Home to 40 ranked institutions, Virginia offers a diverse higher education landscape where public universities comprise 38% of top-performing schools alongside prestigious private colleges. Graduates earn a median of $57,111 ten years after enrollment, with outcomes ranging from $28,396 to $94,810—demonstrating the significant impact of institutional choice on career trajectories.
Virginia graduates outperform nationally, earning $1,294 higher than the national average across all ranked institutions. George Mason University leads the rankings with graduates earning $76,343, while University of Virginia-Main Campus produces graduates earning $86,863. The substantial variation in median earnings—from Liberty University's $44,813 to the highest performers—underscores how program selection directly correlates with post-graduation financial outcomes.
While George Mason University dominates with the highest Azimuth Score of 1.9, students seeking more accessible admissions should consider this same institution from a different angle. With an acceptance rate of 88%, George Mason offers exceptional value by delivering top-tier graduate outcomes without the selectivity barriers typical of elite institutions, making it both the highest performer and most accessible option in Virginia.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | George Mason UniversityPublic | Fairfax, VA | $76,343 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,197 | 88.8% | 69.3% |
| #2 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $44,813 Median Earnings (10yr) | $30,504 | 99.3% | 63.5% |
| #3 | Charlottesville, VA | $86,863 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,123 | 16.9% | 95.3% | |
| #4 | Blacksburg, VA | $81,698 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,536 | 57.0% | 86.3% | |
| #5 | Lexington, VA | $94,810 Median Earnings (10yr) | $76 | 17.4% | 94.9% | |
| #6 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | Norfolk, VA | $54,914 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,627 | 90.5% | 44.4% |
| #7 | Richmond, VA | $58,128 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,830 | 93.1% | 65.4% | |
| #8 | James Madison UniversityPublic | Harrisonburg, VA | $69,954 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,582 | 76.3% | 80.9% |
| #9 | William & MaryPublic | Williamsburg, VA | $73,490 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,616 | 32.7% | 91.0% |
| #10 | Petersburg, VA | $45,543 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,432 | 89.1% | 40.7% | |
| #11 | Lexington, VA | $77,369 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,152 | 81.7% | 81.8% | |
| #12 | Norfolk State UniversityPublic | Norfolk, VA | $44,666 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,099 | 87.5% | 32.7% |
| #13 | Radford UniversityPublic | Radford, VA | $53,739 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,289 | 90.6% | 49.6% |
| #14 | University Of RichmondPrivate | University Of Richmond, VA | $76,178 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,026 | 23.3% | 87.8% |
| #15 | Fredericksburg, VA | $60,613 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,137 | 86.3% | 67.4% | |
| #16 | Regent UniversityPrivate | Virginia Beach, VA | $44,498 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,843 | 41.2% | 54.1% |
| #17 | Hampden-Sydney CollegePrivate | Hampden-Sydney, VA | $67,640 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,552 | 50.1% | 65.3% |
| #18 | Marymount UniversityPrivate | Arlington, VA | $67,516 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,888 | 80.5% | 57.9% |
| #19 | Newport News, VA | $60,509 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,652 | 88.0% | 75.1% | |
| #20 | Bluefield UniversityPrivate | Bluefield, VA | $48,896 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,017 | 62.7% | 27.1% |
