Best Colleges in Virginia (2026)
163 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
163
Colleges
$44,722
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$17,997
Avg Net Price
73%
Avg Admit Rate
54%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
Virginia is home to 163 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Washington and Lee University leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $44,722 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, Virginia offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — Virginia Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in Virginia by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
1
Washington and Lee University
Lexington·Private Nonprofit
Admit
17%
Net Price
$23,911
Grad Rate
95%
Earnings
$94,810
2
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville·Public
Admit
17%
Net Price
$22,881
Grad Rate
95%
Earnings
$86,863
3
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg·Public
Admit
57%
Net Price
$23,790
Grad Rate
86%
Earnings
$81,698
4
Sentara College of Health Sciences
Chesapeake·Private Nonprofit
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$77,821
6
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Richmond·Private Nonprofit
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$77,014
8
University of Richmond
University of Richmond·Private Nonprofit
Admit
23%
Net Price
$33,417
Grad Rate
88%
Earnings
$76,178
10
Southside College of Health Sciences
Colonial Heights·Private Nonprofit
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$71,380
Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
#1 Most AffordablePublic
Patrick & Henry Community CollegeMartinsville, VA
$3,430/ yr avg net
43% grad rate
#3 Most AffordablePublic
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeRichmond, VA
$4,553/ yr avg net
28% grad rate
#5 Most AffordablePublic
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAbingdon, VA
$5,112/ yr avg net
43% grad rate
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
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Find my Virginia collegeAll Colleges in Virginia
All 163 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Technology Institute | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | 61% | $18,497 | 67% | $46,342 |
| American Massage & Bodywork Institute | Vienna | Private For-Profit | N/A | $23,031 | 82% | N/A |
| American National University | Salem | Private For-Profit | N/A | $20,215 | 26% | $26,370 |
| Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School | Petersburg | Private For-Profit | N/A | $8,773 | N/A | N/A |
| Appalachian College of Pharmacy | Oakwood | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Appalachian School of Law | Grundy | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church | Falls Church | Private For-Profit | 100% | $33,304 | N/A | $34,657 |
| Ascent College | Gainesville | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Asher Institute of Hampton | Hampton | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,593 | 29% | $18,710 |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette-Arlington | Arlington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $23,448 | N/A | $23,904 |
| Averett University | Danville | Private Nonprofit | 48% | $23,262 | 45% | $51,516 |
| Avi Career Training | Great Falls | Private For-Profit | N/A | $16,607 | 94% | $28,615 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Manassas | Manassas | Private For-Profit | N/A | $24,834 | 42% | $46,441 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk | Norfolk | Private For-Profit | N/A | $22,841 | 41% | $44,173 |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Weyers Cave | Public | N/A | $8,755 | 34% | $42,644 |
| Bluefield College - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | Blacksburg | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $48,896 |
| Bluefield University | Bluefield | Private Nonprofit | 63% | $22,198 | 29% | $48,896 |
| Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing | Richmond | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $77,014 |
| Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging | Richmond | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $65,432 |
| Bridgewater College | Bridgewater | Private Nonprofit | 91% | $20,173 | 54% | $53,453 |
| Brightpoint Community College | Chester | Public | N/A | $5,583 | 35% | $41,223 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Hampton | Hampton | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $32,568 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Richmond | North Chesterfield | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $32,568 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $12,134 | 27% | $32,568 |
