Communications in Virginia 2026

Best Colleges for Communications in Virginia 2026

From journalism and public relations to digital media and corporate communications, Virginia's programs prepare students for an evolving media landscape. Practical experience through campus media and internships is a hallmark of top programs.

We analyzed 45 colleges and universities in Virginia offering Communications programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Communications Programs in Virginia

Detailed School Profiles

1. Washington and Lee University

Location: Lexington, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• In-State Tuition: $68,045 | Out-of-State: $68,045
• Enrollment: 1,881 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $49,900
• Average Financial Aid: $45,232

View full Washington and Lee University profile →

2. University of Virginia (UVA)

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 16.8%
• In-State Tuition: $21,803 | Out-of-State: $59,512
• Enrollment: 17,597 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Earnings (6yr): $50,300
• Average Financial Aid: $21,865

View full University of Virginia (UVA) profile →

3. University of Richmond

Location: University Of Richmond, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 22.2%
• In-State Tuition: $65,230 | Out-of-State: $65,230
• Enrollment: 2,980 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,900
• Average Financial Aid: $40,155

View full University of Richmond profile →

4. The University of Virginias College at Wise

Location: Wise, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 28.5%
• In-State Tuition: $11,780 | Out-of-State: $28,010
• Enrollment: 1,101 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Earnings (6yr): $28,100
• Average Financial Aid: $12,451

View full The University of Virginias College at Wise profile →

5. Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 38.1%
• In-State Tuition: $21,650 | Out-of-State: $21,650
• Enrollment: 4,729 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 47:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,400
• Average Financial Aid: $12,179

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6. Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 54.8%
• In-State Tuition: $15,948 | Out-of-State: $37,764
• Enrollment: 30,923 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $48,000
• Average Financial Aid: $8,191

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7. Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $21,271 | Out-of-State: $22,584
• Enrollment: 79,153 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,100
• Average Financial Aid: $10,595

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8. Averett University

Location: Danville, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56.6%
• In-State Tuition: $38,550 | Out-of-State: $38,550
• Enrollment: 1,231 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,800
• Average Financial Aid: $21,119

View full Averett University profile →

9. Bluefield College (BC)

Location: Bluefield, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 59.3%
• In-State Tuition: $26,770 | Out-of-State: $26,770
• Enrollment: 614 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 18% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,200
• Average Financial Aid: $14,989

View full Bluefield College (BC) profile →

10. Hampton University

Location: Hampton, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.3%
• In-State Tuition: $30,592 | Out-of-State: $30,592
• Enrollment: 3,727 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,900
• Average Financial Aid: $12,161

View full Hampton University profile →

How to Choose the Right Communications Program in Virginia

Selecting the best Communications program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Virginia residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Communications.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Communications programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Communications in Virginia?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Communications programs in Virginia include Washington and Lee University, University of Virginia (UVA), and University of Richmond.

How much does a Communications degree cost in Virginia?
In-state tuition for Communications programs in Virginia averages around $32,163 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Communications degree from a Virginia school?
Graduates from Virginia's Communications programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.