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Suburban Colleges in Virginia

36 schools in Virginia. See our methodology.

University of Virginia commands the suburban college scene with 95.30% graduation rates and $86,863 in median earnings, but the Commonwealth's suburban institutions tell a more complex story. Acceptance rates span from UVA's selective 18.66% to George Mason's open 90.00%, reflecting Virginia's approach to accessible higher education. The 36 suburban colleges serve over 110,000 students with net prices ranging from J Sargeant Reynolds Community College's $4,553 to Eastern Virginia Career College's $39,005. Community colleges dominate enrollment numbers, with Northern Virginia Community College alone serving 31,737 students. The region benefits from proximity to federal contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, creating pathways from suburban campuses to defense sector careers. Virginia's VTAG grant program supports private college affordability, while public institutions like George Mason University bridge the gap with $18,287 net costs and strong job market connections. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 30.3% at Reynolds to perfect 100% completion at specialized Chamberlain University's nursing programs, reflecting the varied missions these suburban institutions serve.
36
Schools
$20,593
Avg. Net Price
$51,408
Avg. Earnings
56.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Virginia

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Midsize 17,315 $22,881 95.3%
2 Suburb-Large 567 100.0%
3 Suburb-Small 6,949 $22,529 91.0%
4 Suburb-Large 177 77.8%
5 Suburb-Large 27,083 $18,287 69.3%
6 Suburb-Midsize 3,504 $21,108 67.4%
7 Suburb-Large 31,737 $8,554 37.3%
8 Suburb-Large 5,548 $5,583 38.7%
9 Suburb-Midsize 3,032 $6,347 35.1%
10 Suburb-Small 1,335 $5,112 41.7%
11 Suburb-Large 3,901 $6,468 34.1%
12 Suburb-Large 3,254 $32,145 55.7%
13 Suburb-Large 5,284 $4,553 30.3%
14 Suburb-Midsize 1,801 $27,786 65.9%
15 Suburb-Midsize 217 $39,005 80.5%
16 Suburb-Large 1,489 $27,759 74.6%
17 Suburb-Large 399 $19,803 37.3%
18 Suburb-Large 4,787 $14,553 40.7%
19 Suburb-Midsize 673 $22,263 69.7%
20 Suburb-Midsize 173
21 Suburb-Large 374 $40,766
22 Suburb-Large 85 50.0%
23 Suburb-Midsize 643 $20,215 26.3%
24 Suburb-Large 239 $9,921 72.3%
25 Suburb-Large 244 $26,205 20.7%
26 Suburb-Small 1,388 $20,173 49.4%
27 Suburb-Large 527
28 Suburb-Large 5
29 Suburb-Large 147 $23,878 40.0%
30 Suburb-Large 91
31 Suburb-Large 719 $35,630 58.8%
32 Suburb-Large 31
33 Suburb-Large 284 $33,304
34 Suburb-Large
35 Suburb-Large
36 Suburb-Large 157

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Virginia stand out among Virginia's suburban colleges?

UVA achieves a 95.30% graduation rate with highly selective 18.66% acceptance, producing graduates who earn $86,863 median salaries. The Charlottesville campus serves 17,315 students with a $22,881 net price, combining academic excellence with reasonable costs for a flagship institution.

How do community colleges compare to four-year institutions in suburban Virginia?

Community colleges serve the largest populations, with Northern Virginia Community College enrolling 31,737 students at $8,554 net cost. Graduation rates average 35-40%, but these schools provide affordable pathways to transfer or direct workforce entry in Virginia's growing economy.

Is George Mason University a good value for suburban college students?

George Mason offers strong value with $18,287 net price, 69.30% graduation rate, and $76,343 median earnings. The Fairfax location provides access to 27,083 students while maintaining 90.00% acceptance, making quality education accessible near Washington DC job markets.

Does Virginia's VTAG program help with private college costs?

VTAG grants support private college affordability, though costs still vary widely from $21,108 at University of Mary Washington to $39,005 at specialized programs like Eastern Virginia Career College. The program helps bridge gaps for Virginia residents choosing private options.

Where do graduates from Virginia suburban colleges typically find employment?

Many graduates enter Virginia's defense and healthcare sectors, with employers like Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Inova Health recruiting locally. Median earnings range from $32,681 to $92,405, reflecting varied career paths from technical roles to specialized nursing positions.

What explains the wide variation in graduation rates across suburban Virginia colleges?

Graduation rates range from 30.3% at Reynolds Community College to 100% at Chamberlain University, reflecting different student populations and missions. Community colleges serve many part-time and working students, while specialized programs like nursing maintain higher completion rates.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.