Nursing in Virginia 2026
Discover the best Nursing programs in Virginia for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes. Data-driven
Best Colleges for Nursing in Virginia 2026
With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in Virginia. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
We analyzed 57 colleges and universities in Virginia offering Nursing 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 Nursing Programs in Virginia
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia (UVA) | 16.8% | $21,803 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| Riverside College of Health Careers | 27% | $17,510 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing | 27.9% | N/A | 33:1 | Unranked |
| The University of Virginias College at Wise | 28.5% | $11,780 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Jefferson College of Health Sciences | 30% | $26,416 | 8:1 | Unranked |
| Liberty University | 56% | $21,271 | 18:1 | Unranked |
| Averett University | 56.6% | $38,550 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| Bluefield College (BC) | 59.3% | $26,770 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Hampton University | 62.3% | $30,592 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg College) | 64% | $11,360 | 11:1 | Unranked |
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. Riverside College of Health Careers
Location: Newport News, Virginia • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- In-State Tuition: $17,510 | Out-of-State: $17,610
- Enrollment: 328 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,800
- Average Financial Aid: $5,815
View full Riverside College of Health Careers profile →
3. Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing
Location: Falls Church, Virginia • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 27.9%
- In-State Tuition: N/A | Out-of-State: N/A
- Enrollment: 730 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 33:1
- Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Earnings (6yr): N/A
- Average Financial Aid: $5,450
View full Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing 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. Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Location: Roanoke, Virginia • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- In-State Tuition: $26,416 | Out-of-State: $26,886
- Enrollment: 1,128 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,900
- Average Financial Aid: $15,473
View full Jefferson College of Health Sciences profile →
6. 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 →
7. 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 →
8. 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 →
9. 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 →
10. University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg College)
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- In-State Tuition: $11,360 | Out-of-State: $11,360
- Enrollment: 125 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 38% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,200
- Average Financial Aid: $25,853
View full University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg College) profile →
How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in Virginia
Selecting the best Nursing 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 Nursing.
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 Nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges for Nursing in Virginia?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Nursing programs in Virginia include University of Virginia (UVA), Riverside College of Health Careers, and Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing.
How much does a Nursing degree cost in Virginia?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in Virginia averages around $22,894 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What can I do with a Nursing degree from a Virginia school?
Graduates from Virginia's Nursing programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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