2026 Best Science & Tech Schools in Virginia
Looking for the best Science & Tech degree programs in Virginia? Our ranking highlights 147 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 106 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Science & Tech Degree Schools in Virginia
Explore the leading schools below:
No school ranked higher than University Of Virginia Main Campus this year in Virginia. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
A rank of #2 makes Virginia Military Institute one of the top choices in Virginia. This public school is set in Lexington, VA. About 76% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,046, while out-of-state students pay about $52,638. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,309. Read more about Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #3 on this year's Science & Tech ranking in Virginia. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,393. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The strong Science & Tech programs at Randolph Macon College earned it the #4 place in Virginia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, VA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,466. Students borrow a median of $26,432 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on Randolph Macon College
A rank of #5 makes College Of William And Mary one of the top choices in Virginia. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. College Of William And Mary Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,935 in debt. More on College Of William And Mary
James Madison University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,218 in student loans. Read more about James Madison University
University Of Richmond ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Based in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Richmond posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,634. Read more about University Of Richmond
George Mason University landed the #8 spot in Virginia this year. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. George Mason University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Read the full report on George Mason University
Christopher Newport University did well this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Newport News, VA, Christopher Newport University is a public institution. Christopher Newport University graduates 72% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,828, while out-of-state students pay about $31,178. Graduates carry a median of $25,094 in student loans. Get the full Christopher Newport University report
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,413 in student loans. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
Roanoke College placed #11 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Roanoke College is a private not-for-profit school based in Salem, VA. Roanoke College posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Students from in state pay about $38,068 in tuition and fees. Roanoke College Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,940 in debt. See the full Roanoke College profile
Shenandoah University came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Located in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,950. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,005. Get the full Shenandoah University report
Eastern Mennonite University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $43,920 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,415. Read more about Eastern Mennonite University
University Of Mary Washington ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Based in Fredericksburg, VA, University Of Mary Washington is a public institution. University Of Mary Washington graduates 66% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,905, while out-of-state students pay about $28,083. Graduates carry a median of $22,825 in student loans. See the full University Of Mary Washington profile
Lynchburg College landed the #15 spot in Virginia this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lynchburg College graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $36,750. Get the full Lynchburg College report
Old Dominion University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Get the full Old Dominion University report
Bridgewater College did well this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Bridgewater, VA, Bridgewater College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 53% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,090. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,423. See the full Bridgewater College profile
Virginia Commonwealth University did well this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates 63% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
Radford University did well this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Radford, VA, Radford University is a public institution. Radford University graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,548 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Graduates carry a median of $25,514 in student loans. More on Radford University
Marymount University landed the #20 spot in Virginia this year. Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Arlington, VA. About 54% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $40,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,880 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on Marymount University
John Tyler Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Chester, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,082, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,262. Read more about John Tyler Community College
Ecpi University placed #22 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. Ecpi University graduates 28% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,484. Students borrow a median of $27,988 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on Ecpi University
Danville Community College placed #23 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Danville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,992, compared with $11,430 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,494 in student loans. Read the full report on Danville Community College
Strayer University Virginia did well this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Arlington, VA, Strayer University Virginia is a private for-profit institution. Strayer University Virginia graduates 19% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,920. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $45,932. Get the full Strayer University Virginia report
Longwood University placed #25 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Set in Farmville, VA, Longwood University is a public institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,740 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,980. Longwood University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,649 in debt. Read more about Longwood University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Science & Tech Degree Schools in Virginia
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Germanna Community College placed #26 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Locust Grove, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,257, compared with $11,648 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,999 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on Germanna Community College
Southside Virginia Community College landed the #27 spot in Virginia this year. Southside Virginia Community College is a public school based in Alberta, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,467. More on Southside Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Based in Charlottesville, VA, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,072 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,510. Students borrow a median of $12,495 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on Piedmont Virginia Community College
Tidewater Community College landed the #29 spot in Virginia this year. Tidewater Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,858, compared with $12,296 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,001 in student loans. Read more about Tidewater Community College
Hampton University did well this year, earning the #30 position. Hampton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hampton, VA. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,592. Hampton University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,169 in debt. Read more about Hampton University
Emory And Henry College came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Emory, VA. Emory And Henry College graduates 56% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,000. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,938. Get the full Emory And Henry College report
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College came in at #32 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $11,718. Students borrow a median of $16,131 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Wytheville Community College did well this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Wytheville, VA, Wytheville Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. Graduates carry a median of $9,542 in student loans. More on Wytheville Community College
Liberty University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. About 67% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,414. See the full Liberty University profile
Patrick Henry Community College did well this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Martinsville, VA, Patrick Henry Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $11,440. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,235. See the full Patrick Henry Community College profile
Lord Fairfax Community College placed #36 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Located in Middletown, VA, Lord Fairfax Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,072, while out-of-state students pay about $11,510. Graduates carry a median of $10,698 in student loans. More on Lord Fairfax Community College
Mountain Empire Community College came in at #37 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Big Stone Gap, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,036. See the full Mountain Empire Community College profile
Mary Baldwin College did well this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Staunton, VA, Mary Baldwin College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 39% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,187. Students borrow a median of $29,562 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on Mary Baldwin College
Thomas Nelson Community College did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Hampton, VA, Thomas Nelson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,526 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,402 in student loans. More on Thomas Nelson Community College
South Universityvirginia Beach placed #40 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, South Universityvirginia Beach is a private for-profit institution. South Universityvirginia Beach posts a six-year graduation rate of 10%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,895. South Universityvirginia Beach Science & Tech students take on a median of $48,920 in debt. Read the full report on South Universityvirginia Beach
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave placed #41 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Based in Weyers Cave, VA, Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $12,084. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,768. See the full Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave profile
Averett University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Danville, VA, Averett University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,550. Graduates carry a median of $28,595 in student loans. Read the full report on Averett University
Central Virginia Community College landed the #43 spot in Virginia this year. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Central Virginia Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,157, with out-of-state students paying around $11,595. Central Virginia Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,384 in debt. Read more about Central Virginia Community College
New River Community College came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Based in Dublin, VA, New River Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,417. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,132. See the full New River Community College profile
Norfolk State University did well this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Norfolk, VA, Norfolk State University is a public institution. Norfolk State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 39%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,180, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. See the full Norfolk State University profile
Virginia State University placed #47 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Petersburg, VA. Roughly 39% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,043, while out-of-state students pay about $22,650. Virginia State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $29,010 in debt. Read more about Virginia State University
Regent University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Read more about Regent University
Virginia Western Community College placed #49 among Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Based in Roanoke, VA, Virginia Western Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,400, compared with $11,838 for out-of-state students. Virginia Western Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,715 in debt. More on Virginia Western Community College
Rappahannock Community College landed the #50 spot in Virginia this year. Located in Glenns, VA, Rappahannock Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,102, while out-of-state students pay about $11,540. Graduates carry a median of $8,997 in student loans. More on Rappahannock Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Located in Abingdon, VA, Virginia Highlands Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,460 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,490. See the full Virginia Highlands Community College profile
More Science & Tech Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: State · 106 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 147 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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