2025 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Virginia
There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which school to attend. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in Virginia ranking is part of that endeavor.
Jump to Any of the Following Sections: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
Our analysis looked at 36 schools in Virginia to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. To come up with this ranking of the best schools, we look at factors that are all objective measurements. We explain more about what we look at and why we do so below.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. In addition, we've put together a number of other
college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Virginia
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
5,483
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$54,804
Average Early-Career Earnings
$42,110
Average Student Debt
Our 2025 rankings named University of Virginia - Main Campus the best school in Virginia in terms of overall quality for students working on their bachelor’s degree. University of Virginia - Main Campus is a large public school located in Charlottesville, Virginia that handed out 5,483 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from University of Virginia make an average of $54,804 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $42,110 in student loans.
Full University of Virginia - Main Campus Report
7,289
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$55,253
Average Early-Career Earnings
$40,421
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Virginia Tech helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Virginia. Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the large public school awarded 7,289 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Virginia Tech make an average of $55,253 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $40,421 in student loans.
Learn More About Virginia Tech
581
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$76,663
Average Early-Career Earnings
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Washington and Lee University. The school came in at #3 in Virginia on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. Washington and Lee is located in Lexington, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 581 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $76,663 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Washington and Lee University
6,285
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$49,464
Average Early-Career Earnings
$33,055
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend George Mason University. The school came in at #4 in Virginia on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. This large public school is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and it awarded 6,285 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from GMU is $49,464 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $33,055.
Learn More About George Mason University
2,030
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,970
Average Early-Career Earnings
$34,244
Average Student Debt
A rank of #5 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in Virginia list means William & Mary is a great place for students working on their degree. Williamsburg, Virginia is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,030 students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from William & Mary make an average of $44,970 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $34,244 in student loans.
Full William & Mary Report
4,688
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,308
Average Early-Career Earnings
$37,542
Average Student Debt
James Madison University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking, coming in at #6. This large public school is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and it awarded 4,688 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $47,308 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $37,542 in student loans.
Full James Madison University Report
924
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,883
Average Early-Career Earnings
$73,105
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #7, University of Richmond did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in University of Richmond, Virginia, and it awarded 924 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from URichmond go into careers with an average salary of $47,883 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $73,105 in student loans.
Read full report on University of Richmond
5,197
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,176
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,902
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #8, Virginia Commonwealth University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. VCU is a public institution located in Richmond, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,197 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from VCU make an average of $43,176 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,902 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
10,025
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,596
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,396
Average Student Debt
Liberty University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking, coming in at #9. Liberty University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Lynchburg, Virginia that handed out 10,025 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Liberty University make an average of $39,596 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $29,396.
Learn More About Liberty University
1,287
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$52,358
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,509
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #10, ECPI University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. ECPI University is a fairly large private for-profit school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia that handed out 1,287 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from ECPI University is $52,358 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $19,509.
Read full report on ECPI University
3,756
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$46,795
Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,013
Average Student Debt
Old Dominion University landed the #11 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. This large public school is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and it awarded 3,756 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Old Dominion make an average of $46,795 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,013 in student loans.
Read full report on Old Dominion University
500
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,666
Average Early-Career Earnings
$49,505
Average Student Debt
Marymount University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Arlington, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 500 students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Marymount is $42,666 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $49,505 in student loans.
Learn More About Marymount University
1,144
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,766
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,632
Average Student Debt
Christopher Newport University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. CNU is located in Newport News, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,144 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from CNU is $40,766 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $38,632 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Christopher Newport University
564
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,295
Average Early-Career Earnings
$53,187
Average Student Debt
Shenandoah University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Winchester, Virginia, and it awarded 564 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah is $42,295 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $53,187 after getting their degree.
Full Shenandoah University Report
1,626
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,910
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,115
Average Student Debt
Radford University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Radford University is a medium-sized public school located in Radford, Virginia that handed out 1,626 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Radford go into careers with an average salary of $39,910 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,115 in student loans.
Read full report on Radford University
1,047
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,293
Average Early-Career Earnings
$36,708
Average Student Debt
University of Mary Washington ranked #16 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. UMW is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,047 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UMW is $40,293 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $36,708 in student loans.
Full University of Mary Washington Report
288
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,066
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,230
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #17, Eastern Mennonite University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Eastern Mennonite is a private not-for-profit institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 288 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Eastern Mennonite make an average of $60,066 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,230 in student loans.
Learn More About Eastern Mennonite University
394
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,915
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #18, Virginia Military Institute did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Virginia Military Institute is a small public school located in Lexington, Virginia that handed out 394 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $47,915 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Virginia Military Institute
247
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,238
Average Early-Career Earnings
$65,224
Average Student Debt
Hampden - Sydney College landed the #19 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Located in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 247 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Hampden - Sydney is $45,238 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $65,224 after getting their degree.
Full Hampden - Sydney College Report
477
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,725
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,166
Average Student Debt
Roanoke College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking, coming in at #20. Roanoke College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Salem, Virginia that handed out 477 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $33,725 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $38,166.
Learn More About Roanoke College
384
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,317
Average Early-Career Earnings
$42,673
Average Student Debt
Randolph - Macon College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking, coming in at #21. Randolph - Macon is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Ashland, Virginia. It awarded 384 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Randolph - Macon go into careers with an average salary of $40,317 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $42,673 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Randolph - Macon College
339
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,137
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,099
Average Student Debt
Bridgewater College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Located in Bridgewater, Virginia, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 339 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $38,137 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $38,099 in student loans.
Learn More About Bridgewater College
255
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$49,644
Average Early-Career Earnings
$31,020
Average Student Debt
Averett University landed the #23 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. AU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Danville, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 255 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from AU go into careers with an average salary of $49,644 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $31,020 after getting their degree.
Full Averett University Report
881
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,783
Average Early-Career Earnings
$39,075
Average Student Debt
Longwood University landed the #24 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Longwood is located in Farmville, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 881 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Longwood go into careers with an average salary of $41,783 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $39,075.
Read full report on Longwood University
682
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,747
Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,913
Average Student Debt
Regent University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and it awarded 682 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Regent go into careers with an average salary of $38,747 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,913 in student loans.
Full Regent University Report
