171 Colleges in Virginia
So you want to attend college in Virginia?
If Virginia state is home for you, scholarships or keeping family tradition are just two of several reasons you may have for wanting to attend college locally.
Top Schools
The highest-ranking colleges and universities in Virginia in 2010, were:
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - located in Charlottesville, it was ranked 10th in the nation
- College of William and Mary - located in Williamsburg, it was ranked 16th in the nation
- Washington and Lee University - located in Lexington, it was ranked 16th in the nation
Programs Offered
Virginia has a total college student population of 2,118,526 students. Approximately 40.7% of these students are pursuing degrees in one of the 1,210 bachelors degree programs offered in Virginia. Another 25.7% of Virginia students are enrolled in one of Virginia's 765 master's or Ph.D. level programs. The remaining 33.5% of students are pursuing credentials from one of Virginia's 997 certificate or associate's degree programs.
In Virginia, the most popular courses of study are:
- Healthcare - 10% of students graduated from healthcare programs
- Business - 8% of students graduated from business programs
- Science - 5% of students graduated from science programs
Tuition
In 2011, in-state tuition at Virginia schools cost an average of $10,319 per year. Tuition at individual schools varied from $2,224 per year to $45,628 per year. The Virginia schools with the highest tuition in 2011 were:
- Sanford-Brown College - located in Vienna, it charged students a tuition of $45,628 per year
- University of Richmond - located in University Of Richmond, it charged students a tuition of $41,610 per year
- Washington and Lee University - located in Lexington, it charged students a tuition of $40,387 per year
In 2011, the Virginia schools charging the lowest tuition were:
- Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing - located in Suffolk, it charged students a tuition of $2,224 per year
- Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing - located in Suffolk, it charged students a tuition of $2,224 per year
- Southwest Virginia Community College - located in Richlands, it charged students a tuition of $2,616 per year
Financial Aid
Students in Virginia received $929,554,818 in financial aid in 2008. Institutional grants and scholarships accounted for 78% of this aid. In 2008, students at the following Virginia colleges and universities received the highest amount of institutional financial aid:
Virginia Student Demographics
The average student population at Virginia schools is 3,521 students. 12 of Virginia's 171 schools have over 10,000 students each. The Virginia schools with the most number of students enrolled in 2010 were:
- Northern Virginia Community College - located in Annandale, it had 46,619 students
- Liberty University - located in Lynchburg, it had 46,312 students
- Virginia Commonwealth University - located in Richmond, it had 32,172 students
The Virginia colleges and universities with the smallest student population were:
- Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing - located in Suffolk, it had 12 students
- Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing - located in Suffolk, it had 12 students
- Tap This Valley Works CET - located in Roanoke, it had 13 students
Graduation Rates
In Virginia, 192,347 students graduated from colleges and universities in 2010. The following Virginia colleges and universities had the highest graduation rates in 2010:
- Dominion School of Hair Design - located in Gloucester Point, it had a graduation rate of 100%
- Avi Career Training - located in Great Falls, it had a graduation rate of 96%
- Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging - located in Richmond, it had a graduation rate of 95%
The schools with the lowest graduation rates in Virginia were:
- University of Phoenix-Northern Virginia Campus - located in Reston, it had a graduation rate of 5%
- Rappahannock Community College - located in Saluda, it had a graduation rate of 13%
- J Sargeant Reynolds Community College - located in Richmond, it had a graduation rate of 13%
Diversity
Overall, Virginia schools have a relatively diverse student population, with an average of 41% of undergraduate students identifying themselves to be from a racial or ethnic minority background in 2009. In the same year, the male to female ratio amongst undergraduates at Virginia colleges and universities was 4 to 10. In 2009, approximately 74% of undergraduate students were 24 years of age or younger. The largest percentage of ethnically-diverse students were at the following Virginia schools:
- Columbia College - located in Fairfax, 100% of students were from minority backgrounds
- Sanz School - located in Falls Church, 99% of students were from minority backgrounds
- Sanford-Brown College - located in Vienna, 99% of students were from minority backgrounds
Virginia Faculty Demographics
Just as the student population at Virginia colleges and universities is diverse, the faculty at Virginia schools is also diverse. Of the 124,453 faculty members employed by Virginia colleges and universities in 2009, about 32% identified themselves as belonging to a racial or ethnic minority. The female to male ratio amongst Virginia faculty was 1 to 1.
