Virginia Colleges Shine in Money’s Best Colleges Rankings

Students engage in academic activities at a Virginia college campus.

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.