Top 6 Universities in Virginia 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
Table of Contents
Thinking about studying in Virginia in 2025? Great choice! Virginia is home to some of the most respected and student-friendly universities in the US—offering everything from world-class research and Ivy-level academics to inclusive campuses and budget-friendly tuition. Whether you want to dive into business, healthcare, tech, public policy, or the arts, there’s a perfect fit for you here.
From the historic charm of UVA and William & Mary to the tech innovation at GMU and the vibrant city vibes of VCU, this guide will walk you through Virginia’s top universities—covering rankings, courses, tuition fees, admission deadlines, and student life. Let’s help you find your future campus!
Why Should You Choose the University of Virginia in 2025?
If you’re looking for a top-ranked university that offers great academics, a beautiful campus, and strong career support, the University of Virginia (UVA) is a smart pick in 2025. Located in Charlottesville, UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson. In 2025, UVA is ranked #24 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. It has top programs in business, law, public policy, engineering, and medicine. The professors here are some of the best in the country, and the university offers amazing opportunities for research, internships, and networking.
UVA is competitive to get into, with a low acceptance rate of 19%, but students who make it in are part of a strong, supportive community. The university has a 97% freshman retention rate, a 95% graduation rate, and its students go on to work at big companies and in important government roles. Following are the key details of University of Virginia:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1819 (by Thomas Jefferson) |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia, USA |
| Campus Size | 1,682 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 26,000+ students (17,500 undergrads, 8,500 grad students) |
| International Students | 1,200+ from over 100 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $23,118/year; Out-of-state: $60,907/year |
| Popular Majors | Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Public Policy |
| SAT Range | 1390–1530 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Jan 5 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 or TOEFL iBT: 100+ |
| Campus Life | 800+ clubs, sports, arts, student leadership, Greek life |
| Top Recruiters | McKinsey, Google, Capital One, Deloitte, U.S. Department of State |
| Website | www.virginia.edu |
Why Is George Mason University a Top Choice for Students in Virginia in 2025?
If you’re looking for a university that’s affordable, diverse, and full of career opportunities, George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia is a great option in 2025. It’s the largest public research university in the state and is known for being welcoming to students from all backgrounds. GMU offers top programs in computer science, business, engineering, cybersecurity, and public policy. It’s ranked among the top 150 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.
What makes GMU really stand out is its inclusive admissions—it has a 91% acceptance rate, making it easier for many students to access a quality education. With more than 38,000 students, including nearly 4,000 international students from 130+ countries, the campus is super diverse. GMU also has campuses in Arlington and South Korea, giving students lots of options. Following are the key details of George Mason University (GMU):
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1972 (became independent from UVA) |
| Location | Fairfax, Virginia, USA |
| Campus Size | 817 acres (plus campuses in Arlington & South Korea) |
| Ranking (2025) | Top 150 National Universities (U.S. News & World Report) |
| Total Enrollment | 26,000 undergrads, 12,000 grads |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 91% (easy to get in for most students) |
| First-Year Retention | 88% |
| Graduation Rate | 71% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $21,537/year; Out-of-state: $29,458/year |
| Popular Majors | Computer Science, Business, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Public Policy |
| SAT Range | 1150–1320 |
| Application Deadlines | Regular: Jan 15; Rolling admissions afterward |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 80+ |
| Campus Life | 350+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, arts, student events |
| Top Recruiters | Amazon, Northrop Grumman, Capital One, NIH, Booz Allen Hamilton |
| Top Student Accommodation near George mason university | Flats on University, 2221 S Clark St, Florida Ave, The Lanes at Union Market |
| Website | www.gmu.edu |
What Makes the College of William & Mary a Great Option in 2025?
College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, founded way back in 1693, it’s the second-oldest university in the U.S. and is known as a “Public Ivy”—which means you get Ivy League-level learning at public school prices. In 2025, William & Mary is ranked #41 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report. The school is best known for its liberal arts and public service programs, especially in government, business, law, and history.
It’s a selective school, accepting about 33% of applicants, but offers a tight-knit learning environment with small class sizes and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The campus is home to around 8,900 students, including 800+ international students from over 60 countries. Following are the key details of College of William & Mary:
| Feature | Details |
| Campus Size | 1,200 acres |
| Student Enrollment | 6,500 undergrads, 2,400 grads |
| First-Year Retention | 95% |
| Graduation Rate | 91% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $26,019/year; Out-of-state: $50,752/year |
| Popular Majors | Government, Business, History, International Relations, Law |
| SAT Range | 1380–1520 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Decision I: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Jan 1 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 or TOEFL iBT: 100 |
| Campus Life | 450+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, student research, leadership roles |
| Top Recruiters | U.S. State Department, Deloitte, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, international NGOs |
| Website | www.wm.edu |
Why Should You Consider James Madison University in 2025?
If you’re looking for a university that offers great academics, affordable tuition, and a fun student life, James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia is a top choice for 2025. Ranked #148 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report, JMU is especially well-known for its business, health sciences, education, and communication programs. It’s home to over 22,000 students, including 800+ international students, and has a welcoming 78% acceptance rate—making it accessible but still selective.
