18 Computer Science Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
|
$18,287 | $78,343 | $13,815 | 69.3% | 90.0% |
| 2 |
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia
|
$23,911 | $91,744 | $64,525 | 94.9% | 17.0% |
| 3 |
Radford University
Radford, Virginia
|
$16,640 | $61,516 | $12,286 | 49.6% | 93.3% |
| 4 |
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, Virginia
|
$18,849 | $64,493 | $20,484 | 81.8% | 71.1% |
| 5 |
William & Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
|
$22,529 | $71,202 | $25,040 | 91.0% | 33.5% |
| 6 |
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, Virginia
|
$22,197 | $59,901 | $16,351 | 75.1% | 85.4% |
| 7 |
Longwood University
Farmville, Virginia
|
$20,814 | $15,200 | 61.6% | 87.8% | |
| 8 |
Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia
|
$14,553 | $9,755 | 40.7% | 89.7% | |
| 9 |
University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wise, Virginia
|
$11,180 | $11,656 | 49.8% | 75.6% | |
| 10 |
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, Virginia
|
$23,383 | $25,110 | 48.1% | 75.8% | |
| 11 |
Southern Virginia University
Buena Vista, Virginia
|
$24,014 | $20,040 | 38.3% | 99.5% | |
| 12 |
Roanoke College
Salem, Virginia
|
$27,786 | $36,774 | 65.9% | 79.8% | |
| 13 |
Averett University
Danville, Virginia
|
$23,262 | $38,550 | 43.6% | 76.0% | |
| 14 |
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
|
$32,145 | $29,162 | 55.7% | 74.5% | |
| 15 |
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
|
$24,668 | $52,388 | 65.3% | 39.8% | |
| 16 |
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
|
$23,615 | $41,860 | 47.1% | 99.5% | |
| 17 |
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
|
$18,749 | $20,686 | 54.1% | 32.3% | |
| 18 |
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, Virginia
|
$20,173 | $41,350 | 49.4% | 90.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Washington and Lee University worth its higher cost for Computer Science?
Washington and Lee graduates earn $91,744 annually, the highest among Virginia's Computer Science programs, justifying its $23,911 net cost. The school maintains a 94.90% graduation rate with only 16.96% acceptance, creating an elite pipeline into high-paying tech roles. This return on investment particularly benefits students targeting consulting and government contracting positions in Virginia's defense sector.
How do Virginia's public universities compare for Computer Science value?
George Mason University leads public institutions with $78,343 graduate earnings for $18,287 net cost, serving Northern Virginia's tech center. William & Mary offers strong prospects at $71,202 earnings for $22,529 net cost with a 91% graduation rate. UVA's College at Wise provides the lowest net cost at $11,180, though specific earnings data isn't available for comparison.
Is the Virginia Tech Advantage Grant helpful for Computer Science students?
The VTAG grant assists students at private Virginia colleges, potentially reducing costs at schools like Roanoke College ($27,786 net cost) or Sweet Briar College ($23,383 net cost). This state aid helps bridge the gap between public and private tuition rates. Students should factor VTAG eligibility when comparing total costs across Virginia's Computer Science programs.
Where do Virginia Computer Science graduates typically find employment?
Virginia's proximity to federal agencies creates strong demand in government contracting, with major employers including Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Inova Health Systems. The state's defense corridor from Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads offers consistent opportunities for new graduates. Many programs report placement rates above 80% within six months of graduation, reflecting the region's tech-focused economy.
More Computer Science Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.