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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Virginia

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

University of Virginia's College at Wise offers the state's most affordable nursing program at just $11,180 net cost, creating an unusual opportunity in a field where graduates typically earn between $55,512 and $71,015 annually. The $11,701 gap between UVA-Wise and the second cheapest option at Bryant & Stratton College represents significant savings for students entering a profession that serves Virginia's growing healthcare sector. Major health systems like Inova Health and the Veterans Affairs medical centers across the state actively recruit nursing graduates with expertise in clinical practice, administration, and research roles. Private institutions charge substantially more, with some exceeding $35,000 in sticker price, though the VTAG grant helps Virginia residents bridge funding gaps at nonprofit colleges. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with seven of the ten cheapest programs housed at state institutions where in-state students benefit from taxpayer subsidies.
31
Programs
$11,180 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$62,471
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
3 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
4 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
5 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
6 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
7 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
8 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
9 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
10 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
12 $20,215 $10,735 26.3%
13 $20,473 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
14 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
15 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
16 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
17 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
18 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
19 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
20 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
21 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
22 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
23 $24,372 $18,238 13.6%
24 $24,868 $12,263 100.0% 40.0%
25 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
26 $25,596 $14,875 62.5% 100.0%
27 $26,205 $18,238 20.7%
28 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
29 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
30 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
31 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,000 difference between the cheapest and most expensive nursing programs in Virginia?

Public universities like UVA-Wise charge just $11,180 net cost while private institutions can exceed $35,000 in sticker price. State funding allows public schools to offer substantial discounts to Virginia residents. Private colleges often provide institutional aid that reduces net costs, but rarely to the level of public institutions. The VTAG grant provides additional assistance at private nonprofit colleges for eligible students.

How do nursing program graduation rates compare across different price points in Virginia?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with University of Lynchburg and Mary Baldwin achieving 61.6% and 55.7% respectively. Public universities vary widely, from Norfolk State's 32.7% to George Mason's 69.3% graduation rate. The most affordable option, UVA-Wise, maintains a respectable 49.8% completion rate. Some for-profit institutions struggle with retention, like American National University at just 26.3%.

Where do Virginia nursing graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

ECPI University graduates earn the highest median salary at $71,015 annually despite the school's mid-range tuition costs. George Mason graduates follow closely at $64,373, benefiting from proximity to high-paying Northern Virginia healthcare systems. Virginia Commonwealth University nursing graduates earn $61,929 on average in the Richmond market. Even graduates from the most affordable program at UVA-Wise earn $55,512, demonstrating strong earning potential across all price points.

Does attending a more expensive nursing program lead to better job prospects in Virginia?

Cost and outcomes don't always correlate directly in Virginia's nursing programs. ECPI University charges moderate tuition but produces the highest-earning graduates at $71,015 annually. Meanwhile, affordable public options like UVA-Wise and Old Dominion still connect graduates to solid career opportunities. Virginia's proximity to federal healthcare facilities and major health systems like Inova creates strong demand regardless of program cost. The state's nursing shortage means employers focus more on licensure and competency than school prestige.

What student debt loads can nursing students expect at Virginia's most affordable programs?

Public universities typically generate lower debt burdens, with George Mason graduates averaging just $13,000 in loans and Old Dominion students borrowing $17,990 on average. Bryant & Stratton College students face higher debt at $29,490 despite receiving substantial financial aid. ECPI University keeps graduate debt reasonable at $18,750 while producing high earners. Students at the most affordable programs often graduate with minimal debt, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios for new nurses.

More Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 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.