Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025

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

Key Takeaways

  • Public universities in Virginia are often the most affordable options for in-state residents seeking a bachelor’s degree.
  • The most affordable college in Virginia has an average cost of $9,000 per year.
  • The most affordable colleges in Virginia included on the list have not only low published tuition fees but also offer high-quality education, financial aid opportunities, and access to various educational alternatives.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025

  1. George Mason University
  2. Virginia Tech
  3. Virginia Commonwealth University
  4. Old Dominion University
  5. James Madison University
  6. Virginia State University
    +1
  7. Radford University
    –1
  8. Virginia Union University
    +3
  9. University of Mary Washington
  10. Norfolk State University

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.

Virginia Union University gained 3 positions to move into the 9th spot in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable colleges in Virginia.

Virginia Union University has expanded their academic programs with new courses and majors that align with current job market trends. Plus, they’ve upgraded campus facilities, adding new study spaces and tech resources to help you crush your coursework. And despite all of these improvements, the school is still one of the most affordable colleges in Virginia.

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.

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 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    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
    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 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools 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
    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

    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 Liberal Arts 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
    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
  8. #7

    Radford University

    Radford , VA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing 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
    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
  9. #8

    Virginia Union University

    Richmond , VA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University

    Cost of Degree: $14,880
    Expenses: $14,552
    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
  10. #9

    University of Mary Washington

    Fredericksburg , VA
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #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: $14,559
    Expenses: $17,990
    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
  12. #10

    Norfolk State University

    Norfolk , VA
    #13 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #14 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 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
    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

    Christopher Newport University

    Newport News , VA

    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: $16,351
    Expenses: $18,172
    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
  14. #12

    Longwood University

    Farmville , VA
    #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025

    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: $15,200
    Expenses: $19,931
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  15. #13

    Stratford University

    Alexandria , VA
    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
  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: $11,656
    Expenses: $16,745
    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
  18. #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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