News Summary
Money’s latest rankings highlight several Virginia colleges for their affordability and educational quality. The rankings, which assess 732 institutions, emphasize graduation rates, job placement, and affordability. Notably, top Virginia schools like William & Mary and Washington and Lee University achieved high star ratings, showcasing strong post-graduation outcomes. As families navigate financial choices for college, these rankings offer valuable insights into making informed decisions about higher education.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Several colleges in Virginia have made noteworthy appearances in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges in America rankings, which emphasize affordable institutions with strong educational programs and promising post-graduation salaries. The annual ratings serve to guide families of college-bound students in making informed decisions in a challenging financial climate, providing insight into schools that balance cost with quality.
This year, a total of 732 colleges were evaluated based on their likelihood of graduation and job placement rates. The rankings focus heavily on affordability, accounting for 40% of the total evaluation, while the quality of education and outcomes, including post-graduation salaries, each contribute 30% to the final score.
Top Virginia Colleges in the Ranking
Virginia’s representation in the list includes several institutions that have received a high star rating of 4.5. Here are the key details:
- William & Mary, Williamsburg
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 33%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $44,660
– Estimated price with average aid: $21,700
– Graduation rate: 91% - Washington and Lee University, Lexington
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 17%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $90,280
– Estimated price with average aid: $26,200
– Graduation rate: 94% - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 57%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $38,660
– Estimated price with average aid: $23,600
– Graduation rate: 86% - Virginia Military Institute, Lexington
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 82%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $36,140
– Estimated price with average aid: $8,300
– Graduation rate: 75% - University of Virginia, Charlottesville
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 17%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $41,430
– Estimated price with average aid: $18,900
– Graduation rate: 93% - University of Richmond
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 23%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $84,390
– Estimated price with average aid: $37,400
– Graduation rate: 88% - James Madison University, Harrisonburg
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 76%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $33,180
– Estimated price with average aid: $27,900
– Graduation rate: 82% - George Mason University, Fairfax
– Star rating: 4.5
– Acceptance rate: 89%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $35,020
– Estimated price with average aid: $20,100
– Graduation rate: 76% - Christopher Newport University, Newport News
– Star rating: 4.0
– Acceptance rate: 88%
– Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $35,830
– Estimated price with average aid: $24,300
– Graduation rate: 74%
Context and Implications
The current backdrop for higher education is shaped by evolving federal policies and funding strategies. There have been significant budget cuts and changes impacting college funding, making it crucial for prospective students and their families to understand the financial implications of their choices. The analysis by Money aims to alleviate some of this uncertainty by providing comprehensive data on the affordability and outcomes associated with various institutions.
In a landscape where financial decisions can significantly affect student futures, the rankings include institutions that excel not just in affordability, but also in delivering quality education. Virginia’s colleges remain competitive, demonstrating strong graduation rates and favorable conditions for post-graduation employment, which are pivotal for students looking to maximize their investment in education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Virginia Senate Rejects Governor’s Appointees Amid Political Tensions
Virginia Colleges Shine in Money’s Best Colleges Rankings
Virginia Governor Cuts $900 Million from State Budget
Dwike Wilson Appointed Cornerbacks Coach at ODU
Virginia Enacts Law to Compensate College Athletes
Virginia Governor Announces $900 Million Budget Cuts
VCU to Compensate Student-Athletes Starting 2025-2026
Virginia Beach Expands School Transportation Services
University of Virginia Dissolves DEI Office Amid Controversy
Meagan Good to Headline ODU’s 142nd Commencement Ceremony
Additional Resources
- Patch: Virginia Colleges Earn Top Scores
- Google Search: Virginia Colleges Ranking
- Richmond.com: Virginia Funding News
- Wikipedia: Education in Virginia
- Money: Best Colleges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Virginia Mercury: Federal Funding Policies
- Google News: Virginia Federal Funding Education
- 13 News Now: Funding News Virginia Schools
- Google Scholar: Virginia Education Funding
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
