2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Virginia
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Virginia? Our ranking highlights 147 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 57 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Virginia
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, our #1 best-value Science & Tech school in Virginia. 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. Median earnings reach $39,529 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,131 median debt. Read the full report on J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
You'll get strong value at Northern Virginia Community College, which ranked #2 this year. 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. Northern Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $53,557 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at John Tyler Community College earned it the #3 place in Virginia. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about John Tyler Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Danville Community College earned it the #4 place 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. Median earnings reach $31,664 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,494 median debt. Read the full report on Danville Community College
Southside Virginia Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Virginia. 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. Southside Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,371 a decade after entry. Set against $7,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southside Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Virginia this year. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Piedmont Virginia Community College
Germanna Community College landed the #7 spot for value in Virginia this year. 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. Median earnings reach $39,644 ten years out. Set against $10,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Germanna Community College
Lord Fairfax Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. 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. Median earnings reach $41,000 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lord Fairfax Community College
Wytheville Community College landed the #9 spot for value in Virginia this year. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,303. That is a strong return on a $9,542 median debt. More on Wytheville Community College
Patrick Henry Community College landed the #10 spot for value in Virginia this year. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,323 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Patrick Henry Community College profile
Mountain Empire Community College landed the #11 spot for value in Virginia this year. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,622 ten years after entry. Set against $9,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mountain Empire Community College profile
Thomas Nelson Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,996. That is a strong return on a $14,402 median debt. More on Thomas Nelson Community College
Tidewater Community College landed the #13 spot for value 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,349. Set against $14,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tidewater Community College
New River Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,025 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,132 median debt. See the full New River Community College profile
Central Virginia Community College placed #15 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,627 ten years after entry. Set against $10,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Virginia Community College
Rappahannock Community College landed the #16 spot for value 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. Median earnings reach $36,121 ten years out. Set against $8,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rappahannock Community College
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave placed #17 among the best-value 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,644. That is a strong return on a $11,768 median debt. See the full Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave profile
Virginia Highlands Community College placed #18 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. 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. Virginia Highlands Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,681 a decade after entry. Set against $7,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Virginia Highlands Community College profile
Paul D Camp Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Franklin, VA, Paul D Camp Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,012, with out-of-state students paying around $11,450. Students borrow a median of $11,074 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,031 ten years after entry. Set against $11,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Paul D Camp Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College landed the #20 spot for value in Virginia this year. Southwest Virginia Community College is a public school based in Cedar Bluff, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,075 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,513. Southwest Virginia Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Southwest Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,221 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwest Virginia Community College
Virginia Western Community College landed the #21 spot for value in Virginia this year. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,787 ten years after entry. Set against $13,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Virginia Western Community College
James Madison University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,954. That is a strong return on a $21,218 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about James Madison University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Old Dominion University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Old Dominion University report
George Mason University landed the #25 spot for value in Virginia this year. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on George Mason University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Virginia
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Radford University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Radford, VA, Radford University is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,739 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Radford University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Radford University
Christopher Newport University placed #28 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Based in Newport News, VA, Christopher Newport University is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $60,509 ten years out. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Christopher Newport University report
Longwood University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Farmville, VA, Longwood University is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,347. That is a strong return on a $25,649 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Longwood University
Virginia Military Institute came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lexington, VA. 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. Virginia Military Institute alumni report median earnings of $77,369 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Virginia Military Institute
University Of Mary Washington came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fredericksburg, VA, University Of Mary Washington is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,613. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Mary Washington profile
Lynchburg College landed the #32 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,380. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full Lynchburg College report
Liberty University landed the #33 spot for value in Virginia this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,414. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
Virginia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Petersburg, VA. 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. Virginia State University alumni report median earnings of $45,543 a decade after entry. Set against $29,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Virginia State University
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
College Of William And Mary placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,490. Set against $18,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. More on College Of William And Mary
Strayer University Virginia ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Arlington, VA, Strayer University Virginia is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,920. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $45,932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. That is a strong return on a $45,932 median debt. Get the full Strayer University Virginia report
Norfolk State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Norfolk, VA, Norfolk State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,180, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,666. Norfolk State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Norfolk State University profile
Ecpi University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,484. Students borrow a median of $27,988 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ecpi University alumni report median earnings of $42,837 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,988 median debt. Ecpi University admits about 74% of applicants. More on Ecpi University
Eastern Mennonite University landed the #40 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,920 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,869 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Mennonite University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Eastern Mennonite University
National College Salem ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. National College Salem is a private for-profit school based in Salem, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,716. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,930. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,370. Set against $27,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National College Salem
Mary Baldwin College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Staunton, VA, Mary Baldwin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,187. Students borrow a median of $29,562 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $44,427 ten years out. Set against $29,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mary Baldwin College
Shenandoah University landed the #44 spot for value in Virginia this year. Located in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,950. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,005. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,433. Set against $26,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shenandoah University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Shenandoah University report
South Universityvirginia Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, South Universityvirginia Beach is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,895. South Universityvirginia Beach Science & Tech students take on a median of $48,920 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on South Universityvirginia Beach
Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Arlington, VA. 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. Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $67,516 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,880 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Marymount University
Hampton University placed #47 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Hampton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hampton, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,592. Hampton University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,169 in debt. Hampton University alumni report median earnings of $59,159 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,169 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read more about Hampton University
Regent University placed #47 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Virginia. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read more about Regent University
Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,752. Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,715 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. That is a strong return on a $25,715 median debt. Read the full report on Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach
Randolph Macon College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,466. Students borrow a median of $26,432 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,448 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,432 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Randolph Macon College
University Of Richmond landed the #51 spot for value in Virginia this year. Based in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,634. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,178 ten years after entry. Set against $21,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Richmond has an acceptance rate of 22%. Read more about University Of Richmond
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 57 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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