2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Virginia
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Virginia? Our ranking highlights 147 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated 30 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Virginia
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Management And Technology this year in Virginia. Set in Arlington, VA, University Of Management And Technology is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,450. Median earnings reach $68,530 ten years out. Get the full University Of Management And Technology report
Out of the 30 schools in Virginia in this year's value ranking, Christopher Newport University landed the #2 spot. Set in Newport News, VA, Christopher Newport University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,828, with out-of-state students paying around $31,178. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,509. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Christopher Newport University
James Madison University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Virginia. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $21,218. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full James Madison University profile
A rank of #4 makes Lynchburg College one of the best values in Virginia. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,750. Lynchburg College alumni report median earnings of $56,380 a decade after entry. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lynchburg College
You'll get strong value at Longwood University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Farmville, VA, Longwood University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,740, while out-of-state students pay about $27,980. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,649. Longwood University alumni report median earnings of $52,347 a decade after entry. Set against $25,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Longwood University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #6 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Mary Washington ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Fredericksburg, VA, University Of Mary Washington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,905, compared with $28,083 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,825. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,613. Set against $22,825 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full University Of Mary Washington report
Bluefield College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bluefield, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,780 in student loans. Bluefield College alumni report median earnings of $48,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Bluefield College
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $18,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Radford University placed #10 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Radford University is a public school based in Radford, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,548, with out-of-state students paying around $25,633. Graduates carry a median of $25,514 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,739 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Radford University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Radford University
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
College Of William And Mary landed the #12 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,490. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. College Of William And Mary admits about 34% of applicants. Read the full report on College Of William And Mary
Eastern Mennonite University landed the #13 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,920. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,869. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Mennonite University report
George Mason University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. George Mason University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about George Mason University
Old Dominion University placed #15 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Old Dominion University
Virginia Commonwealth University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,128. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Commonwealth University report
Hampton University landed the #17 spot for value in Virginia this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hampton, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,592. Students borrow a median of $26,169 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,159. Set against $26,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hampton University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full Hampton University report
Virginia State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Petersburg, VA, Virginia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,043, while out-of-state students pay about $22,650. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,010. Virginia State University alumni report median earnings of $45,543 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,010 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia State University report
Mary Baldwin College placed #19 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Mary Baldwin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Staunton, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,187. Mary Baldwin College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,562 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,427 ten years out. Set against $29,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mary Baldwin College
Norfolk State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Norfolk, VA, Norfolk State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,180, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. Norfolk State University alumni report median earnings of $44,666 a decade after entry. Norfolk State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Norfolk State University report
Shenandoah University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,950 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,005 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,433. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Shenandoah University
Marymount University placed #22 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Based in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,120. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,880. Median earnings reach $67,516 ten years out. Set against $26,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Marymount University
Bridgewater College placed #23 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Located in Bridgewater, VA, Bridgewater College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,090. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,423. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,453. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Bridgewater College
University Of Richmond ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,178. That is a strong return on a $21,634 median debt. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Richmond report
Ecpi University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,484. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,988. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Ecpi University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Virginia
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Averett University landed the #26 spot for value in Virginia this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Danville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,550. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,595. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,516. That is a strong return on a $28,595 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Averett University profile
South Universityvirginia Beach ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,895. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $48,920. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Universityvirginia Beach report
Strayer University Virginia placed #29 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Based in Arlington, VA, Strayer University Virginia is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,920. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $45,932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. Set against $45,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Strayer University Virginia
Regent University placed #29 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,650. Regent University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. Set against $29,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Regent University report
The Chrysm Insitute Of Esthetics ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on The Chrysm Insitute Of Esthetics
Staunton School Of Cosmetology landed the #31 spot for value in Virginia this year. Read more about Staunton School Of Cosmetology
Virginia Barber School placed #32 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Read more about Virginia Barber School
Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy report
Roanoke College
Roanoke College placed #34 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Get the full Roanoke College report
Galen Health Institutes Roanoke offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Read the full report on Galen Health Institutes Roanoke
Centura College Chesapeake came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Centura College Chesapeake report
Cet Alexandria
Cet Alexandria came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Cet Alexandria report
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College placed #38 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Read the full report on J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Lord Fairfax Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Get the full Lord Fairfax Community College report
Riverside College Of Health Careers landed the #40 spot for value in Virginia this year. More on Riverside College Of Health Careers
Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke placed #41 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke
Empire Beauty School Richmond placed #42 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. More on Empire Beauty School Richmond
Central Virginia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Get the full Central Virginia Community College report
Paul Mitchell The School Mclean placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Get the full Paul Mitchell The School Mclean report
Virginia Beach City Public Schools School Of Practical Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. More on Virginia Beach City Public Schools School Of Practical Nursing
Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Manassas offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. More on Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Manassas
Northern Virginia School Of Therapeutic Massage came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Northern Virginia School Of Therapeutic Massage
Cayce Reilly School Of Massage landed the #48 spot for value in Virginia this year. More on Cayce Reilly School Of Massage
Empire Beauty School Midlothian came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Empire Beauty School Midlothian profile
Wytheville Community College placed #50 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Virginia. Read the full report on Wytheville Community College
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 30 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 147 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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