Best Colleges in Virginia

Virginia features some of the best colleges and universities in the nation. Graduates in the state can look forward to joining an expanding job market and lucrative career possibilities, as well as the opportunity to live and play in a land rich in history and natural beauty.

According to Virginia’s Employment Commission, the industries projected to add the most employment opportunities from 2018-2028 include education and health services; professional and business services; and professional, scientific, and technical services. Jobs within these sectors include accountant, human resources manager, financial analyst, and teacher.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that accountants and auditors in Virginia earn an annual average salary of $85,720. Additionally, human resources managers in Virginia boast an average annual salary of $139,610. To qualify for these lucrative positions, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related industry.

Fortunately, there are several colleges in Virginia that can help prepare graduates for these dynamic roles. To help you make an informed decision about where to go to school, we ranked the 10 best colleges in Virginia. Read on to learn about each school’s programs and admission requirements, as well as features that make each institution unique.

Virginia is home to more than 100 colleges and universities, including some of the most notable and distinguished schools in the nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 39% of adults in Virginia hold a bachelor’s degree or higher — considerably higher than the national average (32.1%).

Virginia also earned the number one spot on CNBC’s 2019 ranking of America’s Top States for Business. The state’s highly skilled and educated workforce played a major role in this ranking. Additionally, Amazon’s decision to open their HQ2 headquarters in Virginia centered around the state’s concentration of highly educated workers.

The state also offers residents many recreational activities. For example, individuals can learn about the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the first English colony by touring the historic battlegrounds and museums of Virginia. Additionally, hikers can explore Shenandoah National Park or the Luray Caverns, while boaters and beachgoers can head to the barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague.

The state’s cost of living varies dramatically from city to city. While Arlington and Alexandria are 56% more expensive than average, Richmond and Roanoke are each about 5% less expensive than average.

The Virginia Employment Commission projects 6.6% job growth between 2018 and 2028, resulting in approximately 276,000 new jobs. A few of the positions projected to experience growing demand include computer systems analyst, financial manager, medical and health service manager, and market research analyst.

All of these roles offer annual salaries well above the average for all workers, and all require a bachelor’s degree or higher. For example, according to the BLS, market research analysts in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $74,630.

Additionally, in its Best State Rankings, U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Virginia seventh in terms of education and ninth in terms of overall opportunity for its residents.