Faculty to Student Ratio
On average, for every 100 students in Virginia colleges and universities, there were 18 faculty in 2009. The following colleges and universities in Virginia schools had the largest faculty to student ratio:
- Wards Corner Beauty Academy-Virginia Beach
- Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing
- Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing
All subjects in Virginia
- Accounting Degrees in Virginia
- Acting Classes in Virginia
- Administrative Assistant Courses in Virginia
- Advertising Schools in Virginia
- Allied Health Degrees in Virginia
- Animation Schools in Virginia
- Architecture Degrees in Virginia
- Art Classes in Virginia
- Audio Engineering Schools in Virginia
- Audio Production Schools in Virginia
- Automotive Training in Virginia
- Beauty Schools in Virginia
- Biochemistry Courses in Virginia
- Biology Degrees in Virginia
- Biomedical Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- Bookkeeping Courses in Virginia
- BSN Programs in Virginia
- Business Degrees in Virginia
- Business Administration Degrees in Virginia
- Business Management Courses in Virginia
- Business Writing Courses in Virginia
- Carpentry Schools in Virginia
- Chemistry Courses in Virginia
- Christian Counseling Degrees in Virginia
- Civil Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- Clinical Psychology Degrees in Virginia
- Communications Degrees in Virginia
- Computer Animation Classes in Virginia
- Computer Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- Computer Networking Courses in Virginia
- Computer Programming Courses in Virginia
- Computer Science Degrees in Virginia
- Construction Management Certificates in Virginia
- Cosmetology Schools in Virginia
- Counseling Degrees in Virginia
- Court Reporter Schools in Virginia
- Creative Writing Courses in Virginia
- Crime Scene Investigation Schools in Virginia
- Criminal Justice Degrees in Virginia
- Criminology Degrees in Virginia
- Culinary Schools in Virginia
- Dental Assistant Programs in Virginia
- Dental Hygienist Schools in Virginia
- Design Schools in Virginia
- Drafting Degrees in Virginia
- Early Childhood Education Certificates in Virginia
- Education Degrees in Virginia
- Educational Leadership Programs in Virginia
- Electrical Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- Electrician Courses in Virginia
- Elementary Education Degrees in Virginia
- Emergency Management Degrees in Virginia
- EMT Training in Virginia
- Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- English Degrees in Virginia
- ESL Classes in Virginia
- Fashion Schools in Virginia
- Fashion Design Courses in Virginia
- Fashion Marketing Degrees in Virginia
- Fashion Merchandising Degrees in Virginia
- Film Schools in Virginia
- Finance Degrees in Virginia
- Fire Science Degrees in Virginia
- Forensic Nursing Programs in Virginia
- Forensic Psychology Degrees in Virginia
- Forensic Science Degrees in Virginia
- Forestry Degrees in Virginia
- Gerontology Programs in Virginia
- Graphic Design Degrees in Virginia
- Health Information Programs in Virginia
- Health Science Degrees in Virginia
- Healthcare Degrees in Virginia
- Healthcare Administration Programs in Virginia
- Healthcare Management Degrees in Virginia
- History Degrees in Virginia
- Homeland Security Degrees in Virginia
- Hospitality Degrees in Virginia
- Hotel Management Degrees in Virginia
- Human Resources Degrees in Virginia
- Human Services Degrees in Virginia
- HVAC Training in Virginia
- Industrial Design Schools in Virginia
- Information Systems Degrees in Virginia
- Information Technology Degrees in Virginia
- Interior Design Schools in Virginia
- International Business Degrees in Virginia
- Journalism Degrees in Virginia
- Language Courses in Virginia
- Law Schools in Virginia
- Law Enforcement Training in Virginia
- Liberal Arts Degrees in Virginia
- LPN Programs in Virginia
- LPN to BSN Programs in Virginia
