Cheapest Civil Engineering Colleges in Virginia

Old Dominion University offers Civil Engineering students the state's lowest net price at $14,170, nearly $10,000 less than Virginia Tech's $23,790. This cost advantage comes at a time when Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates strong demand for infrastructure engineers. While ODU's 44% graduation rate lags behind other programs, the $63,005 median earnings demonstrate that Civil Engineering graduates find solid career prospects in the region's government and defense sectors.

Programs

$14,170 – $23,790

Net Price Range

$61,546

Avg. Program Earnings

75.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Civil Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia	$14,170	$12,262	44.4%	95.1%
2	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
3	Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia	$18,849	$20,484	81.8%	71.1%
4	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
5	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide gap between Old Dominion's 44% graduation rate and UVA's 95%?

The 51-percentage-point difference reflects varying admission selectivity and student preparation levels. UVA accepts just 19% of applicants compared to ODU's 95% acceptance rate, creating different academic environments and expectations.

How do Virginia Civil Engineering programs compare in terms of student debt?

UVA graduates carry the lowest debt burden at $14,400, while VMI students face $25,750 in average debt. This $11,350 difference often reflects varying financial aid packages and family income levels at each institution.

Does Virginia Tech justify its higher costs with better career outcomes?

Virginia Tech's $23,790 net price yields $62,508 median earnings, actually trailing UVA's $68,666 despite similar costs. The 86% graduation rate at Tech suggests strong program completion, though earnings vary based on individual career paths and specializations.

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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.