Best Value Physics Colleges in Virginia

Physics programs in Virginia show remarkable earning potential despite modest costs, with University of Virginia graduates averaging $52,289 annually while maintaining net costs around $22,881. The state's proximity to federal research facilities and defense contractors creates strong demand for physics talent at companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton. Virginia's public universities dominate the value equation, with George Mason offering the lowest net cost at $18,287 while still connecting students to the Northern Virginia tech corridor. The gap between public and private options is substantial, as programs range from $12,973 to $33,417 in net costs. Virginia Tech's physics program balances strong earning outcomes with reasonable debt levels of $26,224, reflecting the state's emphasis on STEM education. The VTAG grant provides additional support for students choosing private institutions, though public options consistently deliver better value ratios for physics majors entering Virginia's research-heavy job market.

Programs

$12,973 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$41,162

Avg. Program Earnings

65.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Physics 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	$52,289	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
2	James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$21,816	$47,260	$13,576	80.9%	78.3%
3	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$38,289	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
4	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$38,289	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
5	Bridgewater College Bridgewater, Virginia	$20,173	$29,685	$41,350	49.4%	90.4%
6	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640		$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
7	Washington and Lee University Lexington, Virginia	$23,911		$64,525	94.9%	17.0%
8	Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia	$19,580		$14,880	41.3%	80.6%
9	Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia	$18,849		$20,484	81.8%	71.1%
10	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452		$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
11	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383		$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
12	Roanoke College Salem, Virginia	$27,786		$36,774	65.9%	79.8%
13	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417		$62,600	87.8%	24.4%
14	Randolph College Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,436		$29,010	51.5%	95.0%
15	Randolph-Macon College Ashland, Virginia	$27,759		$48,002	74.6%	85.5%
16	Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia	$14,170		$12,262	44.4%	95.1%
17	Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia	$12,973		$9,910	32.7%	89.5%
18	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108		$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
19	University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia	$20,187		$35,540	61.6%	95.9%
20	Longwood University Farmville, Virginia	$20,814		$15,200	61.6%	87.8%
21	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145		$29,162	55.7%	74.5%
22	Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, Virginia	$24,668		$52,388	65.3%	39.8%
23	Emory & Henry University Emory, Virginia	$20,591		$35,280	53.8%	96.9%
24	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529		$25,040	91.0%	33.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Virginia the top earner for physics graduates?

UVA physics graduates earn $52,289 annually, the highest in the state, with a 95.30% graduation rate. The program's research opportunities and connections to federal facilities in Virginia drive these outcomes. Despite selective 18.66% acceptance rates, the net cost of $22,881 creates strong return on investment for physics majors.

How do Virginia's public universities compare to private colleges for physics value?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with George Mason providing the lowest net cost at $18,287 compared to private options reaching $33,417. Virginia Tech and James Madison both deliver strong physics programs under $25,000 net cost. Private colleges like University of Richmond cost $33,417 but lack comparable earning data to justify the premium.

Is Virginia Tech worth the higher cost compared to other state schools?

Virginia Tech's $23,790 net cost is higher than most Virginia public universities but produces graduates earning $38,289 annually. The program maintains an 86.30% graduation rate with manageable debt levels of $26,224. Students benefit from strong engineering connections and research opportunities that justify the modest cost premium.

Does Virginia's federal presence create better physics job opportunities?

Virginia's proximity to Washington DC and federal research facilities creates strong demand for physics graduates at defense contractors and government agencies. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruit from Virginia programs. The state's concentration of federal labs and research centers provides internship and career pathways that boost earning potential for physics majors.

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

University of Virginia leads with a 95.30% graduation rate, followed closely by Washington and Lee at 94.90%. Virginia Tech maintains strong completion at 86.30% while offering more accessible admission. James Madison achieves 80.90% graduation rates with the added benefit of lower in-state costs at $13,576.

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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.