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The 10 Cheapest Colleges in Virginia
What’s Covered:
- Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia
- Tips for Saving Money on College
- How Much Will You Pay for College?
The “birthplace of a nation,” Virginia is known for many things: Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, the Appalachian Trail, and oysters, to name a few. It’s also home to some of the U.S.’s top colleges and universities, including the University of Virginia, a so-called “Public Ivy.”
Despite numerous renowned colleges calling Virginia home, many students are unable to access these schools because of their high price tag; however, there are many affordable schools in the Old Dominion State.
Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia
1. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,248/$9,248
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Undergraduate Enrollment: 170
A historically Black Christian university, VUL, formerly Virginia Theological Seminary and College, remains committed to its original Christian Doctrine and Principles. The oldest school of higher learning in Lynchburg, it offers a number of degrees, largely in or related to religious studies, at multiple levels.
Learn more about Virginia University of Lynchburg and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Virginia State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $10,043/$22,650
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,829
Founded in 1882, Virginia State University (VSU) is an HBCU—the first fully state-supported four-year college or university for Black students in the United States, in fact. It’s also one of two land grant institutions in Virginia.
VSU is home to six academic colleges, through which it offers 37 undergraduate degree programs, 16 graduate degree programs, and two doctoral degree programs. It also features a 412-acre agriculture research facility.
Learn more about Virginia State University and what it takes to get accepted.
3. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $11,780/$28,010
Location: Wise, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,911
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, or more simply UVA Wise, is a part of the University of Virginia—although it’s separately accredited. The institution is a public liberal arts college situated in the mountains of Southwest Virginia.
It is notable for its low student-to-faculty ratio (13:1) and small average class size (15), its dedication to reducing/eliminating student debt, and its picturesque campus. The college offers 34 majors and 43 minors, ranging from accounting to theater.
Learn more about the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Radford University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $12,548/$25,633
Location: Radford, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,704
Radford has been recognized for its range of academic programs and commitment to sustainability—it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The university offers more than 70 bachelor’s degree programs in 47 disciplines, plus associate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Radford also competes in NCAA Division I—competing in 16 men’s and varsity sports. The university is home to over 200 student clubs and organizations.
Learn more about Radford University and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Old Dominion University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $12,750/$33,780
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,736
Old Dominion University consistently places in the Military Times ranking of best schools for veterans, and nearly 30% of the university’s students are affiliated with the military. It was originally established as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary in 1930. Today, it has grown into one of the largest institutions of higher learning in the state.
Old Dominion is classified as an R1 research institution—one of just 5% of universities nationwide to earn the designation. The university offers more than 130 programs and is home to more than 200 student organizations.
Learn more about Old Dominion University and what it takes to get accepted.
6. George Mason University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $14,220/$38,688
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 27,666
Originally founded in 1949 as a northern branch of the University of Virginia, George Mason has accrued many accolades in its short history—it’s the largest public research university in Virginia, one of the youngest R1 universities in the nation, and it consistently ranks as one of the country’s top public universities.
Students come to George Mason from 130 countries and 50 states. About a quarter of George Mason students are the first in their families to attend college. Outside of the classroom and on the field, George Mason fields 22 NCAA Division I teams.
Learn more about George Mason University and what it takes to get accepted.
7. James Madison University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $14,250/$31,604
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,006
James Madison University (JMU) offers more than 130 degree programs in fields including:
- Business
- Communications
- Education
- Health and Behavioral Studies
- Humanities and Social Science
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Visual and Performing Arts
Founded in 1908, the university has built a reputation for innovation—it’s designated as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity. Experiential learning plays a considerable role in a JMU education, with 80% of students engaging in research, an internship, a practicum, or student teaching.
Learn more about James Madison University and what it takes to get accepted.
8. University of Mary Washington
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $14,640/$27,560
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,611
Home to more than 50 majors and over 50 minors, the University of Mary Washington (UMW) was originally founded in 1908 as Fredericksburg Teachers College. Today, it is comprised of three colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
While undergraduate education was originally UMW’s main focus, it now offers several master’s degrees. Students are encouraged to explore a range of diverse topics in first-year seminar courses, which allow them to develop their core skills and join in discussions. Many students also study abroad.
Learn more about the University of Mary Washington and what it takes to get accepted.
9. Longwood University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $15,740/$27,980
Location: Farmville, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,223
The third-oldest public university in Virginia, Longwood became a university in 2002 after previously operating as a college. Longwood is comprised of three undergraduate colleges:
- Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Education, Health, and Human Services
Longwood is also home to an Honors College and the College of Graduate and Professional Services. A low student-faculty ratio (18:1), a tight-knit community, and Civitae Core Curriculum—which challenges students to think across disciplines and connect ideas—are just some aspects of the school that set it apart. Every Longwood student completes an internship before graduation.
Learn more about Longwood University and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Christopher Newport University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $16,828/$31,178
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,407
Foundational to Christopher Newport University (CNU) is its liberal arts and sciences curriculum. The rigorous core curriculum has earned the highest grade possible from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. The university emphasizes the study of leadership and has created a “nationally respected” President’s Leadership Program. Additionally, it encourages students to perform community service.
CNU is home to more than 200 student clubs and organizations. It offers 47 majors, 49 minors, and two pre-professional programs.
Learn more about Christopher Newport University and what it takes to get accepted.
Find more affordable colleges and universities in Virginia.
Tips for Saving Money on College
In addition to exploring schools with low sticker prices, there are some other strategies students can pursue to keep college costs down.
1. Look beyond the sticker price.
Students rarely end up paying full freight, despite the advertised price. In fact, many private colleges can end up costing even less than public institutions because top schools often award generous financial aid. Take this into account when researching your options.
2. Apply to schools that meet 100% of need.
On that note, look for schools that commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for accepted students. Many top-tier colleges and universities, including Ivies, have made this pledge.
3. Apply for scholarships.
Start your scholarship search early, bearing in mind that outside awards can help offset the cost of your college education significantly, even though institutional aid is your best source of financial support.
How Much Will You Pay for College?
Chances are, you won’t pay the stated sticker price at any school you choose to attend. Find out the net price you can expect based on your individual financial circumstances using our free financial aid calculator!
