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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Lynchburg, VA | $28,396 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,007 | — | 26.1% | |
| #22 | Averett UniversityPrivate | Danville, VA | $51,516 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,743 | 47.8% | 43.6% |
| #23 | Wise, VA | $45,325 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,634 | 93.9% | 49.8% | |
| #24 | Randolph CollegePrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $53,409 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,931 | 94.9% | 51.5% |
| #25 | Mary Baldwin UniversityPrivate | Staunton, VA | $44,427 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,996 | — | 55.7% |
| #26 | Randolph-Macon CollegePrivate | Ashland, VA | $58,448 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,959 | 83.4% | 74.6% |
| #27 | Southern Virginia UniversityPrivate | Buena Vista, VA | $50,002 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,722 | 99.6% | 38.3% |
| #28 | Shenandoah UniversityPrivate | Winchester, VA | $58,433 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,803 | 77.8% | 70.5% |
| #29 | University Of LynchburgPrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $56,380 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,308 | 82.2% | 61.6% |
| #30 | Hampton UniversityPrivate | Hampton, VA | $59,159 Median Earnings (10yr) | $29,338 | 48.3% | 55.7% |
| #31 | Longwood UniversityPublic | Farmville, VA | $52,347 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,546 | 84.8% | 61.6% |
| #32 | Bridgewater CollegePrivate | Bridgewater, VA | $53,453 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,410 | 90.8% | 49.4% |
| #33 | Roanoke CollegePrivate | Salem, VA | $58,047 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,269 | 80.1% | 65.9% |
| #34 | Sweet Briar CollegePrivate | Sweet Briar, VA | $51,943 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,674 | 71.7% | 48.1% |
| #35 | Emory & Henry UniversityPrivate | Emory, VA | $47,385 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,348 | 96.3% | 53.8% |
| #36 | Eastern Mennonite UniversityPrivate | Harrisonburg, VA | $54,869 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,418 | 99.8% | 47.1% |
| #37 | Virginia Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Virginia Beach, VA | $50,074 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,365 | 71.3% | 49.0% |
| #38 | Ferrum CollegePrivate | Ferrum, VA | $44,296 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,607 | 100.0% | 28.9% |
| #39 | Virginia Union UniversityPrivate | Richmond, VA | $38,275 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,272 | 97.7% | 41.3% |
| #40 | Hollins UniversityPrivate | Roanoke, VA | $40,075 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,579 | 70.9% | 69.7% |
