Best Value Music Colleges in Virginia

Music programs at Virginia's public universities offer striking affordability, with University of Virginia's College at Wise charging just $11,180 net cost while George Mason University graduates earn $35,416 annually. The 95% acceptance rate at Old Dominion University contrasts sharply with William & Mary's selective 33.5% rate, creating opportunities across skill levels. Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. supports music careers in government events, military bands, and cultural institutions, while the state's military presence provides steady demand for ceremonial musicians. Private schools like Washington and Lee University deliver 94.9% graduation rates but command $64,525 sticker prices. The $22,000 gap between highest and lowest earnings among Virginia music programs reflects varying career preparation approaches, from performance-focused tracks to music business concentrations.

Programs

$11,180 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$26,931

Avg. Program Earnings

60.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia	$14,170	$31,133	$12,262	44.4%	95.1%
2	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$35,416	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
3	James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$21,816	$32,569	$13,576	80.9%	78.3%
4	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640	$20,140	$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
5	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529	$25,194	$25,040	91.0%	33.5%
6	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$20,140	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
7	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552	$27,204	$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
8	Shenandoah University Winchester, Virginia	$30,055	$23,649	$36,028	70.5%	80.4%
9	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417		$62,600	87.8%	24.4%
10	Washington and Lee University Lexington, Virginia	$23,911		$64,525	94.9%	17.0%
11	Roanoke College Salem, Virginia	$27,786		$36,774	65.9%	79.8%
12	Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, Virginia	$24,014		$20,040	38.3%	99.5%
13	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383		$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
14	University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, Virginia	$11,180		$11,656	49.8%	75.6%
15	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790		$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
16	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881		$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
17	Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia	$14,553		$9,755	40.7%	89.7%
18	Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia	$19,580		$14,880	41.3%	80.6%
19	Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,583		$36,960	49.1%	81.4%
20	Averett University Danville, Virginia	$23,262		$38,550	43.6%	76.0%
21	Randolph College Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,436		$29,010	51.5%	95.0%
22	Randolph-Macon College Ashland, Virginia	$27,759		$48,002	74.6%	85.5%
23	Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia	$12,973		$9,910	32.7%	89.5%
24	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108		$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
25	Mary Baldwin University Staunton, Virginia	$17,833		$33,157	55.7%
26	University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia	$20,187		$35,540	61.6%	95.9%
27	Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia	$22,263		$42,260	69.7%	72.4%
28	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145		$29,162	55.7%	74.5%
29	Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$23,615		$41,860	47.1%	99.5%
30	Emory & Henry University Emory, Virginia	$20,591		$35,280	53.8%	96.9%
31	Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia	$22,197		$16,351	75.1%	85.4%
32	Bridgewater College Bridgewater, Virginia	$20,173		$41,350	49.4%	90.4%
33	Bluefield University Bluefield, Virginia	$22,198		$29,696	27.1%	63.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes George Mason University stand out for music value in Virginia?

George Mason University delivers the highest earnings at $35,416 annually for music graduates while maintaining a reasonable $18,287 net cost. The school's 69.3% graduation rate exceeds many regional competitors. Its location in Fairfax provides access to D.C.-area performance venues and government cultural programs.

How do Virginia's public music programs compare in affordability?

Public university net costs range from $11,180 at UVA-Wise to $23,790 at Virginia Tech, creating a $12,610 difference. In-state tuition stays remarkably consistent, with most programs charging between $12,000-$16,000. James Madison University offers the best balance at $21,816 net cost with an 80.9% graduation rate.

Is the low graduation rate at some Virginia music programs concerning?

Radford University shows a 49.6% graduation rate despite accepting 93.3% of applicants, suggesting open access but mixed completion success. UVA-Wise graduates 49.8% of students at the state's lowest cost of $11,180. These rates reflect different student preparation levels rather than program quality issues.

Does William & Mary justify its selective admissions for music students?

William & Mary accepts only 33.5% of applicants but achieves a 91% graduation rate, the highest among public options. However, music graduates earn $25,194 annually, below the state average of $27,000. The school's academic reputation may not translate directly to music career earnings in Virginia's market.

Where do Virginia music graduates find the best earning potential?

George Mason University leads at $35,416 annual earnings, followed by James Madison at $32,569 and Old Dominion at $31,133. The northern Virginia location near D.C. appears to boost career prospects significantly. Radford University and VCU graduates both earn $20,140, the state's lowest figure.

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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.