| Cayce/Reilly School of Massage | Virginia Beach | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $17,382 | 90% | $19,338 |
| Centra College | Lynchburg | Private Nonprofit | 100% | $24,868 | N/A | $60,122 |
| Central School of Practical Nursing | Norfolk | Public | N/A | $7,152 | 85% | $59,399 |
| Central Virginia Community College | Lynchburg | Public | N/A | $5,525 | 34% | $36,627 |
| Centura College-Chesapeake | Chesapeake | Private For-Profit | N/A | $26,254 | 74% | $25,930 |
| Centura College-Newport News | Newport News | Private For-Profit | N/A | $25,752 | 72% | $25,930 |
| Centura College-Norfolk | Norfolk | Private For-Profit | N/A | $26,719 | 64% | $25,930 |
| Centura College-Richmond Main | North Chesterfield | Private For-Profit | N/A | $25,920 | 57% | $25,930 |
| Centura College-Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | $27,538 | N/A | $25,930 |
| CET-Alexandria | Alexandria | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $20,615 | 78% | $32,986 |
| Chamberlain University-Virginia | Vienna | Private For-Profit | 100% | N/A | N/A | $92,405 |
| Chester Career College | CHESTER | Private For-Profit | N/A | $23,878 | 52% | $32,650 |
| Christopher Newport University | Newport News | Public | 88% | $22,197 | 76% | $60,509 |
| Chrysm Institute of Esthetics (The) - Hampton | Hampton | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Columbia College | Vienna | Private For-Profit | N/A | $9,921 | 64% | $22,160 |
| Crown Cutz Academy Bristol | Bristol | Private For-Profit | N/A | $11,149 | 71% | N/A |
| Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center | Culpeper | Public | N/A | $15,211 | 74% | N/A |
| Danville Community College | Danville | Public | N/A | $7,158 | 41% | $31,664 |
| Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy | Reston | Private For-Profit | N/A | $10,807 | 92% | N/A |
| DeVry University-Virginia | Arlington | Private For-Profit | 100% | $22,341 | N/A | $45,987 |
| Divine Mercy University | Sterling | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Harrisonburg | Private Nonprofit | 100% | $23,615 | 55% | $54,869 |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Melfa | Public | N/A | $4,975 | 33% | $32,418 |
| Eastern Virginia Career College | Fredericksburg | Private For-Profit | 87% | $39,005 | 90% | $37,304 |
| Eastern Virginia Medical School | Norfolk | Public | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| ECPI University | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | 83% | $20,473 | 48% | $42,837 |
| ECPI University - Roanoke | Roanoke | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Culinary Institute of Virginia | Norfolk | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Innsbrook | Glen Allen | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Manassas | Manassas | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Newport News | Newport News | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Richmond South | Richmond | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Richmond West | Richmond | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| ECPI University-Virginia Beach Health Sciences | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $42,837 |
| Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | Blacksburg | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Emory & Henry University | Emory | Private Nonprofit | 96% | $20,591 | 56% | $47,385 |
| Empire Beauty School-Midlothian | Midlothian | Private For-Profit | N/A | $16,821 | 40% | $23,921 |
| Empire Beauty School-Newport News | Newport News | Private For-Profit | N/A | $14,963 | 31% | $23,921 |
| Empire Beauty School-Richmond | Richmond | Private For-Profit | N/A | $17,079 | 39% | $23,921 |
| Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | $16,162 | 36% | $24,407 |
| Fairfax University of America | Fairfax | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ferrum College | Ferrum | Private Nonprofit | 100% | $22,085 | 28% | $44,296 |
| Fortis College-Norfolk | Norfolk | Private For-Profit | N/A | $29,556 | 36% | $32,754 |
| Fortis College-Richmond | Richmond | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,803 | 36% | $32,754 |
| Galen Health Institutes-Richmond | Richmond | Private For-Profit | N/A | $40,766 | N/A | $61,480 |
| Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke | Roanoke | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $61,480 |
| George Mason University | Fairfax | Public | 89% | $18,287 | 70% | $76,343 |
