The cost of college in Virginia — and what it pays back
Across the 81 Virginia institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $19,066/yr, $2,160 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $44,666 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 34 of the 81 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$19,066
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$44,666
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
8.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
34/81
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Virginia's 81 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong14
Solid6
Slow10
Weak51
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington and Lee University | $23,781 | $94,810 | 2 yrs |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $21,565 | $86,863 | 2.2 yrs |
| Riverside College of Health Sciences | $20,744 | $66,072 | 2.3 yrs |
| Virginia Military Institute | $17,113 | $77,369 | 2.4 yrs |
| George Mason University | $17,915 | $76,343 | 2.6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Shore Community College | $2,495 | $32,418 | no payback |
| Patrick & Henry Community College | $4,102 | $33,323 | no payback |
| Paul D Camp Community College | $4,126 | $36,031 | no payback |
| Rappahannock Community College | $4,343 | $36,121 | no payback |
| Wytheville Community College | $4,622 | $34,303 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Virginia?
The median net price across Virginia colleges is $19,066/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Virginia cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Virginia net price of $19,066/yr runs about $2,160/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Virginia college graduates earn?
A median $44,666 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Virginia college pays for itself fastest?
Washington and Lee University — about 2 years to clear its $95,124 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-virginia page.