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Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in Virginia

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

University of Virginia's College at Wise delivers the state's most affordable nursing education at just $11,180 net cost, while ECPI University graduates earn $71,015 annually,creating a striking $15,503 earnings gap between Virginia's highest and lowest-paying nursing programs. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven of the top ten spots occupied by state institutions that leverage Virginia's proximity to major health systems like Inova Health and federal medical facilities. The 20 nursing programs across Virginia show remarkable cost variation, from UVA-Wise's budget-friendly option to private institutions charging over $25,000 annually. Virginia's defense contractors and government agencies create unique opportunities for nursing professionals specializing in occupational health and research roles. James Madison University stands out with an 80.90% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options under $22,000 net cost.
31
Programs
$11,180 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$62,471
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $55,512 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $14,170 $61,090 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
3 $18,287 $64,373 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
4 $20,473 $71,015 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
5 $16,640 $57,366 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $19,452 $61,929 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
7 $21,816 $63,965 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
8 $20,187 $57,770 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
9 $20,814 $59,350 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
10 $22,881 $63,191 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
11 $24,372 $66,883 $18,238 13.6%
12 $25,153 $67,911 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
13 $23,615 $62,211 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
14 $22,198 $57,318 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
15 $26,205 $66,883 $18,238 20.7%
16 $29,552 $62,936 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
17 $30,055 $62,911 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
18 $32,145 $61,859 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
19 $25,596 $14,875 62.5% 100.0%
20 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
21 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
22 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
23 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
24 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
25 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
26 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
27 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
28 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
29 $20,215 $10,735 26.3%
30 $24,868 $12,263 100.0% 40.0%
31 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Virginia's College at Wise such a strong value for nursing students?

UVA-Wise offers the lowest net cost at $11,180 while maintaining a 75.57% acceptance rate and 49.80% graduation rate. The program provides access to Virginia's public university resources at a fraction of the cost found at other institutions. Students graduate with significantly less debt while entering a field where Virginia nurses earn between $55,512 and $71,015 annually.

How do Virginia's public nursing programs compare to private options in terms of value?

Public programs average $11,000-$22,000 in net costs compared to private institutions ranging from $20,000-$32,000 annually. George Mason University demonstrates strong value at $18,287 net cost with graduates earning $64,373, while private ECPI University charges $20,473 but delivers the highest earnings at $71,015. The $3,000-$10,000 cost difference often justifies choosing public programs for most students.

Does ECPI University justify its higher cost with better career outcomes?

ECPI University graduates earn $71,015 annually, the highest among Virginia nursing programs, which is $6,642 more than the state average. However, students pay $20,473 in net costs and graduate with $18,750 in debt compared to much lower costs at public alternatives. The 44.70% graduation rate also falls below several public options that cost significantly less.

Where do Virginia nursing graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Virginia's proximity to federal facilities and defense contractors creates unique nursing roles beyond traditional hospital settings. Inova Health System, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allen Hamilton employ nurses in clinical, occupational health, and research capacities. The state's 20 nursing programs strategically position graduates near major medical centers in Richmond, Norfolk, and the Washington DC metro area.

Is financial aid available to help Virginia students afford private nursing programs?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) helps students at private colleges reduce costs, though specific amounts vary by institution and student need. Eastern Mennonite University shows a $23,615 net cost despite a $41,860 sticker price, demonstrating significant aid availability. However, public options like Old Dominion University at $14,170 net cost often provide better value even after private college aid packages.

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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.