Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023

BEST IN VIRGINIA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Virginia offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Virginia

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  1. University of Virginia
  2. George Mason University
  3. William & Mary
  4. Virginia Tech
  5. Virginia Commonwealth University
  6. Hampton University
  7. Old Dominion University
  8. Liberty University
  9. James Madison University
  10. Virginia State University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. University of Lynchburg 97%
  3. Old Dominion University 96%
  4. Virginia State University 96%
  5. Radford University 95%
  6. Virginia Commonwealth University 93%
  7. George Mason University 91%
  8. Norfolk State University 89%
  9. James Madison University 86%
  10. Marymount University 84%
  1. Regent University 19 to 1
  2. Virginia Commonwealth University 18 to 1
  3. Old Dominion University 18 to 1
  4. George Mason University 17 to 1
  5. Liberty University 17 to 1
  6. James Madison University 17 to 1
  7. Norfolk State University 16 to 1
  8. University of Virginia 15 to 1
  9. Hampton University 15 to 1
  10. Virginia Tech 14 to 1
  1. Marymount University $36,050
  2. Shenandoah University $34,490
  3. University of Lynchburg $33,500
  4. Hampton University $29,312
  5. Liberty University $22,713
  6. Regent University $18,820
  7. William & Mary $17,434
  8. University of Virginia $16,547
  9. Virginia Commonwealth University $12,094
  10. Virginia Tech $11,750
  1. Shenandoah University $22,080
  2. Marymount University $20,520
  3. University of Virginia $17,674
  4. Regent University $15,590
  5. Virginia Tech $14,098
  6. Hampton University $13,099
  7. George Mason University $13,035
  8. Virginia Commonwealth University $12,618
  9. University of Lynchburg $11,614
  10. James Madison University $11,184
  1. University of Lynchburg
  2. Shenandoah University
  3. Marymount University
  4. Norfolk State University
  5. Regent University
  6. Radford University
  7. Virginia State University
  8. James Madison University
  9. Liberty University
  10. Old Dominion University
  1. University of Virginia 21%
  2. William & Mary 37%
  3. Regent University 41%
  4. Virginia Tech 56%
  5. Shenandoah University 74%
  6. Hampton University 80%
  7. Marymount University 84%
  8. James Madison University 86%
  9. Norfolk State University 89%
  10. George Mason University 91%
  1. Shenandoah University 10 to 1
  2. University of Lynchburg 10 to 1
  3. William & Mary 11 to 1
  4. Virginia State University 12 to 1
  5. Virginia Tech 14 to 1
  6. Marymount University 14 to 1
  7. Radford University 14 to 1
  8. University of Virginia 15 to 1
  9. Hampton University 15 to 1
  10. Norfolk State University 16 to 1
  1. Virginia State University $5,540
  2. Norfolk State University $5,752
  3. Old Dominion University $7,029
  4. James Madison University $7,460
  5. Radford University $7,922
  6. George Mason University $9,510
  7. Virginia Tech $11,750
  8. Virginia Commonwealth University $12,094
  9. University of Virginia $16,547
  10. William & Mary $17,434
  1. Liberty University $7,847
  2. Virginia State University $8,375
  3. Norfolk State University $8,820
  4. Radford University $8,915
  5. Old Dominion University $10,207
  6. William & Mary $10,516
  7. James Madison University $11,184
  8. University of Lynchburg $11,614
  9. Virginia Commonwealth University $12,618
  10. George Mason University $13,035

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


Virginia's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 16 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Virginia. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Virginia is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2022

  1. #1

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    What is University of Virginia known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023 #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    What is Old Dominion University known for?

    Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    79K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    What is Liberty University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    #1 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Hampton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2023 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/25

    What is Regent University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Marymount University

    Arlington , VA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023 #13 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2023 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/24

    What is Marymount University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Lynchburg

    Lynchburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    What is University of Lynchburg known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Virginia’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

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