Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025

Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025

1. Last Year’s Ranking:

   1. University of Virginia
   2. George Mason University
   3. College of William & Mary
   4. Virginia Tech
   5. Virginia Commonwealth University
   6. Old Dominion University
   7. Hampton University
   8. Liberty University
   9. James Madison University
   10. Virginia State University
   11. Radford University
   12. Regent University
   13. Norfolk State University
   14. Marymount University
   15. Shenandoah University
   16. University of Lynchburg
2. #1

   University of Virginia

   Charlottesville , VA

   #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

   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: $22,323

   Expenses: $18,940

   Starting Salary: $79,400

   Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   The University of Virginia is a public doctorate-granting educational institution with “very high research activity,” offering 69 master’s and 55 doctorate-degree programs.

   What we love about UVA:

   It is recognized as a leader in public higher education with its major academic medical center, nationally ranked programs and schools, and many other features.

   UVA is ideal for students who:

   Are looking for post-baccalaureate degrees in medicine, nursing, and related fields, considering that UVA has the No. 1 hospital in Virginia.

   UVA might not be the best fit for students who:

   Find it challenging to balance their studies and sports engagements, considering that UVA has a robust NCAA Division I Athletics program.

   Compare school
3. #2

   George Mason University

   Fairfax , VA

   #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025

   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: $13,815

   Expenses: $19,933

   Starting Salary: $63,900

   Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   George Mason University is a public R1 Carnegie-classified research university offering over 232 graduate programs.

   What we love about GMU:

   It is the largest research university among the public institutions in Virginia.

   GMU is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a graduate academic program with plenty of research opportunities.

   GMU might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer a small, close-knit academic community in a rural area.

   Compare school
4. #3

   Virginia Tech

   Blacksburg , VA

   #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $15K

   Acceptance

   57%

   Graduation

   86%

   Student body

   39K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1335/29

   Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Tech

   Cost of Degree: $15,478

   Expenses: $21,774

   Starting Salary: $67,100

   Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Officially called Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech is a public doctoral university offering a variety of graduate programs at master’s and doctoral-degree levels in more than 90 fields of study.

   What we love about Virginia Tech:

   Several of the university’s undergraduate programs allow students to pursue accelerated master’s degree programs.

   Virginia Tech is ideal for students who:

   Want a career in the field of agriculture or mechanical engineering, considering the school has more than 150 years of experience in these areas.

   Virginia Tech might not be the best fit for students who:

   Find the school’s strict Scholarly Ethics and Integrity Requirements to be challenging or problematic.

   Compare school
5. #4

   William & Mary

   Williamsburg , VA

   #14 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $24K

   Acceptance

   33%

   Graduation

   91%

   Student body

   11K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1447/33

   Career Outlook for degree at William & Mary

   Cost of Degree: $25,041

   Expenses: $17,995

   Starting Salary: $74,500

   Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   William & Mary, formally known as The College of William & Mary in Virginia, is a public research university offering around 30 graduate programs, some of which are available in online learning formats.

   What we love about W&M:

   It is consistently recognized as one of the country’s best schools in various categories, including No. 1 for Internships and No. 1 Most Trusted Public University.

   W&M is ideal for students who:

   Want to be a part of the legacy of the country’s second-oldest institution of higher education.

   W&M might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to have more options for post-baccalaureate academic programs, considering that the university has a limited number of programs.

   Compare school
7. #5

   Virginia Commonwealth University

   Richmond , VA

   #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025

   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: $16,233

   Expenses: $23,509

   Starting Salary: $49,700

   Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   As a public research institution, Virginia Commonwealth University offers at least 140 graduate programs through its 17 schools and colleges.

   What we love about VCU:

   Research and innovation take center stage for every student at the university.

   VCU is ideal for students who:

   Are looking for quality graduate programs in the medical field, as the university started as a medical college in 1838.

   VCU might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to enroll in a university with a small-town vibe or a rural location.

   Compare school
8. #6

   Old Dominion University

   Norfolk , VA

   #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024

   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: $12,262

   Expenses: $19,392

   Starting Salary: $48,700

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Old Dominion University is a public institution offering at least 120 graduate programs, some of which are delivered online.

   What we love about ODU:

   Through its initiatives as a doctoral research university, ODU contributes around $2.6 billion every year to the economy of Virginia.

   ODU is ideal for students who:

   Are affiliated with the military, as it is recognized as a “Military Friendly School”. It is also ranked #1 in the Best for Vets category among public universities in the state.

   ODU might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer a close-knit, homogeneous academic community where students have similar cultural backgrounds and experiences.

   Compare school
9. #7

   Hampton University

   Hampton , VA

   #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025

   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

   Historically black Hampton University is a private research university offering around 23 master’s and doctoral academic programs through its graduate college.

   What we love about Hampton University:

   It is consistently recognized as one of the best colleges in the country by globally respected publications such as Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.

   Hampton University is ideal for students who:

   Seek careers in the field of business, liberal arts, or science, which are the school’s top majors.

   Hampton University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Were hoping for more graduate degree options.

   Compare school
10. #8

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA

    #6 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $15,822

    Expenses: $21,458

    Starting Salary: $41,400

    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Liberty University is a private, non- profit Evangelical Christian university offering a massive assortment of graduate- level academic programs, most of which are offered in online learning formats.