- LVN Programs in Virginia
- Management Courses in Virginia
- Marketing Degrees in Virginia
- Massage Therapy Schools in Virginia
- Math Courses in Virginia
- MBA Programs in Virginia
- Mechanical Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- Medical Assistant Programs in Virginia
- Medical Billing Schools in Virginia
- Medical Coding Classes in Virginia
- Medical Transcription Training in Virginia
- Mental Health Programs in Virginia
- Ministry Degrees in Virginia
- MSN Programs in Virginia
- Music Classes in Virginia
- Music Production Schools in Virginia
- Music Therapy Schools in Virginia
- Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Virginia
- Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia
- Nursing Programs in Virginia
- Nursing Assistant Certification in Virginia
- Nutrition Degrees in Virginia
- Occupational Therapy Schools in Virginia
- Organizational Psychology Programs in Virginia
- Paralegal Programs in Virginia
- Paramedic Programs in Virginia
- Pastry Schools in Virginia
- Personal Training Certification in Virginia
- Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia
- Phlebotomy Certification in Virginia
- Photography Courses in Virginia
- Physical Therapy Programs in Virginia
- Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Virginia
- Physician Assistant Programs in Virginia
- Physics Courses in Virginia
- Political Science Degrees in Virginia
- Property Management Certification in Virginia
- Psychology Degrees in Virginia
- Public Administration Degrees in Virginia
- Public Health Degrees in Virginia
- Public Relations Degrees in Virginia
- Radiology Technician Programs in Virginia
- Real Estate Courses in Virginia
- Respiratory Therapy Programs in Virginia
- Restaurant Management Degrees in Virginia
- RN Programs in Virginia
- RN to BSN Programs in Virginia
- RN to MSN Programs in Virginia
- School Psychology Programs in Virginia
- Science Classes in Virginia
- Small Business Classes in Virginia
- Social Work Degrees in Virginia
- Sociology Degrees in Virginia
- Software Engineering Degrees in Virginia
- Sonography Programs in Virginia
- Sound Engineering Schools in Virginia
- Special Education Degrees in Virginia
- Speech Therapy Programs in Virginia
- Sports Management Degrees in Virginia
- Sports Medicine Degrees in Virginia
- Surgical Technologist Programs in Virginia
- Teaching Degrees in Virginia
- Technical Writing Courses in Virginia
- Technology Degrees in Virginia
- Theology Degrees in Virginia
- Ultrasound Technician Schools in Virginia
- Veterinary Schools in Virginia
- Veterinary Assistant Programs in Virginia
- Veterinary Technician Schools in Virginia
- Video Game Design Schools in Virginia
- Video Production Classes in Virginia
- Visual Communications Degrees in Virginia
- Web Design Courses in Virginia
- Web Development Courses in Virginia
- Writing Classes in Virginia
- X Ray Technician Schools in Virginia
- Chemical Engineering Degrees in Virginia
Cities with schools in Virginia
- Abingdon
- Alberta
- Alexandria
- Annandale
- Arlington
- Ashland
- Big Stone Gap
- Blacksburg
- Bluefield
- Bridgewater
- Bristol
- Buena Vista
- Chantilly
- Charlottesville
- Chesapeake
- Chester
- Clifton Forge
- Culpeper
- Danville
- Dublin
- Emory
- Fairfax
- Falls Church
- Farmville
- Ferrum
- Fishersville
- Franklin
- Fredericksburg
- Glen Allen
- Gloucester Point
- Great Falls
- Hampden Sydney
- Hampton
- Harrisonburg
- Herndon
- Lawrenceville
- Lexington
- Locust Grove
- Lynchburg
- Manassas
- Martinsville
- McLean
- Melfa
- Middletown
- Midlothian
- Newport News
- Norfolk
- Oakwood
- Petersburg
- Radford
- Reston
- Richlands
- Richmond
- Roanoke
- Salem
- Saluda
- Springfield
- Staunton
- Sterling
- Suffolk
- Sweet Briar
- University Of Richmond
- Vienna
- Virginia Beach
- Weyers Cave
- Williamsburg
- Winchester
- Wise
- Wytheville
Nearby States
Not sure what to study?
Check out our list of the Top 50 Jobs in Virginia!
