Best Research Universities in Virginia 2026
Interested in attending a STEM school in Virginia? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Key Takeaways
- Many of the best research universities in Virginia have rich histories.
- Virginia is home to some of the best research universities in the world, such as University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
- While universities in Virginia are known for high tuition rates, graduates from universities in Virginia tend to secure high paying positions post-graduation.
10 Best Research Universities in Virginia in 2026
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
This guide evaluates Virginia’s leading research universities for 2026, focusing on the factors that matter most to graduate students, faculty, and research partners: sustained external funding, doctoral program strength, faculty research productivity, interdisciplinary centers, and technology-transfer or industry partnerships. Rather than a popularity contest, the selections emphasize institutions that combine high-quality graduate training with measurable research capacity and pathways to commercialization or public impact. Use this list to compare programs, identify institutions aligned with your disciplinary priorities, and understand how each university’s research profile may influence funding opportunities, mentorship, and career outcomes.
Best Research Universities in Virginia
- #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
94%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1475/33
Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia
Cost of Degree: $22,323Expenses: $18,940Starting Salary: $96,468Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Virginia known for?
University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
66%
Student body
48K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/27
Career Outlook for degree at George Mason University
Cost of Degree: $13,815Expenses: $19,933Starting Salary: $79,923Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is George Mason University known for?
George Mason University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Business
- Philosophy
- Earth Sciences
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2026 #3 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
86%
Student body
41K
Median SAT/ACT
1365/30
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Tech
Cost of Degree: $15,478Expenses: $21,774Starting Salary: $88,716Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Tech known for?
Virginia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- Biology
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
34%
Graduation
88%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1465/33
Career Outlook for degree at William & Mary
Cost of Degree: $25,041Expenses: $17,995Starting Salary: $83,488Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is William & Mary known for?
William & Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2026 #6 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
65%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/26
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Commonwealth University
Cost of Degree: $16,233Expenses: $23,509Starting Salary: $64,442Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Commonwealth University known for?
Virginia Commonwealth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 32
- Format: Fully online
BS in Clinical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 40
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
64%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
940/17
Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University
Cost of Degree: $29,162Expenses: $16,886Starting Salary: $63,602Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hampton University known for?
Hampton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- History
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Political Science
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Hampton University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Systems Organization And Management
Degree Concentrations
- Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Safety Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- 1 Year Accelerated
- 2 Year Accelerated
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BS in Aviation Management
Degree Concentrations
- Airport Administration
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Colleges in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
43%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/26
Career Outlook for degree at Old Dominion University
Cost of Degree: $12,262Expenses: $19,392Starting Salary: $60,482Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Old Dominion University known for?
Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Education
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Old Dominion University’s Online Degrees
BA in Fashion Merchandising
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Real Estate
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Risk Management And Insurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Systems And Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Embedded Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Technology Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybercrime
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Training Specialist (Occupational And Technical Studies)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS or BA in Geography
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Communication Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Sciences-Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Civil Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in General Engineering Technology- Electromechanical Systems (Ids)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Industrial Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Mechatronics Systems Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Met-Manufacturing Systems/Mechanical System Design
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Met-Nuclear Systems Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Power Systems Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
52%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for degree at Regent University
Cost of Degree: $20,686Expenses: $12,146Starting Salary: $51,408Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Regent University known for?
Regent University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Business
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Regent University’s Online Degrees
BFA in Graphic Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- General Management
- International Business
- Sports Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Undeclared
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Christian Leadership And Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Business
- Marketing
- Information Systems Technology
- Communication Studies
- English
- Healthcare Management
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Information Systems Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Systems Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Information Security
- General
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice-Corrections
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cyber And Digital Forensics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Government
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Government-American Government And Politics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Government-International Relations And Foreign Policy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Government-Pre-Law
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Government-Undeclared
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Law And National Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies-Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Early Childhood Education (Non Licensure)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies-Teacher Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Biblical And Theological Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Christian Ministry-Church Music
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Christian Ministry-Pastoral Care
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies- Internet And Social Media
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies-Advertising Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies-Journalism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies-Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies-Rhetoric And Public Culture
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies-Strategic Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies-Undeclared
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication- Professional And Technical Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English- Self Designed
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English-Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English-Government
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English-History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English-Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Leadership Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Leadership Studies-Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Leadership Studies-Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Leadership Studies-Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Leadership Studies-Government And Public Policy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Leadership Studies-Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies- Biblical And Theological Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies- Government
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies-Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies-History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies-Leadership Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Gerontology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Healthcare Management
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing Home Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies-Nursing Home Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology-Clinical And Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2026 #12 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Shenandoah University
Cost of Degree: $36,028Expenses: $15,900Starting Salary: $66,382Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shenandoah University known for?
Shenandoah University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Nursing
- History
- Communications
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #11 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2026 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$35K
Graduation
38%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mary Baldwin University
Cost of Degree: $33,157Expenses: $13,660Starting Salary: $48,703Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mary Baldwin University known for?
Mary Baldwin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Mary Baldwin University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Marketing And Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 15
- Format: Fully online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Liberal Arts And Interdisciplinary Studies
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Informatics And Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 11 research universities in Virginia. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Back to TopFind the Best Research Universities in Virginia for Your Area of Interest
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.
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