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NCAA Division I Colleges in Virginia

14 schools in Virginia. See our methodology.

Virginia Military Institute manages to achieve an 81.8% graduation rate while maintaining a net price below $19,000, making it one of the most cost-effective pathways to strong post-graduation earnings of $77,369. This performance stands out in a state where Division I colleges show remarkable variation, from Norfolk State's accessible $12,973 net price to the University of Richmond's $33,417 premium experience. The state's 14 Division I institutions serve over 236,000 students across vastly different acceptance rates, ranging from UVA's selective 18.7% to Liberty's open-access 99.3%. Virginia's defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton create strong demand for engineering and technology graduates, particularly benefiting Virginia Tech alumni who earn $81,698 annually. The state's VTAG grant program helps make private institutions more accessible, though public options like George Mason at $18,287 net price still deliver solid earning potential of $76,343. Students can choose between research powerhouses with over 30,000 students or intimate liberal arts experiences with fewer than 3,000 enrolled.
14
Schools
$21,951
Avg. Net Price
$64,976
Avg. Earnings
69.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Virginia

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 17,315 $22,881 95.3% 18.7%
2 6,949 $22,529 91.0% 33.5%
3 30,435 $23,790 86.3% 57.0%
4 1,560 $18,849 81.8% 71.1%
5 20,497 $21,816 80.9% 78.3%
6 3,002 $33,417 87.8% 24.4%
7 27,083 $18,287 69.3% 90.0%
8 20,797 $19,452 65.4% 91.0%
9 2,957 $20,814 61.6% 87.8%
10 3,254 $32,145 55.7% 74.5%
11 5,609 $16,640 49.6% 93.3%
12 17,521 $14,170 44.4% 95.1%
13 50,059 $29,552 63.5% 99.3%
14 5,495 $12,973 32.7% 89.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia's Division I colleges unique in terms of cost and outcomes?

Virginia offers strong value through schools like Virginia Military Institute, which combines a $18,849 net price with $77,369 median earnings and 81.8% graduation rate. The state's range spans from Norfolk State's $12,973 to Richmond's $33,417, yet earnings potential remains strong across price points.

How competitive are Virginia's top Division I programs for admission?

Admission selectivity varies dramatically, from UVA's highly competitive 18.7% acceptance rate to Liberty University's open-access 99.3%. William & Mary accepts 33.5% of applicants, while Virginia Tech admits 57% despite being a major research university with over 30,000 students.

Is there a significant difference in graduation rates among Virginia Division I schools?

Graduation rates span from Norfolk State's 32.7% to UVA's strong 95.3%. The top tier consistently exceeds 80%, including William & Mary at 91% and Virginia Tech at 86.3%, while several schools struggle below 50%.

Does Virginia's job market benefit college graduates from these institutions?

Virginia's defense and technology sector, anchored by employers like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, creates strong opportunities for graduates. Even graduates from more affordable schools like George Mason earn $76,343 annually, reflecting the state's solid economy.

Where can students find the best value among Virginia Division I colleges?

Virginia Military Institute delivers outstanding value with $18,849 net price, 81.8% graduation rate, and $77,369 earnings. George Mason also offers strong returns at $18,287 with $76,343 median earnings, while Virginia Tech provides research opportunities at $23,790.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Virginia Cheapest Programs in Virginia

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.