Rank | Occupation | Num of Jobs | Avg Salary | Avg Salary (Nat'l) | Job Growth (Past 5 Yrs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Retail Salespersons | 116,040 | $24,880 | $25,000 | -10.3% |
2 |
Office Clerks, General | 105,050 | $28,700 | $28,240 | -8.6% |
3 |
Registered Nurses | 62,020 | $65,020 | $67,720 | 15.2% |
4 |
General and Operations Managers | 51,920 | $122,420 | $113,100 | 56.2% |
5 |
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 45,380 | $36,800 | $35,340 | -0.7% |
6 |
Management Analysts | 44,270 | $95,970 | $87,260 | 39.4% |
7 |
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 38,700 | $60,390 | $54,330 | -0.7% |
8 |
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 37,520 | $52,220 | $50,770 | 4.8% |
9 |
Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants | 34,220 | $23,670 | $25,140 | 15.6% |
10 |
Accountants and Auditors | 33,990 | $72,540 | $68,960 | 1.7% |
11 |
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 32,080 | $41,200 | $39,890 | 1.0% |
12 |
Security Guards | 31,500 | $31,290 | $26,870 | 12.8% |
13 |
Software Developers, Applications | 28,110 | $96,510 | $90,410 | |
14 |
Cooks, Restaurant | 25,540 | $22,830 | $23,260 | 21.1% |
15 |
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | 24,480 | $47,640 | $45,860 | 29.7% |
16 |
Construction Laborers | 21,980 | $26,760 | $33,590 | -15.9% |
17 |
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 21,210 | $35,020 | $32,000 | -13.0% |
18 |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 20,530 | $38,600 | $41,360 | 7.0% |
19 |
Carpenters | 18,390 | $39,290 | $43,890 | -34.0% |
20 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 18,300 | $41,480 | $38,200 | -13.5% |
21 |
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 18,090 | $58,690 | $62,260 | -22.5% |
22 |
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 17,980 | $59,670 | $54,880 | 1.8% |
23 |
Electricians | 17,940 | $45,860 | $51,810 | 1.8% |
24 |
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 16,480 | $50,870 | $55,620 | 7.3% |
25 |
Home Health Aides | 16,410 | $19,530 | $21,760 | 58.4% |
26 |
Correctional Officers and Jailers | 15,890 | $38,380 | $42,780 | 36.2% |
27 |
Managers, All Other | 14,230 | $112,490 | $102,160 | 37.8% |
28 |
Lawyers | 14,200 | $131,280 | $129,440 | 17.6% |
29 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 13,170 | $42,120 | $50,360 | -4.5% |
30 |
Computer and Information Systems Managers | 13,160 | $138,000 | $123,280 | 30.3% |
31 |
Financial Managers | 12,620 | $121,270 | $116,970 | 46.9% |
32 |
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products | 12,390 | $68,800 | $60,160 | 4.6% |
33 |
Billing and Posting Clerks | 11,700 | $34,500 | $33,270 | -8.5% |
34 |
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 11,690 | $26,650 | $26,510 | 3.3% |
35 |
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | 10,760 | $29,350 | $29,200 | 5.1% |
36 |
Real Estate Sales Agents | 10,210 | $52,700 | $52,490 | -14.6% |
37 |
Medical Assistants | 10,020 | $29,880 | $29,760 | 56.3% |
38 |
Computer Programmers | 9,700 | $76,960 | $74,900 | |
39 |
Civil Engineers | 9,460 | $82,340 | $82,280 | 29.2% |
40 |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 8,430 | $46,300 | $43,850 | 20.6% |
41 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 8,280 | $44,510 | $44,860 | -4.3% |
42 |
Loan Officers | 8,080 | $61,540 | $65,900 | -25.2% |
43 |
Pharmacy Technicians | 7,830 | $28,290 | $29,330 | 29.2% |
44 |
Financial Analysts | 7,760 | $79,380 | $86,040 | 19.6% |
45 |
Dental Assistants | 7,710 | $35,660 | $34,140 | 8.6% |
46 |
Physicians and Surgeons, All Other | 7,520 | $174,020 | $180,870 | 77.8% |
47 |
Cooks, Fast Food | 7,280 | $18,220 | $18,540 | -51.7% |
48 |
Mechanical Engineers | 7,220 | $94,530 | $82,480 | 4.5% |
49 |
Electrical Engineers | 7,170 | $89,470 | $87,770 | 24.3% |
50 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | 7,140 | $28,870 | $30,100 | 39.5% |