2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Virginia

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Washington and Lee University	1886	13.97	1,450 – 1,530	24667	76516	#1 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA Originally known as the Augusta Academy and established in 1749, it would later be named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee, the latter of which was the president of the school for five years....Read more Undergraduates 1,886 Acceptance Rate 14.0% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $24,667 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,516
2	University of Virginia-Main Campus	17901	16.81	1,420 – 1,540	17831	72359	#2 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA Thomas Jefferson founded The University of Virginia, and the school’s Board of Visitors also included James Monroe and James Madison. The school's well known for its secret societies and sport accomplishments. The Cavaliers, who wear orange and blue, have over 30 championship wins. Undergraduates 17,901 Acceptance Rate 16.8% SAT Score 1,420 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $17,831 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $72,359
3	University of Richmond	3055	22.2	1,440 – 1,540	35263	67927	#3 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA “Verbum Vitae et Lumen Scientiae” or “Word of life and light of knowledge” is the University of Richmond’s motto. 23% of accepted students go on to attend in the fall. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, 405 athletes are cheered on by WebstUR the Spider. Undergraduates 3,055 Acceptance Rate 22.2% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $35,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,927
4	William & Mary	7063	34.07	1,410 – 1,530	20422	62959	#4 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia William & Mary Williamsburg, VA The second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, King William III and Queen Mary II founded the aptly named William & Mary in 1693. Alumni include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, James Comey, and Jon Stewart. Athletes wear green and gold, and the school mascot is The Griffin. Undergraduates 7,063 Acceptance Rate 34.1% SAT Score 1,410 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $20,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,959
5	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	31035	54.99	1,290 – 1,450	22205	67377	#5 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is more commonly known as Virginia Tech. Students are known as Hokies and wear Chicago maroon and burnt orange to show off their school spirit. They compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Virginia Tech's motto is "That I May Serve." Undergraduates 31,035 Acceptance Rate 55.0% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $22,205 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,377
6	Patrick Henry College	425	77.44	1,260 – 1,440	25128	63721	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Patrick Henry College Purcellville, VA Patrick Henry College is a fairly new school, having only opened in 2000. 98% of students receive grant aid, with each package averaging $13,798. Most students, 88%, stay on after the first year, and many major in Political Science and Government, General, Strategic Intelligence, and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. Undergraduates 425 Acceptance Rate 77.4% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $25,128 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
7	James Madison University	21112	71.51	1,180 – 1,340	26317	57438	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Found in Harrisonburg, James Madison University accepts 72% of applicants and requires $70 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 80% of students at James Madison University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 91% and 65% of students......Read more Undergraduates 21,112 Acceptance Rate 71.5% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $26,317 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,438
8	Virginia Military Institute	1527	71.25	1,110 – 1,330	17229	63545	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA Abraham Lincoln called the Virginia Military Institute the “West Point of the South.” Located on the Maury River in the Shenandoah Valley, 562 athletes (the Keydets) compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Big South Conference. Moe the Kangaroo cheers them on. Undergraduates 1,527 Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $17,229 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,545
9	Christopher Newport University	4407	87.96	1,110 – 1,310	22864	51931	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA Based in Newport News, Christopher Newport University accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $65 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 54% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. 83% of students decide to stay at Christopher Newport University......Read more Undergraduates 4,407 Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,931
10	George Mason University	28331	87.48	1,170 – 1,370	18900	60536	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia George Mason University Fairfax, VA Found in Fairfax, George Mason University accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $70 to apply. About 59% of students at George Mason University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 28,331 Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $18,900 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,536
11	Randolph-Macon College	1643	86.61	1,050 – 1,230	29058	48067	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Randolph-Macon College Ashland, VA Randolph-Macon College was founded in 1830, making it the oldest Methodist-run college in continuous operation in the United States. Although the school offers up to Master's degrees, most students are undergraduates....Read more Undergraduates 1,643 Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $29,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,067
12	Hampden-Sydney College	946	40.92	1,080 – 1,280	29578	55846	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, VA Hampden-Sydney College is the oldest privately-charted college in the south. This all-male school focuses heavily on tradition. The campus sprawls over 1,300 acres, with part of it named to the National Register of Historic Places. The most popular major currently at H-SC is Business/Managerial Economics. Undergraduates 946 Acceptance Rate 40.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $29,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,846
13	Roanoke College	1824	80.07	1,080 – 1,280	27695	45330	#13 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Roanoke College Salem, VA Found in Salem, Roanoke College accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending Roanoke College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more Undergraduates 1,824 Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,330
14	University of Mary Washington	3660	79.78	1,190 – 1,380	21615	49411	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA Located in Fredericksburg, the University of Mary Washington accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 98% of students attending the University of Mary Washington will receive grant aid from the......Read more Undergraduates 3,660 Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $21,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,411
