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Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in Virginia

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

Business programs in Virginia span an unusual cost spectrum, from University of Virginia's College at Wise charging just $11,180 annually to Liberty University reaching $29,552. The gap widens further when comparing graduation outcomes, with UVA-Main Campus achieving a 95.30% completion rate while Bluefield University manages only 27.10%. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates strong demand for business graduates, particularly those skilled in government contracting and project management. The state's VTAG grant program helps bridge affordability gaps at private institutions, though public universities still dominate the lower cost tiers. Earnings potential varies dramatically across programs, with UVA-Main Campus graduates averaging $82,440 compared to $35,600 at Southern Virginia University.
15
Programs
$11,180 – $29,552
Net Price Range
$52,780
Avg. Program Earnings
61.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
3 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
4 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
5 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
6 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
7 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
8 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
9 $22,341 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
10 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
11 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
12 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
13 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
14 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
15 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap among Virginia business graduates?

UVA-Main Campus business graduates earn $82,440 annually compared to $35,600 at Southern Virginia University, reflecting institutional reputation and regional employer preferences. Virginia Tech graduates average $56,563, while Sweet Briar College produces similar earnings at $44,189 despite higher costs. The proximity to Washington DC federal agencies and major defense contractors creates premium opportunities for graduates from more selective programs.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for business education costs?

Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with UVA-Wise, Norfolk State, and George Mason University all under $20,000 net cost. Private colleges like Randolph College and Regent University fall in the middle range around $18,500-$18,700. However, some private institutions like Liberty University reach $29,552, nearly triple the cost of the cheapest public option.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in Virginia business schools?

The most selective program, UVA-Main Campus with 18.66% acceptance, produces the highest graduate earnings at $82,440. However, DeVry University shows that low acceptance rates don't guarantee quality, with 33.33% acceptance but concerning debt levels at $40,529. George Mason University demonstrates that high acceptance rates (90%) can still yield strong outcomes with reasonable costs.

Where do Virginia business graduates find the best return on investment?

George Mason University offers strong value with $18,287 net cost, 69.30% graduation rate, and access to Northern Virginia's business corridor. UVA-Main Campus provides the highest earnings potential at $82,440 but requires strong academic credentials for admission. Virginia Tech balances moderate costs at $23,790 with solid earnings of $56,563 and strong industry connections.

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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.