Virginia’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

Virginia’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

What are the best colleges and universities in Virginia if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.

Colleges and universities in Virginia deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.

Virginia’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.

Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.

How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of Virginia’s Colleges and Universities

Virginia's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
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As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of Virginia’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call  Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.

  1. Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
  2. Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
    • We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
  3. Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.

Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.

Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families

The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:

  • A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
  • Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
  • Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
  • The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
  • Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
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Virginia’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

  1. #1

    Hollins University

    Roanoke , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Hollins University

    Cost of Degree: $41,210
    Expenses: $18,040
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University

    Cost of Degree: $14,305
    Expenses: $16,286
    Starting Salary: $34,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Hampden–Sydney College

    Hampden-Sydney , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampden–Sydney College

    Cost of Degree: $50,740
    Expenses: $16,634
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1202/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Military Institute

    Cost of Degree: $19,914
    Expenses: $13,824
    Starting Salary: $65,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Emory and Henry College

    Cost of Degree: $35,155
    Expenses: $17,900
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Randolph–Macon College

    Cost of Degree: $46,460
    Expenses: $15,910
    Starting Salary: $54,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #8

    Roanoke College

    Salem , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Roanoke College

    Cost of Degree: $35,200
    Expenses: $18,616
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    University of Mary Washington

    Fredericksburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary Washington

    Cost of Degree: $14,294
    Expenses: $16,850
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mary Washington known for?

    University of Mary Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Mary Washington’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    Virginia State University

    Petersburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/15

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,654
    Expenses: $14,519
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Virginia State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #11

    Longwood University

    Farmville , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Longwood University

    Cost of Degree: $14,600
    Expenses: $18,156
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Longwood University known for?

    Longwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  11. #12

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University

    Cost of Degree: $29,162
    Expenses: $16,886
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Hampton University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Systems Organization And Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • 1 Year Accelerated
    • 2 Year Accelerated
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #13

    Christopher Newport University

    Newport News , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Christopher Newport University

    Cost of Degree: $15,425
    Expenses: $17,374
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Christopher Newport University known for?

    Christopher Newport University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Norfolk State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,622
    Expenses: $17,088
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Norfolk State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Tourism And Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #15

    University of Richmond

    University of Richmond , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1464/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Richmond

    Cost of Degree: $60,330
    Expenses: $17,000
    Starting Salary: $78,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #16

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $19,680
    Expenses: $11,182
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Regent University’s Online Degrees

    BFA in Graphic Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • General Management
    • International Business
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Undeclared
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Marketing
    • Information Systems Technology
    • Communication Studies
    • English
    • Healthcare Management
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Information Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Security
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice-Corrections
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cyber And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government-American Government And Politics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government-International Relations And Foreign Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government-Pre-Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government-Undeclared
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law And National Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies-Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education (Non Licensure)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies-Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical And Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry-Church Music
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry-Pastoral Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies- Internet And Social Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies-Advertising Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies-Journalism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies-Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies-Rhetoric And Public Culture
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies-Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies-Undeclared
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication- Professional And Technical Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English- Self Designed
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English-Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English-Government
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English-History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English-Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Studies-Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Studies-Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Studies-Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Studies-Government And Public Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership Studies-Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies- Biblical And Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies- Government
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies-Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies-History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies-Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Gerontology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing Home Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies-Nursing Home Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. #18

    Radford University

    Radford , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Radford University

    Cost of Degree: $11,916
    Expenses: $15,147
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Radford University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #19

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,425
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $79,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $11,220
    Expenses: $17,780
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Old Dominion University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Fashion Merchandising
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Real Estate
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Risk Management And Insurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Embedded Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybercrime
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Training Specialist (Occupational And Technical Studies)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS or BA in Geography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences-Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Civil Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Engineering Technology- Electromechanical Systems (Ids)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mechatronics Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Met-Manufacturing Systems/Mechanical System Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Met-Nuclear Systems Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    47K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/28

    Career Outlook for degree at George Mason University

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $17,902
    Starting Salary: $63,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Commonwealth University

    Cost of Degree: $15,642
    Expenses: $19,239
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Virginia Commonwealth University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Clinical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #25

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Liberty University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Commercial Music
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fashion Merchandising
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Automotive Dealership Management
    • Communication
    • Data Analytics
    • Digital Marketing And Advertising
    • Economics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Financial Planning
    • Green And Sustainable Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing Analytics
    • Marketing: Sales Management And Professional Selling
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Real Estate
    • Strategic Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Business Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Conference And Event Management
    • Sports Administration
    • Sports Communication And Public Relations
    • Sports Outreach
    • Sports Venue Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computational Mathematics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Actuarial
    • Computer Science
    • Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting Information Systems
    • Data Networking
    • Database
    • Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Application And Database Development
    • Data Networking And Security
    • Gaming Design
    • Web And Mobile Programming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration And Management
    • Corrections And Human Services
    • Crime Scene Investigation
    • Criminal Psychology
    • Homeland Security
    • Juvenile Justice
    • Public Administration
    • Strategic Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Government
    Degree Concentrations
    • National Security
    • Politics And Policy
    • Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Law And Policy
    Degree Concentrations
    • Pre-Law
    • Public Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Middle Grades English
    • Middle Grades Mathematics
    • Middle Grades Science
    • Middle Grades Social Science
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in English Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Mathematics Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Middle Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Physical Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Physics Education - Earth Science 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Social Studies Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Teaching English As A Second Language
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Biblical And Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cultural Engagement
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in English And Writing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Journalism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in English As A Second Language
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Military Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • History
    • International Security
    • Professional
    • Resiliency
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Religion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Apologetics
    • Biblical And Theological Studies
    • Christian Counseling
    • Christian Ministries
    • Evangelism
    • Global Studies
    • Nextgen
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Media Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Worship Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Informatics-Healthcare Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSRT in Respiratory Therapist
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Global Studies (Rn To Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Addictions And Recovery
    • Christian Counseling
    • Criminal Psychology
    • Online Crisis
    • Development Psychology
    • Life Coaching
    • Military Resilience
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Maintenance Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Civil Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Virginia’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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Colleges and Universities in Virginia

Liberty University, a private Christian school in Lynchburg, is the largest school in Virginia, serving over 60,000 students. The largest public university, Virginia Tech, has a student population of about half that but offers many in-person degree programs as well as eight master’s programs and 19 certificate programs online. Students who attend Virginia Tech can pursue fields like engineering, criminal justice, education, and business.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The majority of Virginia’s universities and colleges could be considered small schools, serving populations of less than 5,000 students. Included on this list are public schools, like Christopher Newport University in Newport News, and private schools, like Hampton University, a historically black university in Hampton. Though most of its higher education institutes charge tuition fees above the national average, Virginia offers several loan forgiveness programs for qualifying attorneys and medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmaceutical professionals.

Virginia is perhaps most famous for its rich history - but the state is also home to many unique museums and famous landmarks. For example, those who love the classics can visit the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond. Those who harbor romantic dreams of espionage and intrigue might visit the CIA Museum in McLean. And, if you like your attractions random, you could check out Virginia’s 300-yard-long natural tunnel or its 29-ton spinning granite ball. While you’re here, you might consider attending one of the 78 colleges located in the state.

Learn more about Virginia’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s many colleges and universities.


What are Virginia’s Colleges & Universities?

Virginia’s Best Overall

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