15	Virginia Commonwealth University	21210	92.32	1,040 – 1,310	22852	47161	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Based in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University accepted 92% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $75 for undergraduate applications and $70 for graduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at Virginia Commonwealth University currently receive institutional grant aid. The......Read more Undergraduates 21,210 Acceptance Rate 92.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,852 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,161
16	Hollins University	665	67.95	1,230 – 1,340	23444	29863	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Hollins University Roanoke, VA Located in Roanoke, Hollins University’s acceptance rate is 68% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. 74% of students continued their studies at Hollins University after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 665 Acceptance Rate 68.0% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $23,444 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,863
17	Shenandoah University	2641	76.95	990 – 1,270	26400	48167	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Shenandoah University Winchester, VA Found in Winchester, Shenandoah University’s acceptance rate is 77% and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Shenandoah University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Shenandoah University, there is a 82% first year retention rate and......Read more Undergraduates 2,641 Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $26,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,167
18	University of Lynchburg	1595	43.01	1,000 – 1,250	22921	44261	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA Found in Lynchburg, the University of Lynchburg accepts 43% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending the University of Lynchburg will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,595 Acceptance Rate 43.0% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $22,921 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,261
19	Bridgewater College	1407	91.72	1,020 – 1,360	19660	45620	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Bridgewater College Bridgewater, VA Found in Bridgewater, Bridgewater College’s acceptance rate is 92%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 100% of students at Bridgewater College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,407 Acceptance Rate 91.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $19,660 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,620
20	Longwood University	3223	84.8	1,030 – 1,220	22900	46058	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Longwood University Farmville, VA Located in Farmville, Longwood University accepts 85% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 96% of students at Longwood University currently receive institutional grant aid. They receive $6,114 on average. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more Undergraduates 3,223 Acceptance Rate 84.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $22,900 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,058
21	Marymount University	2216	80.21	990 – 1,200	28147	57801	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Marymount University Arlington, VA Located in Arlington, Marymount University accepts 80% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 96% of students at Marymount University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Marymount University, there is a 74% first year retention rate and around 50% of students will earn......Read more Undergraduates 2,216 Acceptance Rate 80.2% SAT Score 990 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $28,147 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,801
22	Hampton University	3728	62.25	810 – 1,100	28576	42721	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Hampton University Hampton, VA Hampton University sits on a 314-acre campus, and it’s home to several research centers, including the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute. It also has several National Historic Landmarks. 386 student athletes, known as the Pirates, compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Colonial Athletic Association. Undergraduates 3,728 Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 810 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $28,576 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,721
23	Liberty University	52823	99.32	1,040 – 1,340	29692	39707	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Found in Lynchburg, Liberty University’s acceptance rate is 99% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 97% of students at Liberty University will receive institutional grant aid. On average, these students are given $9,570 each. The first year retention rate is 83%....Read more Undergraduates 52,823 Acceptance Rate 99.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $29,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,707
24	Eastern Mennonite University	791	100	1,140 – 1,540	24710	48158	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA Based in Harrisonburg, Eastern Mennonite University’s acceptance rate is 100%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. About 95% of students attending Eastern Mennonite University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 791 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $24,710 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,158
25	Randolph College	694	93.71	1,050 – 1,230	20856	39122	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Randolph College Lynchburg, VA Randolph College was an all women’s school for over 100 years, only becoming coeducational in 2007. It has an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 100% receive institutional grants, with each package averaging $15,460. Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General is the most popular major. Undergraduates 694 Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $20,856 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,122
26	Sweet Briar College	464	71.74	1,020 – 1,360	25598	35533	#26 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, VA Undergraduates 464 Acceptance Rate 71.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $25,598 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,533
27	Regent University	5049	52.27	1,000 – 1,250	18314	42066	#27 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Regent University Virginia Beach, VA Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University’s acceptance rate is 52%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 72% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. At Regent University, there is a 55% first year retention rate and 52% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 5,049 Acceptance Rate 52.3% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $18,314 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,066
