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Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach leads Virginia's affordable marketing education at just $12,134 net cost, while programs at the opposite end reach $32,145. This $20,000 gap reflects Virginia's mix of accessible public universities and private institutions serving the state's federal contracting economy. Marketing graduates find strong career paths with defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, companies that require skilled professionals to navigate government procurement processes. James Madison University offers the highest earning potential at $51,794 annually, nearly matching Virginia Tech's $51,773 despite costing $2,000 less. Public universities dominate the lower cost ranges, with Old Dominion at $14,170 and Virginia State at $14,553 providing affordable pathways into Virginia's government-adjacent business sector.
15
Programs
$12,134 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$43,515
Avg. Program Earnings
54.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Marketing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
2 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
3 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
4 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
5 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
6 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
7 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
8 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
9 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
10 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
11 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
12 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
13 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
14 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
15 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach the most affordable option?

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach offers the lowest net cost at $12,134, making it significantly more affordable than other private institutions in the state. However, its 28.10% graduation rate is among the lowest on the list. The college focuses on career-oriented programs in the Virginia Beach area, where tourism and military contracting create marketing opportunities. Students should weigh the cost savings against completion rates when considering this option.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for marketing costs?

Public universities offer substantially lower costs, with Old Dominion at $14,170 net cost and Radford at $16,640, compared to private institutions that range up to $32,145. George Mason University provides excellent value at $18,287 net cost while maintaining a 69.30% graduation rate and $44,821 median earnings. The VTAG grant helps Virginia residents attending private colleges, but public options still maintain clear cost advantages. In-state tuition at public universities ranges from $9,755 to $16,458.

Does James Madison University justify its higher cost with better outcomes?

James Madison University commands $21,816 net cost but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $51,794 annually, nearly $10,000 more than George Mason's $44,821. The university maintains an impressive 80.90% graduation rate, among the best in the state. Students graduate with $19,500 in debt, which is reasonable given the earning potential. The strong alumni network and business connections in Virginia make this a solid investment for serious marketing students.

Where do marketing graduates find the best job opportunities in Virginia?

Northern Virginia offers the strongest job market with federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and defense companies requiring marketing expertise for government relations. The Richmond area provides opportunities in healthcare marketing with Inova Health and financial services. Virginia Beach combines tourism marketing with military contracting opportunities. Graduates earning $44,821 at George Mason benefit from proximity to Washington D.C.'s consulting and lobbying firms that need marketing professionals.

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