Best Value Business/Commerce Colleges in Virginia

Virginia's business programs reveal a striking earnings divide that mirrors the state's economic geography. University of Virginia graduates earn $82,440 annually while Southern Virginia University alumni start at $35,600, creating a $46,840 gap that reflects access to different career paths. The state's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates natural pipelines for business graduates, particularly those studying near the Washington corridor. Net costs range from $11,180 at UVA's College at Wise to $29,552 at Liberty University, yet the highest earners don't necessarily pay the most. Virginia Tech delivers strong returns at $23,790 net cost with $56,563 earnings, while VCU offers solid value in Richmond's growing financial sector at $19,452 annually. The VTAG grant helps bridge costs at private institutions, making schools like Regent University surprisingly affordable despite their nonprofit status.

Programs

$11,180 – $29,552

Net Price Range

$52,780

Avg. Program Earnings

61.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$82,440	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
2	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$56,563	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
3	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$44,735	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
4	DeVry University-Virginia Arlington, Virginia	$22,341	$48,225	$17,488	100.0%	33.3%
5	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552	$57,705	$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
6	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383	$44,189	$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
7	Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, Virginia	$24,014	$35,600	$20,040	38.3%	99.5%
8	Bluefield University Bluefield, Virginia	$22,198		$29,696	27.1%	63.0%
9	Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$18,749		$20,686	54.1%	32.3%
10	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287		$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
11	Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia	$22,263		$42,260	69.7%	72.4%
12	Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia	$12,973		$9,910	32.7%	89.5%
13	Randolph-Macon College Ashland, Virginia	$27,759		$48,002	74.6%	85.5%
14	Randolph College Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,436		$29,010	51.5%	95.0%
15	University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, Virginia	$11,180		$11,656	49.8%	75.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Virginia business programs?

UVA business graduates earn $82,440 compared to $35,600 at Southern Virginia University, creating a $46,840 difference. This reflects UVA's 18.66% acceptance rate versus Southern Virginia's 99.45%, indicating selectivity correlates with career outcomes. Location matters too, as UVA sits closer to high-paying government contractors and consulting firms. The 95.30% graduation rate at UVA compared to 38.30% at Southern Virginia also suggests different student preparation levels.

How do Virginia's public universities compare for business value?

Virginia Tech offers the strongest public option with $56,563 earnings at $23,790 net cost, delivering solid returns for an 86.30% graduation rate. UVA provides the highest earnings at $82,440 but costs slightly less at $22,881 net price. George Mason represents the budget choice at $18,287 with a 69.30% graduation rate, while UVA-Wise costs just $11,180 but graduates earn significantly less than other state schools.

Is attending a private business school worth the extra cost in Virginia?

Liberty University charges $29,552 but delivers $57,705 earnings, matching Virginia Tech's returns at higher cost. DeVry costs $22,341 with $48,225 earnings but carries $40,529 in debt compared to much lower public school debt levels. Sweet Briar's 48.10% graduation rate raises concerns despite reasonable $23,383 costs. Most private options struggle to justify their premiums against strong public alternatives.

Where should Virginia business students focus their applications?

UVA represents the gold standard if students can gain admission to its highly selective program with 18.66% acceptance rates. Virginia Tech offers excellent backup value with 56.98% acceptance and strong earnings of $56,563. VCU provides accessible entry at 91.00% acceptance with respectable $44,735 outcomes in Richmond's business market. Students should avoid schools with graduation rates below 50% regardless of initial costs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.