is 92 percent. The average SAT score is 1420, and the average ACT score is 33 among enrolled students. It also has a 3.96 average GPA, making it a difficult school to get into.

Students from both in-state and out-of-state pay the same $56,170 annual tuition. W&L, on the other hand, provides financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and guaranteed campus work to meet all of the enrolled students’ financial needs.

Over half of the class of 2020 received financial aid totaling $53,800 on average. Six months after graduation, 93 percent of W&L graduates are enrolled in graduate school or have found work. W&L graduates also have the highest CPA exam pass rate in the country.

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3. William & Mary

William and Mary is a public research university in Virginia that was founded in 1693. It is the second oldest higher education institution in the United States and the first university, according to Virginia rankings. It is also one of the top ten public universities in the United States in terms of return on investment.

W&M offers a high-quality education at a reasonable cost to list A students who are enthusiastic about learning and striving to be the best in and out of the classroom.

William & Mary has a 38 percent acceptance rate and a 91 percent graduation rate. W&M students have an average SAT score of 1415 and an ACT score of 30 to 34, as well as a 4.27 GPA.

W&M students are eligible for merit-based financial aid. It also offers student loans and grant opportunities. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines need-based aid (FAFSA).

W&M students have the opportunity to intern at top companies to learn new skills and improve on those they already have. Graduates earn an average of $58,500 per year. Residents of Virginia must pay $23,628 in tuition, while non-residents must pay $46,854 in tuition.

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4. Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a public military university in Virginia that was founded in 1839 and is the country’s first state-supported military college. It provides a competitive learning environment with a demanding curriculum that produces excellent graduates in a variety of fields. VMI develops civilians and citizens with exceptional leadership abilities and the ability to work in the military if necessary.

In the United States, it was ranked 69th among National Liberal Arts Colleges. A Pulitzer Prize winner, a Nobel Prize winner, seven Medal of Honor recipients, and eleven Rhodes Scholars have all graduated from VMI. VMI in-state students pay $19,118 in tuition each year, while out-of-state students pay $45,962. VMI students receive need-based or merit-based aid in the form of scholarships or grants in excess of 83 percent of the time.

The acceptance rate at Virginia Military Institute is 60%, and the graduation rate is 78 percent. Their students have a 3.67 average GPA and SAT scores ranging from 1110 to 1270. Graduates earn an average of $82,000 per year.

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5. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI) was founded in 1872 as a public research university. VPI is a 37,000-student university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:2, it has one graduate school and nine colleges.

Residents of Virginia pay $13,691 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $32,835 at VPI. Prospective students should have an SAT score of 1420 on average and an ACT score of around 30. VPI students have an average GPA of 4.04.

VPI is ranked among Virginia’s public universities. It is a top-ranked university research school in the United States. It is also ranked 74th in the United States list of National Universities. VPI has a 70% acceptance rate and an 84 percent graduation rate. Graduates earn an average of $76,816 per year.

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6. University of Richmond

The University of Richmond, founded in 1830, is a prestigious private liberal arts institution. According to US News World Report, it is ranked 22nd among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States. It is ranked 26th among the top 100 best-value liberal arts universities in the country by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

In-state students at the University of Richmond pay $58,570 in tuition. It is a need-blind admissions program that meets all of its students’ demonstrated needs. Richmond provides an average need-based award of $53,920 to students from low-income families to help them pay for tuition and other school supplies. In some form, 57 percent of its undergraduate students receive financial aid.

Students must have a 3.87 GPA and an SAT score of 1290 or an ACT score of 30. It has an admittance rate of 28.3 percent and a graduation rate of 88.2 percent. According to 2018 statistics, the University of Richmond graduates earn an average of $64,500 per year.

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7. James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU) was established in 1908 as a public research university. JMU has 19,550 undergraduate students and 1,946 graduate students enrolled in degree programs. Internships, undergraduate research, student teaching, and practicums are all options for students who want to prepare for the working world.

According to U.S. News and World Report, it is the most innovative institution in the South. It is ranked as the 25th best public college value in the United States by MONEY Magazine. Virginia’s 1st top college for employment, according to the US Department of Education. When compared to other Virginia colleges, it has the largest percentage of graduates working in the private sector.

