Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in Virginia

Religious studies programs in Virginia span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Virginia University of Lynchburg at $18,184 to top-tier options near $25,000. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for religious studies graduates in government relations, nonprofit advocacy, and faith-based organizations that work with federal agencies. George Mason University stands out among public options at $18,287, while private colleges like Regent University offer specialized faith-based education at $18,749. Virginia's defense contractor presence, including companies like Northrop Grumman, increasingly values graduates who understand varied religious perspectives for international operations. Graduation rates vary dramatically across price points, from Virginia University of Lynchburg's 26% to the University of Virginia's strong 95%. The VTAG grant provides additional support for students at private institutions, making schools like Randolph College more accessible despite their higher sticker prices.

Programs

$18,184 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$31,092

Avg. Program Earnings

60.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,184	$9,248	26.1%
2	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
3	Randolph College Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,436	$29,010	51.5%	95.0%
4	Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$18,749	$20,686	54.1%	32.3%
5	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
6	Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia	$19,580	$14,880	41.3%	80.6%
7	University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia	$20,187	$35,540	61.6%	95.9%
8	Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,583	$36,960	49.1%	81.4%
9	Emory & Henry University Emory, Virginia	$20,591	$35,280	53.8%	96.9%
10	Ferrum College Ferrum, Virginia	$22,085	$38,320	28.9%	84.3%
11	Bluefield University Bluefield, Virginia	$22,198	$29,696	27.1%	63.0%
12	Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia	$22,263	$42,260	69.7%	72.4%
13	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529	$25,040	91.0%	33.5%
14	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
15	Averett University Danville, Virginia	$23,262	$38,550	43.6%	76.0%
16	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383	$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
17	Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$23,615	$41,860	47.1%	99.5%
18	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
19	Washington and Lee University Lexington, Virginia	$23,911	$64,525	94.9%	17.0%
20	Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, Virginia	$24,668	$52,388	65.3%	39.8%
21	Marymount University Arlington, Virginia	$25,153	$39,050	57.9%	81.4%
22	Randolph-Macon College Ashland, Virginia	$27,759	$48,002	74.6%	85.5%
23	Roanoke College Salem, Virginia	$27,786	$36,774	65.9%	79.8%
24	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552	$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
25	Shenandoah University Winchester, Virginia	$30,055	$36,028	70.5%	80.4%
26	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145	$29,162	55.7%	74.5%
27	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417	$62,600	87.8%	24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge graduation rate gap between Virginia's cheapest religious studies programs?

Virginia University of Lynchburg graduates just 26% of students despite its $18,184 cost, while George Mason University achieves 69% at nearly the same price of $18,287. This 43-percentage-point difference reflects varying academic support systems and student preparation levels. The University of Virginia leads all programs with 95% graduation rates, though at $22,881 it costs $4,600 more than the cheapest options.

How do Virginia's public universities compare for religious studies affordability?

George Mason University offers the best public value at $18,287, followed by Virginia Commonwealth University at $19,452. William & Mary costs $22,529 but delivers 91% graduation rates, while UVA tops out at $22,881 with 95% completion rates. All public options remain below $25,000, making them significantly more affordable than most private alternatives.

Does the VTAG grant make Virginia's private religious studies programs competitive?

VTAG assistance helps level the playing field, bringing schools like Randolph College down to $18,436 net cost despite a $29,010 sticker price. Regent University becomes accessible at $18,749 with the grant, while maintaining strong connections to Virginia Beach's military community. However, public options like George Mason still edge out most privates on pure affordability.

Where do Virginia religious studies graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

University of Virginia graduates start at $28,598, representing the field's peak earning potential in the state. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates begin at $22,938, showing a $5,660 salary gap between programs. These earnings reflect Virginia's strong government and nonprofit sectors, where religious studies skills in ethics, cultural understanding, and communication command competitive wages.

What makes Regent University unique among Virginia's affordable religious studies options?

Regent University combines affordable education at $18,749 with selective admissions, accepting only 32% of applicants compared to 90%+ at most budget-friendly alternatives. The Virginia Beach location provides access to military families and defense contractors who value religious studies perspectives. With 54% graduation rates, Regent falls between community-focused programs and elite research universities in student outcomes.

More Religion/Religious Studies 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.