# Best Bachelor's Programs in Virginia

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 39 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-virginia

## Methodology

Bachelor's programs in Virginia ranked by outcomes and mobility

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right bachelor's program can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Virginia, where options abound. With 39 schools offering various degrees, students and families are looking for programs that not only provide a solid education but also lead to rewarding careers.

The schools on this list stand out for their impressive outcomes in earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and mobility. These factors are critical, as they provide a clearer picture of how well a school prepares its students for success after graduation. By comparing the earnings and loan debt reported, prospective students can make informed choices that align with their long-term goals.

For example, Washington and Lee University leads the pack with an average earning of $94,810 and an impressive graduation rate of 94%. In contrast, George Mason University shows a graduation rate of just 69%, despite earning $76,343. This illustrates the trade-off between a school's academic rigor and the financial burden students may face, giving you important insights as you explore your options.

## Key Findings

- Washington and Lee University graduates earn an average of $94,810, the highest in Virginia.
- George Mason University has a graduation rate of just 69%, significantly lower than the state average of 60%.
- The average net price across the top schools is $21,820, with some schools offering lower debt burdens.
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University students face a debt of $21,500, which is among the highest on our list.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Washington and Lee University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/washington-and-lee-university) | Lexington, VA | 94% | $94,810 | $23,781 | $19,500 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [William & Mary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-mary) | Williamsburg, VA | 90% | $73,490 | $19,096 | $18,500 | 0.25x |
| 3 | [Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university) | Blacksburg, VA | 86% | $81,698 | $24,953 | $21,500 | 0.26x |
| 4 | [University of Virginia's College at Wise](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-virginias-college-at-wise) | Wise, VA | 48% | $45,325 | $9,210 | $16,750 | 0.37x |
| 5 | [James Madison University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/james-madison-university) | Harrisonburg, VA | 80% | $69,954 | $23,322 | $20,093 | 0.29x |
| 6 | [Virginia Military Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-military-institute) | Lexington, VA | 79% | $77,369 | $17,113 | $22,996 | 0.3x |
| 7 | [University of Richmond](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-richmond) | University of Richmond, VA | 86% | $76,178 | $31,309 | $21,000 | 0.28x |
| 8 | [University of Virginia-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-virginia-main-campus) | Charlottesville, VA | 95% | $86,863 | $21,565 | $17,500 | 0.2x |
| 9 | [George Mason University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/george-mason-university) | Fairfax, VA | 69% | $76,343 | $17,915 | $19,500 | 0.26x |
| 10 | [University of Mary Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-mary-washington) | Fredericksburg, VA | 67% | $60,613 | $20,667 | $20,500 | 0.34x |
| 11 | [Christopher Newport University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/christopher-newport-university) | Newport News, VA | 73% | $60,509 | $23,015 | $25,000 | 0.41x |
| 12 | [Virginia Commonwealth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-commonwealth-university) | Richmond, VA | 64% | $58,128 | $23,433 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 13 | [Longwood University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/longwood-university) | Farmville, VA | 61% | $52,347 | $19,066 | $25,000 | 0.48x |
| 14 | [Old Dominion University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/old-dominion-university) | Norfolk, VA | 45% | $54,914 | $14,638 | $24,000 | 0.44x |
| 15 | [Radford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/radford-university) | Radford, VA | 49% | $53,739 | $14,578 | $24,000 | 0.45x |
| 16 | [Randolph College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/randolph-college) | Lynchburg, VA | 49% | $53,409 | $15,921 | $26,950 | 0.5x |
| 17 | [Eastern Mennonite University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-mennonite-university) | Harrisonburg, VA | 57% | $54,869 | $24,588 | $24,813 | 0.45x |
| 18 | [Bridgewater College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bridgewater-college) | Bridgewater, VA | 51% | $53,453 | $17,800 | $26,000 | 0.49x |
| 19 | [Sweet Briar College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sweet-briar-college) | Sweet Briar, VA | 50% | $51,943 | $17,758 | $27,000 | 0.52x |
| 20 | [Emory & Henry University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emory-henry-university) | Emory, VA | 55% | $47,385 | $19,061 | $26,332 | 0.56x |
| 21 | [Virginia Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-wesleyan-university) | Virginia Beach, VA | 46% | $50,074 | $19,676 | $27,000 | 0.54x |
| 22 | [Roanoke College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roanoke-college) | Salem, VA | 67% | $58,047 | $24,503 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 23 | [Virginia State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-state-university) | Petersburg, VA | 40% | $45,543 | $15,840 | $26,500 | 0.58x |
| 24 | [Averett University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/averett-university) | Danville, VA | 46% | $51,516 | $22,925 | $25,000 | 0.49x |
| 25 | [Hollins University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hollins-university) | Roanoke, VA | 67% | $40,075 | $20,896 | $27,000 | 0.67x |
| 26 | [Marymount University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/marymount-university) | Arlington, VA | 56% | $67,516 | $29,137 | $25,000 | 0.37x |
| 27 | [Hampton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampton-university) | Hampton, VA | 56% | $59,159 | $25,319 | $25,442 | 0.43x |
| 28 | [Shenandoah University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/shenandoah-university) | Winchester, VA | 69% | $58,433 | $30,298 | $25,000 | 0.43x |
| 29 | [Southern Virginia University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-virginia-university) | Buena Vista, VA | 36% | $50,002 | $22,213 | $24,224 | 0.48x |
| 30 | [Hampden-Sydney College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampden-sydney-college) | Hampden-Sydney, VA | 64% | $67,640 | $22,400 | $26,000 | 0.38x |
| 31 | [Ferrum College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ferrum-college) | Ferrum, VA | 30% | $44,296 | $20,082 | $27,000 | 0.61x |
| 32 | [Norfolk State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/norfolk-state-university) | Norfolk, VA | 36% | $44,666 | $15,282 | $29,000 | 0.65x |
| 33 | [Mary Baldwin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mary-baldwin-university) | Staunton, VA | 43% | $44,427 | $12,756 | $26,586 | 0.6x |
| 34 | [Bluefield University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bluefield-university) | Bluefield, VA | 22% | $48,896 | $25,573 | $21,855 | 0.45x |
| 35 | [Randolph-Macon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/randolph-macon-college) | Ashland, VA | 72% | $58,448 | $27,866 | $27,000 | 0.46x |
| 36 | [University of Lynchburg](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-lynchburg) | Lynchburg, VA | 60% | $56,380 | $22,235 | $27,000 | 0.48x |
| 37 | [Virginia Union University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-union-university) | Richmond, VA | 39% | $38,275 | $13,235 | $29,000 | 0.76x |
| 38 | [Regent University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/regent-university) | Virginia Beach, VA | 56% | $44,498 | $19,923 | $24,534 | 0.55x |
| 39 | [Liberty University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/liberty-university) | Lynchburg, VA | 64% | $44,813 | $29,357 | $24,500 | 0.55x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in Virginia." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-virginia

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.