State hub

College costs in Virginia

Last checked: 2026-10-26

This page lists the 10 pilot schools in Virginia that are covered in this pilot. The lowest published total cost among them is $25,651 at Northern Virginia Community College, for one year, in state. The full list of 300 pilot schools is on the homepage, and selection for the pilot is explained on the methodology page.

Virginia averages

FigureAverage
Total cost for one year, in state$40,003
Total cost for one year, out of state$55,014
Average net price for one year$20,762
Acceptance rate61.2%

Averages on this page are simple averages across the pilot schools in Virginia that publish each figure. They describe the schools listed on this site, not every college in the state.

Schools in Virginia ranked by total cost

SchoolCityTotal cost, in stateTotal cost, out of stateAverage net price
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale$25,651$31,734$8,242
Washington University of Science and TechnologyAlexandria$30,182$30,182Not published
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk$31,654$52,054$16,150
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg$31,974$49,188$26,317
George Mason UniversityFairfax$33,748$59,330$18,900
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$37,252$58,468$22,205
University of VirginiaCharlottesville$39,926$76,954$17,831
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond$39,967$62,551$22,852
Liberty UniversityLynchburg$42,680$42,680$29,692
Washington and Lee UniversityLexington$87,000$87,000$24,667

Schools in Virginia ranked by acceptance rate

SchoolAcceptance rate, fall 2023ApplicantsAdmitted
Washington University of Science and Technology11.5%17420
University of Virginia16.9%56,5289,533
Washington and Lee University17.4%6,8201,184
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University57.0%47,20826,923
James Madison University76.2%35,75027,258
George Mason University88.8%22,57920,057
Old Dominion University90.5%15,21613,773
Virginia Commonwealth University93.1%19,05217,729
Liberty University99.3%36,92136,671

Frequently asked questions

How much does college cost in Virginia?

Across the 10 pilot schools in Virginia that publish a total cost, the simple average total cost for one year is $40,003 for in state students. Individual schools on this page range from $25,651 upward.

What is the cheapest pilot school in Virginia on this site?

By published total cost for one year, the lowest is Northern Virginia Community College at $25,651 for in state students. Average net price can change the order, because grant aid differs by school.

What is the average acceptance rate in Virginia?

Across the 9 pilot schools in Virginia that publish a rate, the simple average acceptance rate is 61.2% for fall 2023.

Are these every college in Virginia?

No. This pilot covers 300 schools nationwide, chosen by measured search demand, selectivity, and enrollment, with at least one school in every state. The Virginia page lists only the pilot schools in the state.

Sources: the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard, United States Department of Education. See the methodology page for sources, years, and how averages are worked out.