For undergraduate programs, in-state tuition is $7,460, while out-of-state tuition is $24,386. Graduate students in the state pay $513 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $1,234 per credit hour. Need-based help, federal loans, and work-study loans are all available at JMU. In the 2020/2024 academic year, 3505 JMU students received financial help in some way.

Students have a 3.55 average GPA with SAT scores ranging from 1120 to 1290. In 2019, 98 percent of JMU alumni were enrolled in graduate school or hired within six months after graduation.

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8. Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport Institution (CNU) is a public university that focuses on liberal arts and science. It was established in 1960 with the primary goal of developing decent citizens and leaders. In comparison to other public universities or colleges in the United States, it boasts the most comprehensive core curriculum.

With over 200 student clubs and organizations to select from, CNU has a dynamic and engaging campus life. Students have access to counseling services to keep their mental health in check, as well as disability help for individuals with impairments.

Thousands of hours of community service are completed by CNU students in order to prepare them to be useful, kind, and courteous to all people, regardless of their background or status.

CNU is ranked 257th among the best institutions in the United States by Forbes. It is one of Virginia’s best institutions, and it is ranked 7th in Regional Universities South. It is also ranked 50th in the Best Value Schools category. According to the Princeton Review, CNU is the 14th most involved in community service and has the 20th best quality of life in the United States.

Students must have a 3.81 GPA and a SAT score of 1110 to 1280 to be admitted to CNU. Its admittance rate is 72 percent, and its graduation rate is 74 percent. In-state tuition is $14,924 a year, while out-of-state tuition is $27,790. In the prior year, 44 percent of CNU students received financial help, with first-year students receiving an average of $7,071 in need-based scholarships or grant awards. The average pay for CNU grads is $46,900.

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9. Averett University

It is a private Christian institution in Danville, Virginia that offers both online and traditional courses. Students benefit from a tailored education. Students can join any of the college’s 30+ student groups and campus clubs.

It is a responsibility to promote students’ health and well-being, which is why there are programs like wellness counseling, health clinics, recreational activities, health education, and, if appropriate, spiritual inquiry.

It is ranked 40th out of 158 institutions in Virginia, as well as 16th out of 27 religious colleges. It has a 24 percent admittance rate and a 100 percent graduation rate. In-state and out-of-state students pay an average of $12,495 per year in tuition. Financial help is provided to 50% of its students, with an average of $6,110 per year. Currently, every student receives financial assistance.

In the sixth year after graduation, graduates earn an average of $41,800. 90% of new graduates are pursuing further degrees, while the remaining 10% are working.

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10. George Mason University Fairfax, VA

Geoge Mason University (GMU) is a public research university in Virginia that was founded in 1957. In the state of Virginia, it is now the largest among all other commonwealth public colleges.

It is ranked 143rd in the United States National Universities and 35th in the Most Innovative Schools. It also comes in 65th place for Top Public Schools and 129th place for Best Value Schools. It also ranks 100th in Best Colleges for Veterans and 102nd in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

GMU has an admittance rate of 87 percent and a graduation rate of 69 percent. GMU students had SAT scores ranging from 1110 to 1320 and ACT scores ranging from 24 to 30. GMU is very competitive, with most students having a high school GPA better than or equal to 3.6.

In-state students pay $12,564 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $36,024. Graduates earn an average of $59,900 per year.

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FAQs On Best Colleges In Virginia

Are there other universities in Virgina?

Virginia is also home to a number of other prominent universities. Among them is the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia, Washington, and Lee University, and many others.

How many international students are in Virginia?

Virginia hosts nearly 19,000 international students. Virginia has many nationally ranked small liberal arts colleges and mid-size and large research universities.

Best university in Virginia?

The number 1 university in Virginia is The University of Virginia.

The average tuition & fees for Colleges in Virginia ?

The average tuition & fees for Colleges in Virginia is $8,344 for in-state and $18,960 for out-of-state. The amount is higher than national average.

Conclusion

Colleges in Virginia are inexpensive, provide reasonable financial aid, and allow students to put what they’ve learned into practice in real-world situations. Every student’s requirements are met by Virginia’s public and private recognized colleges. These colleges are among the best Colleges in Virginia, and you should take advantage of the opportunity to attend one of them.

10 Best Colleges In Virginia

Benefits of Studying in Virginia