Virginia is home to 15 public four-year universities, dozens of private colleges, a robust community college system, and several historically Black colleges and universities. Whether you’re looking for a large research institution, a small liberal arts school, or an affordable two-year program, the state offers options across a wide range of sizes, specialties, and price points.
Public Four-Year Universities
Virginia operates 15 public four-year institutions, all overseen by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). These range from flagship research universities to smaller regional schools:
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- William & Mary
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- James Madison University
- Old Dominion University
- Radford University
- Longwood University
- University of Mary Washington
- Christopher Newport University
- Norfolk State University
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Military Institute
- University of Virginia’s College at Wise
The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country and is known for strong programs in law, business, and the liberal arts. Virginia Tech is the state’s largest university and carries a national reputation in engineering, agriculture, and the sciences. William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, is one of the oldest colleges still operating in the United States and is known for its undergraduate teaching and research opportunities.
George Mason University, in the Northern Virginia suburbs near Washington, D.C., is the state’s largest public university by enrollment and draws students interested in policy, technology, and business. Virginia Commonwealth University, based in Richmond, is well regarded for its arts and health sciences programs. James Madison University in Harrisonburg has grown into a popular choice for business, health professions, and education majors.
Virginia Military Institute, located in Lexington, is the oldest state-supported military college in the country. It operates under a strict military discipline system, and all students are cadets.
Tuition at Public Institutions
For the 2025-26 academic year, the average in-state tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia’s public universities is $14,846, a 2.7% increase from the prior year. When you add room and board, total charges at four-year public schools average $29,538 for in-state undergraduates. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more, often double or triple the in-state rate depending on the institution.
Tuition varies widely across the 15 public schools. Flagship universities like UVA and Virginia Tech sit at the higher end, while smaller regional institutions like the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and Longwood tend to be more affordable. Financial aid, including Virginia-specific grants like the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, can reduce the actual cost considerably.
Private Colleges and Universities
Virginia has a large private college sector that includes well-known research universities, small liberal arts colleges, and faith-based institutions. Some of the more prominent names include:
- Hampton University (Hampton)
- Marymount University (Arlington)
- Liberty University (Lynchburg)
- Washington and Lee University (Lexington)
- University of Richmond (Richmond)
- Roanoke College (Salem)
- Randolph-Macon College (Ashland)
- Shenandoah University (Winchester)
- Sweet Briar College (Amherst County)
- Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia Beach)
Washington and Lee and the University of Richmond are consistently ranked among the top liberal arts institutions nationally. Liberty University, one of the largest private universities in the country, offers a wide range of online and residential programs. Tuition at Virginia’s private schools varies enormously, from roughly $20,000 per year at smaller schools to over $60,000 at the most selective institutions, though most offer institutional financial aid that brings the net cost down.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Virginia is home to several HBCUs, institutions founded to serve Black students during the era of segregation that continue to play a vital role in higher education. The state’s HBCUs include both public and private schools:
- Norfolk State University (public, Norfolk)
- Virginia State University (public, Petersburg)
- Hampton University (private, Hampton)
- Virginia Union University (private, Richmond)
- Virginia University of Lynchburg (private, Lynchburg)
Hampton University ranks among the top HBCUs nationally and is known for programs in nursing, business, and the sciences. Norfolk State and Virginia State, as public institutions, offer lower tuition and serve as important access points for students across the state. Virginia Union University, located in Richmond, has a strong tradition in the humanities and ministerial education.
Community Colleges
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) operates 23 colleges across 40 campuses statewide, making it the largest provider of higher education in Virginia by enrollment. Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees, workforce certifications, and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Tuition at Virginia community colleges is substantially lower than at four-year schools, often under $5,000 per year for in-state students. Many students complete their first two years at a community college and transfer to a public university through guaranteed admission agreements. Northern Virginia Community College, the largest in the system, is one of the top transfer feeders to George Mason University and other four-year schools in the region.
How to Choose Among Virginia’s Schools
With more than 100 degree-granting institutions in the state, narrowing your list starts with a few practical questions. If cost is a priority, Virginia’s public universities and community colleges offer strong value for in-state residents, and the transfer pathway from a community college to a four-year school can cut total costs dramatically. If you want a smaller campus experience with more individual attention, private liberal arts colleges like Randolph-Macon, Roanoke, or Sweet Briar typically have class sizes under 20 students.
Location matters too. Northern Virginia schools like George Mason and Marymount put you close to D.C. and federal employers. Schools in the Shenandoah Valley, like James Madison and Washington and Lee, offer a more rural setting. Hampton Roads institutions, including Old Dominion and Hampton University, sit near one of the country’s largest military communities and a growing tech corridor.
SCHEV maintains a searchable directory of every accredited institution in the state, including private and for-profit schools, at schev.edu. Each school’s listing links to admissions data, graduation rates, and financial information, which can help you compare options side by side.