    What we love about Liberty University:

    Liberty’s Graduate School offers a variety of services to provide graduate students with academically excellent and distinctively Christian graduate programs.

    Liberty University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for many options in online graduate programs that suit their schedules.

    Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to enroll in a secular academic curriculum.

    Compare school
11. #9

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA

    #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025

    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: $20,686

    Expenses: $12,146

    Starting Salary: $45,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Regent University is a private, non- profit Christian university offering more than 255 master’s and doctoral degree programs, most of which are available for online learning.

    What we love about Regent University:

    It has received prestigious recognition from various organizations, including the Best Online Christian College in America and Best Accredited Online School.

    Regent University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer schools with large class sizes so that they can blend in with their cohorts to have a comfortable learning experience.

    Regent University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not want their academic development to be highly influenced by Christianity or any organized religion.

    Compare school
13. #10

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg , VA

    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for degree at James Madison University

    Cost of Degree: $13,576

    Expenses: $18,398

    Starting Salary: $63,300

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    James Madison University is a public research institution based in Harrisonburg. Its graduate-level academic programs are delivered primarily on campus but with some courses available for online delivery.

    What we love about JMU:

    At least 72% of faculty members at the university possess a doctoral or the highest degree possible in their fields of study.

    JMU is ideal for students who:

    Wish to give back to society through what they learn in their program.

    JMU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to be a part of a large campus, especially if it’s located in the city.

    Compare school
14. #11

    Virginia State University

    Petersburg , VA

    #6 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #10 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #19 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025

    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: $9,755

    Expenses: $17,906

    Starting Salary: $38,400

    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Virginia State University is a public, historically black (HBCU) institution of higher education offering graduate academic programs at master’s, doctoral and certificate levels.

    What we love about VSU:

    The university is recognized as the top HBCU in the state and No. 13 nationwide.

    VSU is ideal for students who:

    Prefer schools with low student-faculty ratios to benefit from the individualized attention from their professors.

    VSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to study in small schools situated in rural areas or on the outskirts of a town.

    Compare school
15. #12

    Radford University

    Radford , VA

    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees

    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: $12,286

    Expenses: $16,885

    Starting Salary: $48,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Radford University is a comprehensive public, doctorate-granting institution offering at least 40 academic programs at master’s and doctoral-degree levels, some of which are available for online or hybrid delivery.

    What we love about Radford University:

    At least 80% of students at the university receive certain types of financial aid to fund their education.

    Radford University is ideal for students who:

    Love to study in a school located on the fringe of a town surrounded by plenty of exciting outdoor activities.

    Radford University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a college located to more job opportunities.

    Compare school
16. #13

    Norfolk State University

    Norfolk , VA

    #13 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #14 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees

    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: $9,910

    Expenses: $17,592

    Starting Salary: $38,800

    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Norfolk State University is a public, historically black institution of higher education offering around 20 graduate programs.

    What we love about NSU:

    It nurtures a culturally diverse and supportive academic environment to empower students to achieve their full potential and become resourceful and well- rounded citizens and leaders.

    NSU is ideal for students who:

    Want to obtain a high-quality education to become effective leaders in a fast-paced and ever-changing society.

    NSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to have a wide range of master’s and doctoral-degree programs to choose from.

    Compare school
17. #14

    Marymount University

    Arlington , VA

    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #13 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marymount University

    Cost of Degree: $38,250

    Expenses: $23,548

    Starting Salary: $57,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Marymount University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated private university offering more than 55 graduate programs.

    What we love about Marymount University:

    The university offers graduate-level dual degree programs in the fields of business administration, counseling, and information technology.

    Marymount University is ideal for students who:

    Want to develop not just intellectual curiosity but also a global perspective and a sense of service to others.

    Marymount University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find small class sizes to be too intimidating or overwhelming.

    Compare school
19. #15

    Shenandoah University

    Winchester , VA

    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #12 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #12 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shenandoah University

    Cost of Degree: $36,028

    Expenses: $15,900

    Starting Salary: $52,300

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Shenandoah University is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It currently offers over 95 graduate programs, including dual degrees and certificates.

    What we love about Shenandoah University:

    The university is nationally recognized as a college of distinction for its academic programs and student career successes.

    Shenandoah University is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in a close-knit academic community that fosters intellectual challenge and creativity.

    Shenandoah University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to go to a college with more things to do in the surrounding community.

    Compare school
20. #16

    University of Lynchburg

    Lynchburg , VA

    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Lynchburg

    Cost of Degree: $35,540

    Expenses: $16,300

    Starting Salary: $48,800

    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Lynchburg is a private university affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It currently offers around 35 master’s and doctoral degree programs and 16 graduate certificate programs.

    What we love about the University of Lynchburg:

    It has been named one of the best institutions of higher education in the country.

    The University of Lynchburg is ideal for students who:

    Prefer beautifully landscaped campuses with buildings in Georgian Revival-style architecture.

    The University of Lynchburg might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer schools with lower tuition costs.

    Compare school

• Build your own college ranking

Virginia’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest