Top 10 Public Universities in Virginia

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public university in Virginia is the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, which pairs a top-5 national public ranking, a ~95% 6-year graduation rate, and a powerful return on investment with one of the strongest financial-aid programs of any public school in the country.

The Best Value pick is James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, a strong public that delivers an ~83% graduation rate, excellent career outcomes, and a beloved campus experience at a markedly lower total cost than the flagships — the best outcomes-per-dollar option in the state.

This list is built for Virginia families and students weighing academics, cost, location, and program fit across the Commonwealth — from Charlottesville and Blacksburg to Williamsburg, Fairfax, and Norfolk. Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from **U.S.

News, NCES**, and each university.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each university against what Virginia families actually weigh when comparing offers — academic strength, where graduates land, what it costs in-state, and whether the program and setting fit. We leaned on published data from U.S. News, Niche, NCES, the College Board, and each school. The weighting:

• Academic performance and selectivity — 25%
• Graduation and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost (in-state tuition, aid, ROI) — 15%
• Faculty and resources — 15%
• Campus environment and safety — 15%
• Programs and student fit — 10%

A university that ranks high but graduates few of its students, or costs little but lands graduates nowhere, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. University of Virginia (UVA) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public (Flagship) | Tuition: ~$22,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Top students who want a flagship with elite outcomes and strong aid

Founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville (Albemarle County), UVA enrolls about 17,500 undergraduates and is consistently ranked among the top 5 public universities nationally by U.S. News. It posts a 6-year graduation rate near 95% — among the highest of any public university in the country — and a freshman retention rate around 97%.

UVA's McIntire School of Commerce, School of Engineering, and pre-law and pre-med pipelines feed strong employer and graduate-school placement, and its AccessUVA program meets full demonstrated need for in-state students. The student-faculty ratio sits near 15:1.

Pros:

• Top-5 national public ranking and ~95% graduation rate
• AccessUVA meets full demonstrated need for in-state students
• Elite McIntire Commerce and Engineering programs
• ~97% freshman retention and strong employer placement

Cons:

• Highly selective admission with a low acceptance rate
• Higher in-state cost than regional publics

Verdict: UVA is the Commonwealth's flagship for a reason — elite outcomes, strong aid, and a top-5 public ranking make it the best overall choice.

2. Virginia Tech

Type: Public (Land-grant) | Tuition: ~$15,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: STEM, engineering, and pre-professional students who want scale and research

In Blacksburg (Montgomery County), Virginia Tech enrolls roughly 30,000 undergraduates and is the Commonwealth's premier engineering and research university, classified R1 for very high research activity. It reports a 6-year graduation rate around 86% and powerhouse programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, and agriculture.

The university's strong co-op and career pipeline lands graduates at major employers across tech, defense, and construction, and its Corps of Cadets offers a distinctive leadership track. The student-faculty ratio runs near 14:1, and the spirited Hokie campus culture is a national draw.

Pros:

• Premier engineering and computer-science programs
• R1 research university with strong co-op pipeline
• ~86% graduation rate at a large public
• Lower in-state tuition than the UVA flagship

Cons:

• Rural Blacksburg location is far from major cities
• Large classes in popular intro courses

Verdict: The top pick for STEM and engineering — Virginia Tech pairs elite technical programs with research scale and a strong career pipeline.

3. College of William & Mary

Type: Public (Liberal Arts) | Tuition: ~$25,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students who want a selective, liberal-arts-style public with small classes

The second-oldest college in the nation, William & Mary in Williamsburg (James City County) enrolls about 6,800 undergraduates and offers an unusual blend — the selectivity and small classes of a private liberal-arts college with public-university pricing for Virginians.

It posts a 6-year graduation rate around 91% and a freshman retention rate near 95%. Strong programs in government, business, and the sciences, plus a renowned undergraduate research culture, feed excellent law-school and graduate placement. The student-faculty ratio sits near 11:1, among the lowest of any public university.

Pros:

• Liberal-arts feel with an ~11:1 student-faculty ratio
• ~91% graduation rate and ~95% freshman retention
• Strong government, business, and pre-law pipelines
• Selective public with a renowned research culture

Cons:

• In-state tuition is higher than regional publics
• Smaller size means fewer big-university amenities

Verdict: The best small, selective public in the state — ideal for students who want a liberal-arts environment at public prices.

4. James Madison University (JMU) 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: ~$13,500/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students who want strong outcomes and a great experience at the lowest flagship-tier cost

In Harrisonburg (Rockingham County) in the Shenandoah Valley, JMU enrolls about 20,000 undergraduates and is the Commonwealth's value standout. It posts a 6-year graduation rate around 83% and consistently earns high marks for undergraduate teaching and student satisfaction in U.S.

News surveys. Strong programs in business, health sciences, education, and communications feed solid career placement, and the lower in-state tuition keeps total cost well below the flagships. The student-faculty ratio runs near 16:1, and JMU's reputation for a welcoming campus culture drives high retention near 90%.

Pros:

• Lowest flagship-tier in-state tuition at ~$13,500/yr
• ~83% graduation rate with strong career outcomes
• Top marks for undergraduate teaching quality
• Welcoming campus culture and ~90% retention

Cons:

• Less research intensity than UVA or Virginia Tech
• Most selective majors fill quickly

Verdict: JMU is the value champion — strong outcomes, excellent teaching, and a beloved campus at the lowest cost of any top pick.

5. George Mason University

Type: Public (Research) | Tuition: ~$14,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students who want a large, diverse research university near Washington, D.C.

In Fairfax (Fairfax County) just outside Washington, George Mason University is the Commonwealth's largest public university, enrolling about 27,000 undergraduates, and is classified R1 for research. Its proximity to D.C. Fuels strong programs and internships in government, computer science, economics, cybersecurity, and law.

The 6-year graduation rate sits near 71%, reflecting a large, diverse, and substantially transfer and commuter student body. The student-faculty ratio runs about 17:1, and Mason's location is a major advantage for internships and post-grad hiring in the D.C. Metro.

Pros:

• R1 research university minutes from Washington, D.C.
• Strong cybersecurity, economics, and government programs
• Affordable in-state tuition with major internship access
• Large, diverse student body and broad program menu

Cons:

• Graduation rate trails the flagships at ~71%
• Commuter-heavy culture means a quieter campus life

Verdict: The best pick for D.C.-area access — Mason pairs research scale and internships with affordable in-state pricing.

6. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Type: Public (Research / Medical) | Tuition: ~$15,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students in arts, health sciences, or pre-med who want an urban research campus

In downtown Richmond (City of Richmond), VCU enrolls about 22,000 undergraduates and is an R1 urban research university anchored by a major academic medical center, VCU Health. Its School of the Arts is nationally top-ranked, and its nursing, pharmacy, and pre-med pipelines are among the strongest in the state.

The 6-year graduation rate sits near 68%, reflecting a large and diverse urban student body. The student-faculty ratio runs about 18:1, and the Richmond setting offers extensive clinical, internship, and creative opportunities.

Pros:

• Nationally top-ranked School of the Arts
• Major academic medical center for health-science students
• R1 research in a vibrant urban Richmond setting
• Strong nursing, pharmacy, and pre-med pipelines

Cons:

• Graduation rate trails most peers at ~68%
• Urban campus has limited green space

Verdict: The standout for arts and health sciences — VCU pairs a top art school and a major medical center in the heart of Richmond.

7. Christopher Newport University (CNU)

Type: Public (Liberal Arts) | Tuition: ~$15,500/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students who want a small, polished public liberal-arts experience

In Newport News (City of Newport News) on the Virginia Peninsula, Christopher Newport University enrolls about 4,500 undergraduates and offers one of the most intimate public-university experiences in the state. It posts a 6-year graduation rate around 76% and is known for small classes, a strong honors program, and a focus on leadership and civic engagement.

Programs in business, political science, and the sciences are well regarded, and the modern, well-kept campus feels closer to a private college. The student-faculty ratio runs near 14:1.

Pros:

• Small classes and a strong honors program
• ~76% graduation rate at an intimate public
• Polished, modern campus near the coast
• Leadership and civic-engagement focus

Cons:

• Limited graduate programs and research activity
• Smaller program menu than larger publics

Verdict: The best small, polished public liberal-arts pick — ideal for students wanting a private-college feel at public prices.

8. Old Dominion University (ODU)

Type: Public (Research) | Tuition: ~$12,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Coastal-Virginia students who want affordable research and strong online options

In Norfolk (City of Norfolk) in the Hampton Roads region, Old Dominion University enrolls about 18,000 undergraduates and is a research-active public with notably affordable in-state tuition. It posts a 6-year graduation rate near 56%, reflecting a large adult, military-affiliated, and transfer student population.

ODU is a leader in online and distance education, with strong programs in engineering technology, business, and health sciences, plus deep ties to the nearby Navy and maritime industry. The student-faculty ratio runs about 20:1.

Pros:

• Among the most affordable in-state tuition on this list
• Leader in online and distance-education programs
• Strong engineering technology and maritime ties
• Flexible options for military and transfer students

Cons:

• Graduation rate trails most peers at ~56%
• Commuter-heavy campus with a quieter social scene

Verdict: The affordability and flexibility pick — ODU is strong for Hampton Roads, military, and online learners on a budget.

9. Radford University

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: ~$11,500/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students who want an affordable, supportive public in southwest Virginia

In Radford (City of Radford) in southwest Virginia, Radford University enrolls about 7,000 undergraduates and is known for accessible admission, low cost, and strong support services. It posts a 6-year graduation rate near 60% and well-regarded programs in nursing, education, social work, and criminal justice.

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and small classes, with a student-faculty ratio around 14:1. For students seeking an affordable, supportive environment with strong health and human-services pipelines, Radford is a dependable choice.

Pros:

• Very affordable in-state tuition near $11,500/yr
• Strong nursing, education, and criminal-justice programs
• Supportive environment with a ~14:1 ratio
• Accessible admission for a broad range of students

Cons:

• Graduation rate trails the flagships at ~60%
• Limited research activity and graduate options

Verdict: A solid, affordable southwest-Virginia pick — best for students in health and human-services fields wanting strong support.

10. Longwood University

Type: Public (Liberal Arts) | Tuition: ~$14,000/yr in-state (tuition and fees) | Best for: Students who want a small public liberal-arts college with a teaching focus

In Farmville (Prince Edward County), Longwood University enrolls about 3,800 undergraduates and rounds out the list as one of the oldest public colleges in the country with a strong teaching mission. It posts a 6-year graduation rate near 66% and is especially well known for education, business, and the sciences, with a long history of preparing teachers for the Commonwealth.

The small size supports a ~15:1 student-faculty ratio and a close-knit campus. Longwood's emphasis on citizen leadership and undergraduate mentorship makes it a good fit for students wanting individual attention.

Pros:

• Small public liberal-arts feel with a ~15:1 ratio
• Strong teacher-preparation and education programs
• Close-knit campus and citizen-leadership focus
• Affordable in-state tuition for a residential college

Cons:

• Graduation rate trails larger peers at ~66%
• Rural Farmville location with limited amenities

Verdict: A close-knit public liberal-arts pick — best for future teachers and students wanting individual mentorship.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public University

• Graduation and retention rates — Check published 6-year graduation and freshman retention from NCES and U.S. News. UVA (~95%) and William & Mary (~91%) lead; these predict whether you'll actually finish on time.
• Real in-state cost and aid — Compare published tuition against net price after aid. Programs like AccessUVA can make a flagship cheaper than it looks, while JMU and ODU lead on raw affordability.
• Program strength for your major — Virginia Tech leads in engineering, VCU in arts and health sciences, William & Mary in government and pre-law. Rank schools by your field, not overall prestige.
• Location and internships — George Mason's D.C. Proximity and VCU's Richmond medical center create internship access that rural campuses can't match.
• Size and class experience — Small publics like CNU, Longwood, and William & Mary offer low student-faculty ratios; large ones like Mason and Virginia Tech offer breadth and research.
• Campus culture and fit — Visit if you can, and weigh whether a spirited large campus or an intimate residential college suits you.

What matters less than marketing implies: a single rankings position, a glossy new building, or a slogan. Graduation rates, net cost after aid, program strength, and fit affect your degree and your wallet far more.

FAQ

Which is the best public university in Virginia? The University of Virginia (UVA) earns our top spot for its top-5 national public ranking, ~95% graduation rate, ~97% freshman retention, and the AccessUVA program that meets full demonstrated need for in-state students.

What is the best-value public university in Virginia? James Madison University (JMU) is our value champion — an ~83% graduation rate, strong career outcomes, and top marks for teaching at the lowest flagship-tier in-state tuition of any top pick.

Which Virginia public university is best for engineering? Virginia Tech is the Commonwealth's premier engineering and computer-science university, an R1 research institution with a strong co-op pipeline and an ~86% graduation rate.

Which Virginia public university is best for the arts or health sciences? VCU in Richmond has a nationally top-ranked School of the Arts and a major academic medical center, making it the standout for arts, nursing, and pre-med students.

Which Virginia public university is best for internships near Washington, D.C.? George Mason University in Fairfax sits minutes from D.C., giving students strong access to government, tech, and cybersecurity internships and post-grad hiring in the metro.

Are these Virginia public universities affordable for in-state students? Yes — in-state tuition ranges from about $11,500/yr at Radford to roughly $25,000/yr at William & Mary, and aid programs like AccessUVA can lower the net price substantially for qualifying families.

Bottom Line

For Virginia families, the University of Virginia (UVA) is our Best Overall public university — a top-5 national public with a ~95% graduation rate, elite programs, and need-meeting aid through AccessUVA. James Madison University (JMU) is our Best Value, delivering an ~83% graduation rate and strong outcomes at the lowest flagship-tier in-state cost.

If your priority is engineering, D.C. Access, the arts, or a small-college feel, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Virginia Tech, George Mason, VCU, or Christopher Newport instead. Choose on graduation rates, net cost, program strength, and fit — not prestige alone — and you'll land at the right school.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best Colleges in Virginia
• Niche — Best Public Colleges in Virginia
• NCES — National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator
• College Board — BigFuture college search
• University of Virginia — admissions and AccessUVA
• Virginia Tech — admissions and programs
• College of William & Mary — admissions
• James Madison University — admissions
• George Mason University — admissions
• State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

*Public universities in Virginia review — best public universities Virginia, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*