Students love JMU for its small class sizes, 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and strong 90% first-year retention rate, showing how supported students feel here. Outside of academics, life is active and engaging with 400+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, and awesome campus facilities that keep you busy and connected. Following are the key details of James Madison University:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Location | Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA |
| Campus Size | 675 acres |
| Student Enrollment | approx. 20,000 undergrads, 2,000+ grads |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $14,242/year; Out-of-state: $31,588/year |
| Popular Majors | Business, Health Sciences, Education, Communication, Psychology |
| SAT Range | 1140–1300 |
| Application Deadlines | Regular Decision: Jan 15; Rolling admissions also open |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 80 |
| Top Recruiters | Capital One, Deloitte, KPMG, Oracle, Inova Health |
| Top Student Accommodation Near James Madison University | 865 East, Arcadia Harrisonburg, The Cottages on Port Republic, Redpoint |
| Website | www.jmu.edu |
What Makes Virginia Commonwealth University a Good Pick in 2025?
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia is a great choice for 2025. VCU is one of the top public research universities in the state and is especially famous for its medical school, School of the Arts, and community-focused programs. VCU is ranked #142 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 and is classified as an R1 research university, which means it’s one of the top schools in the U.S. for research activity.
With more than 200 programs, students can find something that suits their interests—whether it’s nursing, business, fine arts, psychology, or engineering. The university has over 28,500 students, including 1,500+ international students from around the world. The campus sits right in downtown Richmond, so students have easy access to internships, events, and job opportunities in a variety of industries. Following are the key details of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU):
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1838 |
| Campus Type | Urban campus (downtown) |
| Campus Size | 173 acres (Monroe Park & MCV campuses) |
| Student Enrollment | 23,000+ undergrads, 5,500+ grads |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 91% (welcoming to many students) |
| First-Year Retention | 83% |
| Graduation Rate | 65% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $16,720/year; Out-of-state: $39,194/year |
| Popular Majors | Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Business, Engineering, Psychology |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1070–1270; ACT: 21–28 |
| Application Deadlines | Regular Decision: Jan 18; Rolling admissions available |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 80 |
| Campus Life | 500+ clubs, NCAA sports, art shows, cultural groups |
| Research Focus | R1 university; $400M+ annual research funding |
| Top Recruiters | VCU Health, Capital One, Dominion Energy, Altria, HCA Healthcare |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) | RAMZ Apartments on Broad, RAMZ Lofts at Capital Garage, 1200 West Marshall, 8 1/2 Canal Street, Sydnor Flats |
| Website | www.vcu.edu |
Why Is Old Dominion University a Smart Choice for Students in 2025?
Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia is a great pick in 2025. ODU is ranked #296 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and is popular for online programs, military-friendly support, and research in fields like cybersecurity and coastal science. With over 23,000 students, including 1,100+ international students from 100+ countries, it’s a diverse and welcoming place to study.
The university offers 120+ undergraduate and 130+ graduate programs, with strong majors in engineering, business, health sciences, education, and nursing. Its location near the coast gives students opportunities for internships and careers in shipping, defense, healthcare, and more. Following are the key details of Old Dominion University (ODU):
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Location | Norfolk, Virginia, USA |
| Campus Size | 251 acres |
| Student Enrollment | 18,000+ undergrads, 5,000+ grads |
| International Students | 1,100+ from over 100 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95% (very accessible) |
| First-Year Retention | 76% |
| Graduation Rate | 52% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $12,102/year; Out-of-state: $32,933/year |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Education, Cybersecurity |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1040–1230; ACT: 20–25 |
| Application Deadlines | Rolling admissions; early action recommended |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79 |
| Campus Life | 300+ student clubs, NCAA Division I sports, community programs |
| Research Focus | R2 university; $60M+ in research funding annually |
| Top Recruiters | Sentara Healthcare, U.S. Navy, Boeing, Norfolk Public Schools, IBM |
| Website | www.odu.edu |
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for—top-ranked programs, inclusive campuses, real-world experience, or an affordable education—Virginia’s universities have something for everyone. Whether it’s the prestige of UVA, the diversity of GMU, or the creative energy at VCU, your perfect university might be just a few clicks away.
And don’t forget—once you pick your university, you’ll need a great place to live! That’s where University Living comes in. We help students like you find safe, verified student housing near top universities in Virginia. So while you focus on your studies, we’ll take care of where you stay.
Explore University Living to book your ideal student accommodation in Virginia today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked universities in Virginia for 2025?
Some of the best universities in Virginia for 2025 include:
1. University of Virginia (UVA) – Ranked #24 nationally by U.S. News.
2. College of William & Mary – Ranked #41 nationally.
3. George Mason University (GMU) – Ranked among the top 150.
4. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – Ranked #142 nationally.
5. James Madison University (JMU) – Ranked #148 nationally.
6. Old Dominion University (ODU) – Ranked #296 nationally.
What are the most popular courses in Virginia universities in 2025?
Some of the top programs that students frequently choose are:
1. Business Administration
2. Computer Science
3. Engineering
4. Public Policy
5. Health Sciences
6. Law
7. Fine Arts and Psychology (VCU especially)
8. Education and Communication
How much is the tuition fee for universities in Virginia?
Here’s a general breakdown (2024–2025):
1. In-state tuition ranges from $12,000 to $26,000 per year.
2. Out-of-state tuition ranges from $29,000 to $60,000+ per year, depending on the university.
What are the application deadlines for Virginia universities in 2025?
Most universities follow these deadlines:
1. Early Action/Early Decision: Between November 1 and 15, 2024
2. Regular Decision: Between January 1 and January 18, 2025
3. Rolling Admissions: Available at some universities like ODU, GMU, and JMU
Are Virginia universities good for international students?
Absolutely! Universities like UVA, GMU, and VCU have thousands of international students and offer:
1. Dedicated support centers
2. English language help (IELTS/TOEFL accepted)
3. Scholarships and career support
4. Global alumni networks
