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Best Value Marketing Colleges in Virginia

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

James Madison University graduates earn $51,794 annually, the highest among Virginia's marketing programs, while students at Bryant & Stratton College pay just $12,134 net cost for their degree. This $20,000 earnings gap reflects the varied paths available across Virginia's 15 marketing programs, where public universities dominate the value equation. The state's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates strong demand for marketing professionals who understand government contracting and B2B communications. Virginia Tech and James Madison both achieve 80% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable debt levels under $23,000, making them standout choices for students seeking both academic rigor and financial return on investment.
15
Programs
$12,134 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$43,515
Avg. Program Earnings
54.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Marketing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $41,937 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $16,640 $41,565 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
3 $18,287 $44,821 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
4 $21,816 $51,794 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
5 $23,790 $51,773 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
6 $19,452 $38,721 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
7 $32,145 $33,993 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
8 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
9 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
10 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
11 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
12 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
13 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
14 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
15 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes James Madison University worth the higher cost for marketing students?

James Madison charges $21,816 net cost but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $51,794 annually. The university maintains an 80.90% graduation rate, well above the state average, while keeping student debt at $19,500. This combination of strong outcomes and reasonable debt creates excellent long-term value despite the higher upfront investment.

How do Virginia's public universities compare to private schools for marketing value?

Public universities dominate Virginia's marketing value rankings, with Old Dominion at $14,170 and Virginia State at $14,553 offering the lowest net costs. Private schools like Hampton University charge $32,145, nearly double the public average. However, some private options like Regent University at $18,749 compete directly with public pricing while maintaining smaller class sizes.

Is Virginia Tech's marketing program worth the premium over other state schools?

Virginia Tech charges $23,790 net cost, the highest among Virginia public universities, but justifies this with $51,773 graduate earnings and an 86.30% graduation rate. Students carry $22,500 in debt, slightly above average, but the strong alumni network in Northern Virginia's tech corridor provides strong career opportunities. The school's 56.98% acceptance rate also indicates more selective admissions.

Where can marketing students find the best graduation rates in Virginia?

Virginia Tech leads with 86.30% graduation rate, followed closely by James Madison at 80.90%. George Mason University achieves 69.30% while charging only $18,287 net cost, making it an excellent middle-ground option. These three schools significantly outperform the state average, with graduation rates 20-40 percentage points higher than lower-cost alternatives.

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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.