Education in Virginia 2026

Best Colleges for Education in Virginia 2026

Teacher shortages across Virginia make education graduates highly employable upon completion. These programs combine pedagogy, subject expertise, and student teaching placements to produce classroom-ready professionals.

We analyzed 41 colleges and universities in Virginia offering Education 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 Education Programs in Virginia

Detailed School Profiles

1. 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 →

2. 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 →

3. 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 →

4. College of William and Mary

Location: Williamsburg, Virginia • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 34.1%
• In-State Tuition: $25,914 | Out-of-State: $51,038
• Enrollment: 7,055 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,900
• Average Financial Aid: $21,792

View full College of William and Mary 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

View full Regent University profile →

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. Virginia International University (VIU)

Location: Fairfax, Virginia • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $10,128 | Out-of-State: $10,328
• Enrollment: 282 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): N/A
• Average Financial Aid: $4,460

View full Virginia International University (VIU) profile →

8. 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

View full Liberty University profile →

9. 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 →

10. 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 →

How to Choose the Right Education Program in Virginia

Selecting the best Education 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 Education.

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 Education programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Education in Virginia?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Education programs in Virginia include University of Virginia (UVA), University of Richmond, and The University of Virginias College at Wise.

How much does a Education degree cost in Virginia?
In-state tuition for Education programs in Virginia averages around $25,904 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

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