Explore Virginia Colleges
Explore 62 colleges and universities in Virginia, including 15 public institutions and 47 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
62
Colleges
15
Public
47
Private
Avg Acceptance Rate
Average acceptance rate for Virginia colleges
Avg Net Price
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
For public universities
Virginia has a major public university system that serve students across the state. Understanding these systems can help you find the right fit.
See how Virginia colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
Browse 62 colleges in Virginia, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#3 in Public Universities
Charlottesville, VA
Acceptance
17%
Total Cost
$33,921
SAT
1410–1540
Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda-centered vision where ambitious students swear by an ironclad Honor Code amid Virginia's rolling hills.
#6 in Public Universities
Williamsburg, VA
Acceptance
34%
Total Cost
$33,616
SAT
1400–1530
America's second-oldest college blends colonial ghosts with preppy rigor in history-soaked Williamsburg.
#6 in Business
University of Richmond, VA
Acceptance
22%
Total Cost
$77,470
SAT
1410–1530
You'll paddle across Westhampton Lake to class at this polished Virginia liberal arts powerhouse, where preppy ambition fuels boardrooms and backboards alike.
#13 in Chemistry
Richmond, VA
Acceptance
93%
Total Cost
$28,184
SAT
1010–1270
Richmond's urban fusion of top-ranked arts, health sciences, and media programs amid a gritty creative scene.
#13 in Liberal Arts
Lexington, VA
Acceptance
14%
Total Cost
$79,275
SAT
1430–1540
You'll pledge your honor in a tight-knit Southern enclave where unproctored exams test character as much as knowledge.
#24 in Political Science
Blacksburg, VA
Acceptance
55%
Total Cost
$24,894
SAT
1280–1450
Engineering powerhouse where Hokie spirit turns mountain isolation into unbreakable camaraderie.
#54 in Public Universities
Newport News, VA
Acceptance
86%
Total Cost
$21,835
SAT
1060–1290
Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA.
#60 in Public Universities
Harrisonburg, VA
Acceptance
72%
Total Cost
$20,600
SAT
1170–1340
Shenandoah Valley public university pulsing with Duke spirit, business acumen, and media creativity.
#72 in Best Value
Acceptance
29%
Total Cost
$18,856
SAT
945–1120
UVA's intimate liberal arts campus tucked into the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia.
#73 in Public Universities
Fairfax, VA
Acceptance
87%
Total Cost
$25,065
SAT
1160–1360
Fairfax's sprawling public university powerhouse, surging with economists, policy experts, and tech innovators steps from Washington, D.C.
University of Virginia-Main Campus is the highest-ranked university in Virginia, ranked #23 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Virginia colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $20,874 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,621. After financial aid, the average net price is $22,236.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Virginia is 76%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
Virginia has a major public university system: Virginia Public Higher Education (VPHE). Together, these systems include 15 campuses serving hundreds of thousands of students. Virginia's public universities include top-ranked UVA and Virginia Tech, known for research and academics.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Virginia public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Virginia driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Virginia is located in the Southeast region of the United States. The Southeast combines Southern hospitality with top-tier research universities and a growing tech sector, offering excellent value and vibrant campus life.
Virginia offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $22,236. Public universities in Virginia provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.