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Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in Virginia

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Virginia business programs show stark price differences that don't always predict earnings outcomes. University of Virginia's College at Wise charges just $11,180 annually while George Mason University costs $18,287 but delivers significantly higher graduate earnings at $48,041 compared to UVA Wise's $30,616. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for business graduates, with major federal contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruiting management talent. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four of the five cheapest options being state schools. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across price points, from Virginia University of Lynchburg's 26.1% to George Mason's 69.3%. Private colleges benefit from Virginia's VTAG grant program, which helps bridge the gap between public and private costs for qualifying students.
38
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$41,362
Avg. Program Earnings
55.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
3 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
5 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
7 $18,184 $9,248 26.1%
8 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
9 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
10 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
11 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
12 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
13 $20,215 $10,735 26.3%
14 $20,473 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
15 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
16 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
17 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
18 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
19 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
20 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
21 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
22 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
23 $22,341 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
24 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
25 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
26 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
27 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
28 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
29 $24,372 $18,238 13.6%
30 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
31 $26,205 $18,238 20.7%
32 $26,254 $16,637 66.7%
33 $27,538 $16,637 50.0%
34 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
35 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
36 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
37 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
38 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $37,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-earning programs?

George Mason University graduates earn $48,041 annually while UVA Wise graduates start at $30,616, reflecting geographic and industry factors. George Mason's location in Northern Virginia provides access to high-paying government contracting and technology roles. The federal contracting sector around Washington D.C. typically offers higher starting salaries than rural Virginia markets. Regional cost of living differences also influence these salary disparities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Virginia?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. George Mason University combines a moderate $18,287 cost with a strong 69.3% graduation rate. Bryant & Stratton College charges $12,134 but graduates only 28.1% of students. Mary Baldwin University achieves a solid 55.7% graduation rate despite costing $17,833 annually.

Is student debt burden consistent across Virginia business programs?

Debt levels vary widely, from George Mason's manageable $19,440 to Bryant & Stratton's concerning $38,718. UVA Wise keeps debt reasonable at $14,500 despite low earnings potential. Private colleges typically carry higher debt loads, with ECPI University averaging $34,930. Public universities generally offer better debt-to-earnings ratios for business graduates.

Does Virginia's VTAG grant significantly impact private college affordability?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant helps narrow the public-private cost gap for eligible students. Private colleges like Mary Baldwin and Bridgewater show substantial sticker prices of $33,157 and $41,350 respectively. However, net prices after aid drop to $17,833 and $20,173, making them competitive with mid-tier public options. The grant particularly benefits students at smaller private institutions.

Where do Virginia business graduates find the best job opportunities?

Northern Virginia offers the highest-paying opportunities due to government contracting and technology sectors. Major employers include Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, and federal agencies requiring business administration skills. Hampton Roads provides defense-related opportunities, while Richmond offers corporate headquarters and banking roles. Rural areas like Wise have fewer high-paying options, reflected in lower graduate earnings.

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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.