2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools in Virginia

1

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

For return on investment in anthropology, no school beat George Mason University this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,937 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $37,081. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

2

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Anthropology graduates carry a median of $13,996 in student loans. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $22,732. That is a strong return on a $13,996 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.

3

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

A rank of #3 makes James Madison University one of the best values for anthropology. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $30,686. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

4

College Of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value anthropology schools. Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,067 to complete the anthropology program here. Soon after graduation, anthropology degree recipients from College Of William And Mary generally make around $53,338. That is a strong return on a $19,067 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%.

5

University Of Virginia Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,885 to complete the anthropology program here. Early-career anthropology graduates make about $30,609. Set against $13,885 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted.