The college search process can be daunting because of the many considerations you have to keep in mind. Choosing one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia as part of your options allows you to save up on money on tuition and other college fees.
There is affordable and high-quality education in Virginia available to students who attend low-tuition colleges. This guide walks you through options for the most affordable colleges in Virginia, the programs they offer, and the future high-paying jobs you can land after graduation.
How Much Does College Cost in Virginia?
The average cost of tuition fees is $13,902 for four-year institutions, according to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). This can be expensive for many as there are also other fees and expenses that come up during schooling.
During your school search, consider some of the cheapest online colleges in Virginia. Online colleges offer more affordable rates as they are among the cheapest colleges in Virginia. For more information, you can consult a financial aid counselor or career services at your chosen school.
Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg | $256/credit hour (in state), $824/credit hour (out of state) | $529/credit hour (in state), $1,251/credit hour (out of state) |
| Longwood University | Farmville | $289/credit hour (in state), $695/credit hour (out of state) | $371/credit hour (in state), $995/credit hour (out of state) |
| Radford University | Radford | $339/credit hour (in state), $843/credit hour (out of state) | $382/credit hour (in state), $748/credit hour (out of state) |
| University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg | $345/credit hour (in state), $1,046/credit hour (out of state) | $496/credit hour (in state), $1,053/credit hour (out of state) |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach | $395/credit hour | $695/credit hour |
| George Mason University | Fairfax | $408.15/credit hour (in state), $1,415/credit hour (out of state) | $559.45/credit hour (in state), $1,474/credit hour (out of state) |
| Norfolk State University | Norfolk | $437/credit hour (in state), $945/credit hour (out of state) | $746/credit hour (in state), $1,455/credit hour (out of state) |
| Christopher Newport University | Newport News | $642/credit hour (in state), $1,194/credit hour (out of state) | $689/credit hour (in state), $1,227/credit hour (out of state) |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg | $815/credit hour | $545/credit hour |
Cheapest Universities in Virginia: A Closer Look
Attending a university in Virginia for your undergraduate studies is an advantage if you’re looking for a variety of programs with a more affordable cost of attendance. This section of the guide walks you through the cheapest universities in Virginia. This section also includes a list of programs popularly taken by students.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Virginia
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Old Dominion University | $374/credit hour (undergraduate), $571/credit hour (graduate) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs, Certificates |
| Liberty University | $390/credit hour | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs |
| Virginia State University | $395/credit hour | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs |
| George Mason University | $408.15/credit hour | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates |
Cheapest Colleges in Virginia by In-State Tuition
- James Madison University | $256/credit
- Longwood University | $289/credit
- Radford University | $339/credit
- University of Mary Washington | $345/credit
- Regent University | $395/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Virginia by Out-of-State Tuition
- Regent University | $395/credit
- Longwood University | $695/credit
- Liberty University | $815/credit
- Radford University | $843/credit
- Norfolk State University | $945/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is so expensive because schools regularly raise tuition fees, which is a big reason why the cost of attendance is so high. Additionally, funding from the government is scarce. Below we explore these factors in detail.
Rising Cost of Attendance
The rising cost of attendance for a four-year college degree includes rising tuition rates for both undergraduate students and graduate students. This means that you have to pay more in academic fees for your undergraduate courses and other fees such as school projects.
Rising Cost of Living
The rising cost of living in general also affects why college is so expensive. Price rising for other expenses that you need to pay for such as housing, transportation, and food affect how much you need to pay.
Lower State Funding
Lower state funding means less money that goes into scholarships and financial aid. This means that you may get less financial aid money toward your tuition fees and other college expenses.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Apply for scholarships and grants. Applying for scholarships and grants allows you to save money on tuition fees for college. Getting full scholarships means that you won’t have to pay for your college tuition. In comparison, partial scholarships allow you to ease the burden of paying for the whole amount of your tuition fee.
- Explore financial aid options. Most colleges provide need-based financial aid packages for students. Exploring the available financial aid options allows you to save money for your college tuition fees by reducing the amount that you need to pay.
- Buy used textbooks. Textbooks can be very expensive when bought new. Getting used textbooks from other students allows you to save a lot of money meant for school materials. In turn, you can also sell your used textbooks to other students that need them to get some of your money back.
- Apply for a part-time job. Getting a part-time job while in college allows you to earn money while you study. In addition, this option also lets you save money for fees that you need to pay or to pursue a graduate degree in the future.
- Take more credits per semester. Taking more credits per semester allows you to finish college at an earlier date. This means that you can save up on expenses such as food and housing.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Virginia
- Consult with the financial aid counselor of the school you are applying for to figure out the financial aid options available for you. This allows you to know which financial aid option fits you best.
- Prepare the documents required to apply for the financial aid options you qualify for. This includes documents such as student IDs, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and electronic consent.
- Complete other outstanding financial aid requirements. This includes your eligibility requirements at the state or federal level. This is an important part to determine your eligibility status and how much financial aid you can get.
- Report other scholarships that you have. Most schools in Virginia require you to report any outside scholarship that you have so that they can factor it in when deciding what type of and how much financial aid to give you.
Scholarships for Students in Virginia
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program | Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation | Varies | Must be women with a special interest in health education. |
| NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships | National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) | $3,500 | Be classified as a high school senior during the current 2021 – 2022 school year and legally reside in one of the 4 regions indicated in NIADA’s scholarship program. |
| The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship | The Esperanza Education Fund | $20,000 | Must have been born outside the US or both parents were born outside the US. Must be a graduating senior or have recently obtained a GED while living in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. Must plan to enroll full-time at a college or university in the US. Must have a household income of less than $100,000. |
| VABA Aviation Scholarship | Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA) | $2,000 | Must be enrolled in an aviation-related program in an accredited institution. |
| Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship | Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA) | Varies | Must be enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs. |
| Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program | State Government of Virginia | $3,200 | Must be a Virginia resident and full-time student at a private college or university. |
| Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP) | State Government of Virginia | $10,000 | Must be studying education in an approved teacher education program at a Virginia public or private university. |
| VMDAEC Educational Foundation Scholarship | Virginia, Maryland, & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives | $1,000 | Applicant’s primary residence must receive its power from one of the 15 electric cooperatives served by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. |
| Riding Forward Scholarship | Regions Bank | $5,000 | Must permanently reside in states with Regions Bank full service branches. |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Virginia
Considering the college tuition rates, college expenses, and study options is key when choosing a cheap college in Virginia. These factors allow you to know your options and save up money both in the short-term and long-term periods.
Tuition Rates
The college tuition rate accounts for a large portion of the fees you pay in college. Tuition rates vary depending on the degree, state, and type of college. Comparing college tuition rates across schools is an important practice that should be part of your school search to know what college best fits you.
College Expenses
The college expenses you need to pay include housing, transportation, and food. These expenses can add up over time so it is also important to add this consideration in your school search.
Study Options
Several colleges now offer different ways to finish a degree program. An online program is more cost-effective than in-person formats. Exploring the study options that a university offers is a good way to see what suits you best.
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Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Virginia
| Job Title | Average Salary in Virginia | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist | $355,580 | Doctoral Degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $172,530 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Marketing Manager | $169,990 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Sales Manager | $161,990 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Air Traffic Controller | $152,450 | Associate Degree |
| Lawyer | $146,140 | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Political Scientist | $143,150 | Master’s Degree |
| Computer Network Architect | $136,710 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Software Developer | $127,830 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Commercial Pilot | $125,670 | Bachelor’s Degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Virginia: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Virginia Worth It?
Yes, attending a cheap college in Virginia is worth it because you are able to get quality education at an accredited institution for lower prices. This means that you get to save up your money for other plans in life such as pursuing a graduate degree, traveling, or completing a milestone in life.
Cheapest Colleges in Virginia FAQ
You can go to college for free in Virginia by getting financial aid, grants, or scholarships. These options can fully or partially fund your college degree. In addition, you can also opt to apply for part-time jobs while you are in college to earn money while working on a degree.
To get in-state tuition in Virginia, you must live in Virginia for a minimum of one year according to Virginia State University. Opting to get in-state tuition in Virginia universities allows you to get more affordable tuition rates for the university you are attending.
You have to live in Virginia for a minimum of 183 days to become a resident, according to the Virginia State Government. Being a Virginia resident allows you to get lower tuition rates for universities within the state.
Yes, Virginia is racially diverse as it contains one of the higher percentages of Asian and African Americans in the United States, according to World Population Review. This means that you will be able to meet people from a culturally-diverse set of backgrounds as part of your college experience when you attend a university in Virginia.
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