Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Virginia
- 18
- Schools
- $51,795
- Avg. Earnings
- 53%
- Avg. Graduation
- $20,426
- Avg. Net Price
- $25,019
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $38,275 at the low end to $69,954 at the top. That 1.8× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Old Dominion University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $54,914 against $14,638 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Mary Baldwin University, at $12,756 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: James Madison University graduates 80% of its students, well above the 53% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor James Madison University: graduates owe only 0.29× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Mary Baldwin University ($12,756/yr) and Shenandoah University ($30,298/yr) produce graduates earning $44,427 and $58,433 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $17,542 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Old Dominion University outperforms James Madison University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: James Madison University graduates 80% of its students versus 22% at Bluefield University. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Old Dominion University and James Madison University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $52K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 James Madison University #1 overall | $69,954 ▲ +35% vs avg | $23,322 | 80% | 75 |
| 2 University of Mary Washington #2 overall | $60,613 ▲ +17% vs avg | $20,667 | 67% | 74 |
| 3 Longwood University #3 overall | $52,347 ▲ +1% vs avg | $19,066 | 61% | 74 |
| $58,128 ▲ +12% vs avg | $23,433 | 64% | 72 | |
| $54,914 ▲ +6% vs avg | $14,638 | 45% | 72 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Virginia
This analysis ranks 18 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,795 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 53% and an average net price of $20,426.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Old Dominion University — Net Price: $14,638 | Graduation Rate: 45%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: James Madison University — 80% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: James Madison University — Median alumni earnings: $69,954
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$52,145
Median earnings (10yr)
55%
Median graduation rate
$20,003
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
Start with the medians across these 18 schools. Graduates earn a median of $52,145 ten years after enrollment, or about $4,145 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 55%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $20,003 a year with about $25,666 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 40% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.2%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $52,145 against a typical net price of $20,003. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
James Madison University lands at #1 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Mary Washington lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $60,613 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,667 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Longwood University lands at #3 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $52,347 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,066 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Virginia Commonwealth University lands at #4 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $58,128 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,433 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Old Dominion University lands at #5 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $54,914 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,638 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Ferrum College lands at #6 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $44,296 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,082 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Randolph College lands at #7 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $53,409 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,921 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Virginia State University lands at #8 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,543 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,840 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Roanoke College lands at #9 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $58,047 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,503 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Sweet Briar College lands at #10 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $51,943 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,758 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Emory & Henry University lands at #11 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,385 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,061 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Shenandoah University lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $58,433 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,298 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Mary Baldwin University lands at #13 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,427 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,756 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Lynchburg lands at #14 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $56,380 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,235 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Virginia Union University lands at #15 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Regent University lands at #16 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,498 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,923 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Bluefield University lands at #17 with a 54/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $48,896 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,573 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Liberty University lands at #18 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 18 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right education college in Virginia involves more than just looking at campus amenities; it’s about long-term outcomes. The schools on this list have strong education programs that show promising results in graduate success. For families weighing their options, it's essential to look at how graduates fare in the job market and what their debt looks like after graduation.
The top institutions here are ranked based on key outcomes: earnings, graduation rates, net price, and debt. These factors provide a clearer picture of what to expect after college. For example, James Madison University leads with average earnings of $69,954, while Old Dominion University shows a lower graduation rate of 45%. Understanding these differences can help families make informed choices that align with their priorities.
Take James Madison University and Longwood University, for instance. While James Madison boasts a graduation rate of 80% and significantly higher earnings, Longwood's lower graduation rate of 61% comes with higher debt levels. This kind of contrast illustrates the tradeoffs that families need to consider when selecting a college. Each school has its strengths and weaknesses, and knowing what they are can guide students towards the right fit for their needs.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 13 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Old Dominion University leads the group at 2.4%, with Virginia Commonwealth University (1.9%) and Ferrum College (1.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Virginia State University enrolls the most, at 32.8%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 25.6% across the list, peaking at 60.7% at University of Mary Washington.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.62, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and James Madison University is highest at 1.78.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
A closer look at the data reveals that James Madison University outperforms Longwood University in both earnings and graduation rates. With a graduation rate of 80% compared to Longwood's 61%, students at James Madison are more likely to complete their degrees and enter the job market with higher earning potential. This demonstrates how important graduation rates can be in assessing a program's overall effectiveness.
As you sift through the data for these 18 schools, consider your own priorities. Are you prioritizing lower debt, or is a higher graduation rate more critical? Think about location and campus culture, too. A school that excels in one area may not fit your lifestyle or financial situation. Make a list of what matters most to you and weigh these metrics against your personal criteria.
In today's economy, the transition from college to a stable career is crucial. The data shows that a degree from a school like James Madison University can lead to a better financial future. For one family, this means investing in an education that maximizes earning potential and minimizes debt. The decision you make now can significantly impact your life down the line.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Education Colleges in Virginia: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Virginia ranking? +
James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Virginia ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $69,954 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 80% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
James Madison University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $69,954 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,795 average across the 18 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Old Dominion University leads: graduates earn a median $54,914 against net price of about $14,638 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
James Madison University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 80%, compared with a 53% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $20,426 a year across the 18 ranked schools with cost data. Mary Baldwin University is among the most affordable at roughly $12,756. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education Colleges in Virginia ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 18 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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