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Virginia Military Institute stands apart among accessible colleges in the state, combining a 71% acceptance rate with graduates earning $77,369 annually. This military college in Lexington demonstrates that high acceptance rates don't compromise outcomes. Across Virginia's 37 schools accepting 70% or more applicants, costs range from $11,180 at UVA-Wise to $32,145 at Hampton University, while graduation rates span 40.7% to 81.8%. The state's defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton create strong demand for graduates from accessible programs. James Madison University accepts 78% of applicants yet maintains an 81% graduation rate, proving selective outcomes aren't always tied to selective admissions. George Mason University serves 27,083 students with 90% acceptance while placing graduates in the Washington D.C. metro area's federal and technology sectors. Virginia's VTAG grant program supports students at private institutions, making schools like Shenandoah University and Roanoke College more affordable despite higher sticker prices. These accessible programs feed talent into Virginia's growing health systems like Inova Health and the state's expanding technology corridor.
37
Schools
$21,413
Avg. Net Price
$53,397
Avg. Earnings
55.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Virginia

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 284 $33,304
2 100.0% 2
3 100.0% 325 $25,596 62.5%
4 99.5% 800 $23,615 47.1%
5 99.5% 967 $24,014 38.3%
6 99.3% 50,059 $29,552 63.5%
7 96.9% 1,107 $20,591 53.8%
8 95.9% 1,599 $20,187 61.6%
9 95.1% 17,521 $14,170 44.4%
10 95.0% 520 $18,436 51.5%
11 93.3% 5,609 $16,640 49.6%
12 91.0% 20,797 $19,452 65.4%
13 90.4% 1,388 $20,173 49.4%
14 90.0% 27,083 $18,287 69.3%
15 89.7% 4,787 $14,553 40.7%
16 89.5% 5,495 $12,973 32.7%
17 87.8% 2,957 $20,814 61.6%
18 85.8% 3,504 $21,108 67.4%
19 85.5% 1,489 $27,759 74.6%
20 85.4% 4,402 $22,197 75.1%
21 84.3% 745 $22,085 28.9%
22 82.7% 11,270 $20,473 44.7%
23 81.4% 1,243 $20,583 49.1%
24 81.4% 1,795 $25,153 57.9%
25 80.6% 1,153 $19,580 41.3%
26 80.4% 2,127 $30,055 70.5%
27 79.8% 1,801 $27,786 65.9%
28 79.1% 799 $8,920 20.9%
29 78.3% 20,497 $21,816 80.9%
30 76.0% 1,162 $23,262 43.6%
31 75.9% 373 65.5%
32 75.8% 463 $23,383 48.1%
33 75.6% 1,214 $11,180 49.8%
34 74.5% 3,254 $32,145 55.7%
35 72.4% 673 $22,263 69.7%
36 71.1% 1,560 $18,849 81.8%
37 70.2% 377 $18,497 73.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Military Institute unique among accessible colleges?

VMI accepts 71% of applicants while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $77,369 annually. The military structure produces an 81.8% graduation rate, showing that accessible admissions can still maintain rigorous standards and strong career outcomes.

How do costs vary among Virginia's accessible colleges?

Net prices range from $11,180 at UVA-Wise to $32,145 at Hampton University. Public options like Radford University cost $16,640, while private colleges average around $25,000-30,000 before Virginia's VTAG grants reduce expenses.

Is James Madison University worth considering despite high acceptance rates?

JMU accepts 78% of applicants but maintains an 81% graduation rate and $69,954 median earnings. With 20,497 students, it offers major university resources while remaining accessible to most qualified applicants.

Does George Mason University provide good job placement despite 90% acceptance?

Mason graduates earn $76,343 annually, second-highest among accessible Virginia schools. The Fairfax location provides direct access to Washington D.C.'s federal agencies, defense contractors, and technology companies seeking qualified talent.

Where can students find the most affordable accessible education in Virginia?

UVA-Wise offers the lowest net price at $11,180 with 75.6% acceptance rates. Despite a 49.8% graduation rate, graduates earn $45,325 annually, providing solid return on investment for Appalachian Virginia students.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from these accessible programs?

Graduate earnings range from $44,813 to $77,369 annually. Health-focused programs like Riverside College show strong outcomes at $66,072, while business and technology graduates find opportunities with Virginia's defense and healthcare employers.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.