| Germanna Community College | Locust Grove | Public | N/A | $6,239 | 39% | $39,644 |
| Hampden-Sydney College | Hampden-Sydney | Private Nonprofit | 50% | $24,668 | 70% | $67,640 |
| Hampton University | Hampton | Private Nonprofit | 48% | $32,145 | 50% | $59,159 |
| Henrico County-Saint Marys Hospital School of Practical Nursing | Richmond | Public | 67% | N/A | N/A | $56,618 |
| Hollins University | Roanoke | Private Nonprofit | 71% | $22,263 | 67% | $40,075 |
| Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics | Ashland | Private For-Profit | N/A | $11,317 | N/A | $31,213 |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond | Public | N/A | $4,553 | 28% | $39,529 |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Public | 76% | $21,816 | 81% | $69,954 |
| Jazz Barber and Hairstyling Academy | Petersburg | Private For-Profit | N/A | $9,183 | 68% | N/A |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Middletown | Public | N/A | $5,586 | 40% | $41,000 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg | Private Nonprofit | 99% | $29,552 | 65% | $44,813 |
| Life Pacific University-Virginia | Christiansburg | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $43,299 |
| Longwood University | Farmville | Public | 85% | $20,814 | 64% | $52,347 |
| Lotus Professional College | Richmond | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Luckes Beauty Academy LLC | Newport News | Private For-Profit | N/A | $15,361 | N/A | N/A |
| Mary Baldwin University | Staunton | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $17,833 | 48% | $44,427 |
| Marymount University | Arlington | Private Nonprofit | 81% | $25,153 | 59% | $67,516 |
| Medical Solutions Academy | Danville | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 94% | N/A |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Big Stone Gap | Public | N/A | $7,226 | 47% | $32,622 |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Clifton Forge | Public | N/A | $6,307 | 44% | $34,293 |
| New River Community College | Dublin | Public | N/A | $6,031 | 45% | $40,025 |
| Norfolk State University | Norfolk | Public | 87% | $12,973 | 36% | $44,666 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale | Public | N/A | $8,554 | 36% | $53,557 |
| Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage | Falls Church | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $44,892 |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk | Public | 91% | $14,170 | 46% | $54,914 |
| Patrick & Henry Community College | Martinsville | Public | N/A | $3,430 | 43% | $33,323 |
| Patrick Henry College | Purcellville | Private Nonprofit | 82% | N/A | 65% | N/A |
| Paul D Camp Community College | Franklin | Public | N/A | $5,666 | 25% | $36,031 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Roanoke | Roanoke | Private For-Profit | N/A | $17,280 | 50% | $19,217 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner | McLean | Private For-Profit | N/A | $27,337 | 70% | $34,949 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Charlottesville | Public | N/A | $6,347 | 34% | $40,752 |
| Radford University | Radford | Public | 91% | $16,640 | 52% | $53,739 |
| Randolph College | Lynchburg | Private Nonprofit | 95% | $18,436 | 51% | $53,409 |
| Randolph-Macon College | Ashland | Private Nonprofit | 83% | $27,759 | 74% | $58,448 |
| Rappahannock Community College | Glenns | Public | N/A | $5,310 | 43% | $36,121 |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach | Private Nonprofit | 41% | $18,749 | 54% | $44,498 |
| Richard Bland College | South Prince George | Public | 72% | $8,920 | 25% | $41,452 |
| Riverside College of Health Careers | Newport News | Private Nonprofit | 17% | $25,596 | N/A | $66,072 |
| Roanoke College | Salem | Private Nonprofit | 80% | $27,786 | 68% | $58,047 |
| Rudy & Kelly Academy A Paul Mitchell Partner School | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,150 | 57% | $24,176 |
| Sentara College of Health Sciences | Chesapeake | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $77,821 |
| Shenandoah University | Winchester | Private Nonprofit | 78% | $30,055 | 66% | $58,433 |
| South University-Richmond | Glen Allen | Private For-Profit | N/A | $26,205 | 21% | $34,421 |
| South University-Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | $24,372 | 22% | $34,421 |
| Southern Virginia University | Buena Vista | Private Nonprofit | 100% | $24,014 | 42% | $50,002 |
| Southside College of Health Sciences | Colonial Heights | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $71,380 |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Alberta | Public | N/A | $6,194 | 34% | $32,371 |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Cedar Bluff | Public | N/A | $8,838 | 44% | $34,221 |