28	Southern Virginia University	967	99.73	900 – 1,250	25440	36988	#28 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, VA Located in Buena Vista, Southern Virginia University’s acceptance rate is 100%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of students at Southern Virginia University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 48% and around 28% of students will graduate in four......Read more Undergraduates 967 Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 900 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $25,440 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,988
29	Virginia Wesleyan University	1749	72.87	1,190 – 1,370	21862	39200	#29 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, VA Found in Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 98% of students at Virginia Wesleyan University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At......Read more Undergraduates 1,749 Acceptance Rate 72.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,862 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,200
30	Radford University	6161	89.53	960 – 1,180	18282	44830	#30 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Radford University Radford, VA Found in Radford, Radford University accepts 90% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $4,160 on average. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more Undergraduates 6,161 Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 960 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $18,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,830
31	Emory & Henry University	1107	96.33	970 – 1,170	21714	39448	#31 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Emory & Henry University Emory, VA Found in Emory, Emory & Henry University accepts 96% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 97% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,107 Acceptance Rate 96.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $21,714 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,448
32	Old Dominion University	17746	90.36	1,120 – 1,290	16150	46732	#32 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA Found in Norfolk, Old Dominion University accepts 90% of applicants and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 75% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 17,746 Acceptance Rate 90.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $16,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,732
33	Mary Baldwin University	1217	94.7	980 – 1,220	18838	39075	#33 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VA Found in Staunton, Mary Baldwin University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 97% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,217 Acceptance Rate 94.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,075
34	University of Virginia's College at Wise	1911	93.92	950 – 1,180	10409	39725	#34 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, VA Found in Wise, the University of Virginia's College at Wise accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. About 93% of students attending the University of Virginia's College at Wise will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year......Read more Undergraduates 1,911 Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $10,409 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,725
35	Virginia State University	4829	89.1	850 – 1,020	16184	33630	#35 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia State University Petersburg, VA Virginia State University was the first public 4-year school for African-Americans in the United States, having been founded in 1882. During the last admissions cycle, 15% of accepted students decided to attend. Two popular undergraduate majors include Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice/Safety Studies....Read more Undergraduates 4,829 Acceptance Rate 89.1% SAT Score 850 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $16,184 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,630
36	Averett University	1180	47.8	870 – 1,150	24091	46273	#36 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Averett University Danville, VA Found in Danville, Averett University accepts 48% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 62% and 36% of students will graduate in four years. Business Administration and......Read more Undergraduates 1,180 Acceptance Rate 47.8% SAT Score 870 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $24,091 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,273
37	Norfolk State University	5510	87.46	870 – 1,030	12272	33412	#37 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Norfolk State University Norfolk, VA Based in Norfolk, Norfolk State University accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 54% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. 70% of students decide to stay at Norfolk State University after completing......Read more Undergraduates 5,510 Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 870 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $12,272 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,412
38	Virginia Union University	1170	97.8	800 – 1,000	18496	27977	#38 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia Union University Richmond, VA A non selective HBCU, Virginia Union University received 2,700 last year. 14% of accepted students enrolled. It opened as the Richmond Theological Institute in 1886 towards the end of the American Civil War to help African-Americans enter the Baptist ministry. Virginia Union has a cozy 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates 1,170 Acceptance Rate 97.8% SAT Score 800 – 1,000 Avg. Net Price $18,496 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,977
39	Washington University of Science and Technology	302	11.49	--	0	63721	#39 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Washington University of Science and Technology Alexandria, VA Undergraduates 302 Acceptance Rate 11.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
40	Ferrum College	747	100	930 – 1,140	22521	36418	#40 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Ferrum College Ferrum, VA Based in Ferrum, Ferrum College’s acceptance rate is 100% and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Ferrum College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 747 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $22,521 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,418
41	Bluefield University	694	62.72	900 – 1,090	22191	41923	#41 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Bluefield University Bluefield, VA Found in Bluefield, Bluefield University’s acceptance rate is 63% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 95% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 59%....Read more Undergraduates 694 Acceptance Rate 62.7% SAT Score 900 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $22,191 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,923
42	ECPI University	556	82.69	--	20051	41278	#42 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA Undergraduates 556 Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,278
43	Virginia University of Lynchburg	170	81.73	--	17734	24718	#43 2026 Best Colleges in Virginia Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA Based in Lynchburg, Virginia University of Lynchburg accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 170 Acceptance Rate 81.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,734 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,718