Hidden gem colleges in Virginia
Strong academics and solid results at a below-average sticker price, at colleges that admit most applicants.
Hidden gem colleges in Virginia3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Virginia.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence of 80 or higher.
- Graduation rate of 60% or more and median earnings ten years after enrolling of $50,000 or more from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Sticker price (cost of attendance) below the median for colleges on the Compass, and an admission rate of 50% or more.
- 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
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · PublicTop 11% for graduation
- Sticker price $31,735 a year
- 80% graduate
- 2
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · PublicTop 10% for earnings
- Sticker price $28,604 a year
- 68% graduate
- 3
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA · PublicVery good: Compass grade B+
- Sticker price $31,137 a year
- 66% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | $23,322 | $20,093 | $69,954 | 80% |
| George Mason University | $17,915 | $19,500 | $76,343 | 68% |
| University of Mary Washington | $20,667 | $20,500 | $60,613 | 66% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.