Cheapest Linguistic Colleges in Virginia

Virginia's language studies programs cluster at two extremes, with Old Dominion University offering the state's most affordable option at $14,170 net cost while Virginia Tech reaches $23,790. The earnings gap tells a different story, ranging from $28,960 at VCU to $40,821 at James Madison University. Federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and Northrop Grumman create demand for linguists in Northern Virginia, particularly for clearance-eligible graduates who can support defense intelligence operations. The Virginia Military Institute stands out with an 81.80% graduation rate despite moderate net costs of $18,849.

Programs

$14,170 – $23,790

Net Price Range

$35,539

Avg. Program Earnings

70.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services 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	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640	$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
3	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
4	Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia	$18,849	$20,484	81.8%	71.1%
5	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
6	Emory & Henry University Emory, Virginia	$20,591	$35,280	53.8%	96.9%
7	Longwood University Farmville, Virginia	$20,814	$15,200	61.6%	87.8%
8	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108	$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
9	James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$21,816	$13,576	80.9%	78.3%
10	Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia	$22,197	$16,351	75.1%	85.4%
11	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529	$25,040	91.0%	33.5%
12	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
13	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Dominion University the cheapest option for language studies in Virginia?

Old Dominion University in Norfolk offers the lowest net cost at $14,170 with a 95.14% acceptance rate. The school's location near major military installations provides networking opportunities with defense contractors who regularly recruit linguists.

How do graduation rates compare across Virginia's most affordable language programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from Radford University's 49.60% to the University of Virginia's 95.30%. Public universities like James Madison (80.90%) and Virginia Tech (86.30%) achieve strong completion rates while maintaining moderate costs under $24,000.

Is there a correlation between cost and earnings potential in Virginia's language programs?

James Madison University produces the highest-earning graduates at $40,821 despite a net cost of only $21,816. Virginia Commonwealth University shows the lowest earnings at $28,960, suggesting program quality matters more than price for career outcomes.

Does Virginia Military Institute offer unique advantages for language studies students?

VMI combines military training with language education, producing graduates with security clearance eligibility valued by federal contractors. The school maintains an 81.80% graduation rate and graduates earn $39,909 annually, reflecting strong career preparation.

More Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Rankings

Best Value Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Virginia Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Under $20,000 in Virginia

All Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Programs Best Colleges in Virginia Best Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Virginia

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.