Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025

Badge for BEST IN VIRGINIA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Sixteen schools in Virginia meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Virginia’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Virginia that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Virginia in 2025

  1. University of Virginia
  2. George Mason University
  3. Virginia Tech
    +1
  4. College of William & Mary
    –1
  5. Virginia Commonwealth University
  6. Old Dominion University
  7. Hampton University
  8. Liberty University
  9. Regent University
    +3
  10. James Madison University
    –1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The University of Virginia and George Mason University remain in the top 2 positions in our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in Virginia. Virginia Tech gains 1 spot to move into the number 3 position.

UV has increased their graduate stipends by 25% and increased interdisciplinary opportunities, which fosters collaboration across departments.

GMU has expanded its Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program, offering graduate students hands-on learning opportunities with industry partners, preparing them for diverse career paths. Additionally, GMU’s Arlington Campus is becoming a hub for public policy and digital innovation, providing students with internships and professional opportunities. GMU’s focus on interdisciplinary research, career development, and practical skill-building makes it a competitive choice for graduate students.

Top Grad Schools in Virginia 2025

  1. University of Virginia
    • Most Popular Degrees: Law, Political Science, and History
  2. George Mason University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Economics, Political Science, and Criminal Justice
  3. Virginia Tech
    • Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Criminal Justice, and Computer Science
  4. William & Mary
    • Most Popular Degrees: Law, History, and Political Science
  5. Virginia Commonwealth University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Medical Sciences, and Nursing
  6. Old Dominion University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Computer Science, and Sociology
  7. Hampton University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Education, History, and Sociology
  8. Liberty University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Education, and Criminal Justice
  9. Regent University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Business Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Education/li>
  10. James Madison University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Earth Sciences, Mathematics, and Criminal Justice

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.

Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025

  1. #1

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $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.

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  2. #2

    George Mason University

    Fairfax , VA
    #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    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: $13,815
    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
  3. #3

    Virginia Tech

    Blacksburg , VA
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
  4. #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 Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
  6. #5

    Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond , VA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
    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: $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
  7. #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
    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: $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
  8. #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
    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

    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
  9. #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
    Other Rankings

    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
  10. #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
    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: $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.

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  12. #10

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg , VA
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
  13. #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 Small Colleges in Virginia 2025
    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: $9,755
    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
  14. #12

    Radford University

    Radford , VA
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
    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: $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
  15. #13

    Norfolk State University

    Norfolk , VA
    #13 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #14 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025
    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: $9,910
    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
  16. #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
    Other Rankings

    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
  18. #15

    Shenandoah University

    Winchester , VA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #11 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #12 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
  19. #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
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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

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