Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025

Badge for BEST IN VIRGINIA PUBLIC COLLEGES

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Virginia provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Key Takeaways

Public colleges in Virginia Tech offer top-tier research opportunities, with cutting-edge labs and resources in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and data science, giving students hands-on experience in conducting impactful research.
Many public colleges in Virginia are located near Washington, D.C., allowing students to take advantage of internships and networking opportunities in government, public policy, and international relations, particularly at institutions like George Mason University.
Virginia’s public colleges provide competitive in-state tuition rates and access to financial aid programs, scholarships, and work-study options, making high-quality education more affordable for Virginia residents.

Table of Contents

10 Best Public Colleges in Virginia in 2025

University of Virginia
George Mason University
Virginia Tech
College of William & Mary
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Military Institute
+3
Old Dominion University
–1
James Madison University
–1
Virginia State University
+1
Radford University
–2

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.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Virginia saw a fair amount of movement. Virginia Military Institute gained the most ranking positions as the school expanded its Cybersecurity and National Security Program, offering students cutting-edge training and resources in cyber defense and intelligence analysis, reflecting growing national security needs. VMI has also enhanced its physical fitness and leadership development facilities, adding new training equipment and leadership courses to further strengthen its cadet development program.

Additionally, the institute has upgraded its STEM facilities, particularly in engineering and applied science, providing students with access to advanced labs and research opportunities. These updates emphasize VMI’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and national service.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 15 public universities in Virginia. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Virginia, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.