Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Virginia
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Virginia4 schools
4 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Virginia.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA · PublicHonor RollExceptional: Compass grade A
- Net price $19,096 a year
- 89% graduate
- 2
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA · PublicTop 9% for earnings
- Net price $17,113 a year
- 76% graduate
- 3
- 4
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $17,758 a year
- 52% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $19,096 | $18,500 | $73,490 | 89% |
| Virginia Military Institute | $17,113 | $22,996 | $77,369 | 76% |
| George Mason University | $17,915 | $19,500 | $76,343 | 68% |
| Sweet Briar College | $17,758 | $27,000 | $51,943 | 52% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.