Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025
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
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.
- #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
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: $13,815Expenses: $19,933Starting Salary: $63,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- #3 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
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: $15,478Expenses: $21,774Starting Salary: $67,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
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: $16,233Expenses: $23,509Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Clinical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 40
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
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: $12,262Expenses: $19,392Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- 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
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
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: $13,576Expenses: $18,398Starting Salary: $63,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is James Madison University known for?
James Madison University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- History
- Physics
- Economics
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
James Madison University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
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: $9,755Expenses: $17,906Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia State University known for?
Virginia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Education
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Virginia State University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
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: $12,286Expenses: $16,885Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Radford University known for?
Radford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Social Work
- Economics
- Communications
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Education
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
- #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
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University
Cost of Degree: $14,880Expenses: $14,552Starting Salary: $34,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Union University known for?
Virginia Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Medical
- Communications
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $14,559Expenses: $17,990Starting Salary: $56,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mary Washington known for?
University of Mary Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Education
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Political Science
- Communications
- History
- Sociology
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
- #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
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: $9,910Expenses: $17,592Starting Salary: $38,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Norfolk State University known for?
Norfolk State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Physics
- Communications
- History
- Sociology
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
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: $16,351Expenses: $18,172Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Christopher Newport University known for?
Christopher Newport University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
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: $15,200Expenses: $19,931Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Longwood University known for?
Longwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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
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: $11,656Expenses: $16,745Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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:
Virginia’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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