| Sovah School of Health Professions | Danville | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $69,924 |
| Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing | Falls Church | Private For-Profit | 22% | $35,630 | 67% | N/A |
| Staunton School of Cosmetology | Staunton | Private For-Profit | N/A | $12,369 | 65% | $22,660 |
| Strayer University-Alexandria Campus | Alexandria | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Chesterfield Campus | Midlothian | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Fredericksburg Campus | Fredericksburg | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Loudoun Campus | Ashburn | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Newport News Campus | Newport News | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Virginia | Arlington | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 23% | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Virginia Beach Campus | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Woodbridge Campus | Woodbridge | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Sweet Briar College | Sweet Briar | Private Nonprofit | 72% | $23,383 | 56% | $51,943 |
| Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy | Lynchburg | Private For-Profit | N/A | $21,156 | 43% | $17,106 |
| The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics | Virginia Beach | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,130 | 95% | N/A |
| The Esthetic Institute | Vienna | Private For-Profit | N/A | $20,717 | N/A | N/A |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | Public | N/A | $7,991 | 29% | $38,349 |
| Tidewater Tech - Priority Automotive Tidewater Tech Learning Center | Chesapeake | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $31,657 |
| Tidewater Tech-Trades | Norfolk | Private For-Profit | N/A | $24,671 | 68% | $31,657 |
| Tomorrow's Image Barber And Beauty Academy of Virginia | Newport News | Private For-Profit | N/A | $17,543 | 54% | N/A |
| Union Presbyterian Seminary | Richmond | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| University of Lynchburg | Lynchburg | Private Nonprofit | 82% | $20,187 | 61% | $56,380 |
| University of Management and Technology | Arlington | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 60% | $68,530 |
| University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg | Public | 86% | $21,108 | 68% | $60,613 |
| University of Richmond | University of Richmond | Private Nonprofit | 23% | $33,417 | 88% | $76,178 |
| University of the Potomac-VA Campus | FALLS CHURCH | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 61% | $34,961 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville | Public | 17% | $22,881 | 95% | $86,863 |
| University of Virginia's College at Wise | Wise | Public | 94% | $11,180 | 47% | $45,325 |
| Virginia Beach City Public Schools School of Practical Nursing | Virginia Beach | Public | N/A | $6,034 | 42% | N/A |
| Virginia Beach Theological Seminary | Virginia Beach | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Public | 93% | $19,452 | 65% | $58,128 |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Abingdon | Public | N/A | $5,112 | 43% | $32,681 |
| Virginia Military Institute | Lexington | Public | 82% | $18,849 | 79% | $77,369 |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Hampton | Public | N/A | $6,468 | 32% | $37,996 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg | Public | 57% | $23,790 | 86% | $81,698 |
| Virginia State University | Petersburg | Public | 89% | $14,553 | 39% | $45,543 |
| Virginia Union University | Richmond | Private Nonprofit | 98% | $19,580 | 40% | $38,275 |
| Virginia University of Integrative Medicine | Vienna | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Virginia University of Lynchburg | Lynchburg | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $18,184 | 59% | $28,396 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia Beach | Private Nonprofit | 71% | $20,583 | 47% | $50,074 |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke | Public | N/A | $5,618 | 36% | $38,787 |
| Washington and Lee University | Lexington | Private Nonprofit | 17% | $23,911 | 95% | $94,810 |
| Washington University of Science and Technology | Alexandria | Private For-Profit | 11% | N/A | 76% | N/A |
| William & Mary | Williamsburg | Public | 33% | $22,529 | 91% | $73,490 |
| Wytheville Community College | Wytheville | Public | N/A | $4,037 | 45% | $34,303 |
Showing 163 of 163 schools