Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN VIRGINIA
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Virginia. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2024

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  1. George Mason University
  2. Virginia Tech
  3. Virginia Commonwealth University
  4. Old Dominion University
  5. James Madison University
  6. Radford University
  7. Virginia State University
  8. Christopher Newport University
  9. University of Mary Washington
  10. Norfolk State University
  1. George Mason University
  2. Virginia Tech
  3. Virginia Commonwealth University
  4. Old Dominion University
  5. James Madison University
  6. Virginia State University
  7. Radford University
  8. Virginia Union University
  9. University of Mary Washington
  10. Norfolk State University
  1. Old Dominion University 95%
  2. Radford University 93%
  3. Virginia Commonwealth University 91%
  4. Virginia State University 90%
  5. George Mason University 90%
  6. Norfolk State University 89%
  7. Longwood University 88%
  8. University of Mary Washington 86%
  9. Christopher Newport University 85%
  10. Virginia Union University 81%
  1. Norfolk State University 18 to 1
  2. Virginia Tech 17 to 1
  3. Virginia Union University 17 to 1
  4. James Madison University 17 to 1
  5. Virginia Commonwealth University 16 to 1
  6. Old Dominion University 16 to 1
  7. George Mason University 16 to 1
  8. University of Virginia's College at Wise 14 to 1
  9. Virginia University of Lynchburg 14 to 1
  10. Longwood University 13 to 1
  1. Virginia Union University $14,305
  2. Virginia Commonwealth University $12,472
  3. Virginia Tech $12,104
  4. George Mason University $9,795
  5. Virginia University of Lynchburg $9,400
  6. Christopher Newport University $9,375
  7. University of Mary Washington $8,938
  8. Longwood University $8,420
  9. Radford University $8,156
  10. James Madison University $7,684
  1. Virginia Tech $14,521
  2. George Mason University $13,426
  3. Virginia Commonwealth University $12,618
  4. James Madison University $11,520
  5. Virginia Union University $11,275
  6. Old Dominion University $10,519
  7. Radford University $9,182
  8. Virginia University of Lynchburg $8,936
  9. University of Mary Washington $8,928
  10. Norfolk State University $8,820
  1. Virginia University of Lynchburg
  2. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  3. Longwood University
  4. Stratford University
  5. Virginia Union University
  6. Norfolk State University
  7. University of Mary Washington
  8. Christopher Newport University
  9. Virginia State University
  10. Radford University
  1. Virginia University of Lynchburg
  2. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  3. Stratford University
  4. Longwood University
  5. Christopher Newport University
  6. Norfolk State University
  7. University of Mary Washington
  8. Virginia Union University
  9. Radford University
  10. Virginia State University
  1. Virginia Tech 57%
  2. University of Virginia's College at Wise 76%
  3. James Madison University 78%
  4. Virginia Union University 81%
  5. Christopher Newport University 85%
  6. University of Mary Washington 86%
  7. Longwood University 88%
  8. Norfolk State University 89%
  9. George Mason University 90%
  10. Virginia State University 90%
  1. Virginia State University 12 to 1
  2. Radford University 12 to 1
  3. University of Mary Washington 12 to 1
  4. Longwood University 13 to 1
  5. Christopher Newport University 13 to 1
  6. University of Virginia's College at Wise 14 to 1
  7. Virginia University of Lynchburg 14 to 1
  8. Virginia Commonwealth University 16 to 1
  9. Old Dominion University 16 to 1
  10. George Mason University 16 to 1
  1. Virginia State University $5,540
  2. Norfolk State University $5,752
  3. University of Virginia's College at Wise $6,040
  4. Old Dominion University $7,239
  5. James Madison University $7,684
  6. Radford University $8,156
  7. Longwood University $8,420
  8. University of Mary Washington $8,938
  9. Christopher Newport University $9,375
  10. Virginia University of Lynchburg $9,400
  1. Longwood University $6,678
  2. Christopher Newport University $7,848
  3. Virginia State University $8,375
  4. Norfolk State University $8,820
  5. University of Mary Washington $8,928
  6. Virginia University of Lynchburg $8,936
  7. Radford University $9,182
  8. Old Dominion University $10,519
  9. Virginia Union University $11,275
  10. James Madison University $11,520

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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 21 colleges and universities in Virginia with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Virginia is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  3. #3

    Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond , VA
    #5 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools 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: $15,642
    Expenses: $19,239
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Clinical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024 #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: $11,220
    Expenses: $17,780
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Old Dominion University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Old Dominion University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Fashion Merchandising
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Real Estate
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Risk Management And Insurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Embedded Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybercrime
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Training Specialist (Occupational And Technical Studies)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS or BA in Geography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences-Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Civil Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Engineering Technology- Electromechanical Systems (Ids)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mechatronics Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Met-Manufacturing Systems/Mechanical System Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Met-Nuclear Systems Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Radford University

    Radford , VA
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024 #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: $11,916
    Expenses: $15,147
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Radford University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Radford University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Virginia State University

    Petersburg , VA
    #6 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #15 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #19 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2024
    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: $9,654
    Expenses: $14,519
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Virginia State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Virginia State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Christopher Newport University

    Newport News , VA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Christopher Newport University

    Cost of Degree: $15,425
    Expenses: $17,374
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Christopher Newport University known for?

    Christopher Newport University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Mary Washington

    Fredericksburg , VA
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary Washington

    Cost of Degree: $14,294
    Expenses: $16,850
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mary Washington known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Mary Washington’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    Norfolk State University

    Norfolk , VA
    #5 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #13 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
    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: $9,622
    Expenses: $17,088
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Norfolk State University known for?

    Norfolk State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Norfolk State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Tourism And Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Virginia Union University

    Richmond , VA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University

    Cost of Degree: $14,305
    Expenses: $16,286
    Starting Salary: $34,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Virginia Union University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Stratford University

    Alexandria , VA
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
    What is Stratford University known for?

    Stratford University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Human Resources
    • Marketing
    • Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Advanced Culinary Arts
    • Baking And Pastry Arts
    • Hotel And Restaurant Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Network Administration
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Longwood University

    Farmville , VA
    #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Longwood University

    Cost of Degree: $14,600
    Expenses: $18,156
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Longwood University known for?

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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of Virginia's College at Wise

    Wise , VA
    #10 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1037/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia's College at Wise

    Cost of Degree: $11,498
    Expenses: $15,929
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia's College at Wise known for?

    University of Virginia's College at Wise’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Virginia's College at Wise’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  17. #15

    Virginia University of Lynchburg

    Lynchburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Virginia University of Lynchburg known for?

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

    Compare school
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Virginia’s Most Affordable Colleges in 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
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Virginia State University
  2. Norfolk State University
  3. University of Virginia's College at Wise
  4. Old Dominion University
  5. Radford University
  6. James Madison University
  7. George Mason University
  8. University of Mary Washington
  9. Longwood University
  10. Virginia Tech
  11. Virginia Commonwealth University
  12. Christopher Newport University
  13. Southern Virginia University
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