# Best Master's Programs in Virginia

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 40 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-virginia

## Methodology

Master's programs in Virginia ranked by graduate outcomes

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 a master's program can be a pivotal decision, especially in Virginia, where a diverse range of options exist. With 40 schools offering graduate programs, students are evaluating their potential returns on investment and career opportunities post-graduation. For instance, graduates from Washington and Lee University report earnings of nearly $95,000, highlighting the financial benefits of selecting the right program.

What sets apart the top-performing schools on this list is not just their academic reputation, but the outcomes that directly impact students' futures. Metrics such as earnings after graduation, graduation rates, net price, and student debt levels provide a clearer picture of what to expect. The schools listed here illustrate the trade-offs between cost and potential salary, helping prospective students make informed choices about their education.

Take Washington and Lee University and George Mason University as examples. Washington and Lee boasts an impressive 94% graduation rate and an average earning of $94,810, while George Mason's graduation rate is significantly lower at 69% with earnings of $76,343. The contrast in financial outcomes and completion rates makes a strong case for weighing these factors carefully as students consider their options.

## Key Findings

- Washington and Lee University graduates earn an average of $94,810.
- The University of Virginia has a 95% graduation rate, one of the highest on this list.
- George Mason University has a graduation rate of only 69%, indicating potential challenges in program completion.
- The average earnings for graduates across these programs is $57,215, showing a wide range of outcomes.

## 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 |
| 40 | [Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryant-stratton-college-virginia-beach) | Virginia Beach, VA | 26% | $32,568 | $12,038 | $21,549 | 0.66x |

## 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 Master's Programs in Virginia." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.