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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Virginia

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

University of Virginia's College at Wise stands out with the lowest net cost at $11,180 for Liberal Arts programs in Virginia, while other public options like Virginia State University charge $14,553. This $3,373 difference matters for students exploring broad educational foundations that serve Virginia's federal contracting sector well. Liberal Arts graduates find opportunities with major regional employers like Booz Allen Hamilton and Northrop Grumman, where analytical thinking and communication skills prove valuable. The state's 20 affordable programs show graduation rates ranging from 26% to 81%, with James Madison University leading at 80.90% despite charging $21,816 net cost. Private colleges like Bridgewater offer the highest post-graduation earnings at $41,565, though students pay significantly more upfront. Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique advantages for Liberal Arts graduates, as federal agencies and defense contractors regularly hire for research, policy analysis, and project management roles that value broad academic preparation over narrow specialization.
29
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$35,070
Avg. Program Earnings
58.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
3 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
4 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
5 $18,184 $9,248 26.1%
6 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
7 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
8 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
9 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
10 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
11 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
12 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
13 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
14 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
15 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
16 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
17 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
18 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
19 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
20 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
21 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
22 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
23 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
24 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
25 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
26 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
27 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
28 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
29 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap between Virginia schools?

Graduation rates range from Virginia University of Lynchburg's 26.10% to James Madison University's 80.90%, a 55-point difference. Resource levels, student support services, and admission selectivity contribute to these outcomes. James Madison accepts 78% of applicants but maintains high completion rates, while schools with 95%+ acceptance rates often struggle with retention.

How do Virginia private college costs compare to public options?

Private colleges average $20,000+ in net costs compared to public schools ranging from $11,180 to $21,816. However, Virginia's VTAG grant program helps offset private college expenses for eligible students. Mary Baldwin University demonstrates this gap, charging $17,833 net cost versus a $33,157 sticker price.

Is the earnings difference between schools significant enough to justify higher costs?

Bridgewater College graduates earn $41,565 annually despite paying $20,173 net cost, while Mary Baldwin graduates earn $30,409 after paying $17,833. This $11,156 earnings difference could offset the educational investment over time. However, debt levels ranging from $19,500 to $27,000 also factor into the financial equation.

Does Virginia's federal proximity create specific advantages for Liberal Arts graduates?

Virginia's location near Washington D.C. benefits Liberal Arts graduates through federal contracting opportunities with companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton. These employers value analytical writing, research skills, and broad knowledge bases that Liberal Arts programs develop. Defense contractors and government agencies regularly recruit for policy analysis and project coordination roles.

Where do the most affordable programs maintain reasonable graduation rates?

University of Virginia's College at Wise offers the lowest cost at $11,180 with a 49.80% graduation rate, while Virginia State University charges $14,553 with 40.70% completion. George Mason University provides better value at $18,287 net cost with 69.30% graduation rates. These schools balance affordability with academic support systems.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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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.