Savings Simulator
Estimate your total degree savings
*Simulating savings based on Virginia Average's current in-state qualification rules.
Total Savings Goal
$108,084
Estimated Benefit Over 4 Years
Virginia Universities
| University | In-State | Out-of-State | 4yr Savings | SAT Avg | Accept Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia Charlottesville • Public | $19,668 | $55,914 | $144,984 | 1440 | 19% |
| Virginia Tech Blacksburg • Public | $14,726 | $35,242 | $82,064 | 1340 | 57% |
| William & Mary Williamsburg • Public | $24,160 | $48,460 | $97,200 | 1430 | 33% |
Top Education Hubs in Virginia
Higher Education in Virginia
Virginia offers exceptional higher education through a prestigious public university system that includes multiple nationally ranked institutions. The Commonwealth's 15 public four-year universities serve over 200,000 students, providing diverse pathways from regional universities to elite flagship institutions.
The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson, is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities. Located in Charlottesville, UVA excels across virtually all fields—business (Darden and McIntire), law, medicine, engineering, and liberal arts. Its historic Grounds, honor system, and distinctive culture make it one of America's most distinctive universities.
Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is Virginia's comprehensive research and land-grant university, particularly strong in engineering (#13 nationally), architecture, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Tech's campus culture emphasizes the Corps of Cadets tradition, strong athletics, and close-knit community spirit.
William & Mary, the nation's second-oldest college, offers a rigorous liberal arts education with selective admission rivaling the Ivies. Its historic campus in Williamsburg and strong programs in law, business, and sciences attract high-achieving students.
Other notable public universities include George Mason (Northern Virginia, emphasis on policy and innovation), James Madison (strong business and health programs), Virginia Commonwealth (urban Richmond, excellent arts and medicine), and Old Dominion (Hampton Roads, naval/marine focus).
For 2025-2026, UVA in-state tuition averages approximately $19,700—higher than many public flagships but justified by exceptional quality. Virginia Tech is around $14,700. The $36,000+ difference between in-state and out-of-state at UVA underscores the value of Virginia residency.
UVA vs Virginia Tech: Choosing Virginia's Flagships
Virginia's two flagship universities—UVA and Virginia Tech—offer distinct strengths, cultures, and experiences. Both are excellent, but understanding their differences helps students choose wisely.
UVA in Charlottesville provides perhaps the most distinctive public university experience in America. Its honor system, student self-governance tradition, historic architecture (designed by Jefferson), and academic culture create an environment resembling a prestigious private university. UVA excels in business, pre-professional programs, and liberal arts. Greek life is prominent, and the student culture emphasizes tradition.
Virginia Tech in Blacksburg offers a different experience: engineering-focused academics, Corps of Cadets tradition (though optional), passionate Hokie athletics culture, and a more rural mountain setting. Tech excels in engineering, architecture, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. The campus community is close-knit with strong school spirit.
For admission, UVA is significantly more selective (~19% acceptance) than Virginia Tech (~57%). UVA attracts more students nationally, while Tech draws heavily from Virginia and the mid-Atlantic.
Tuition is similar for in-state students (~$15,000-$20,000). The choice often depends on academic interests: UVA for business, pre-law, pre-med, and liberal arts; Tech for engineering, architecture, and applied sciences. Campus culture preferences also matter: UVA's preppy Southern tradition versus Tech's Hokie spirit.
| Aspect | UVA | VT |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 26,700 students | 38,000 students |
| In-State Tuition | ~$19,700/year | ~$14,700/year |
| Top Programs | Business, Law, Medicine | Engineering, Architecture, Vet Med |
| Setting | College Town (Charlottesville) | Rural (Blacksburg) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~19% | ~57% |
| Athletic Culture | ACC (Cavaliers) | ACC (Hokies) |
Virginia Financial Aid & Scholarships
Virginia provides state aid programs that help offset its relatively high public university tuition.
The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) provides up to $4,000 annually for Virginia residents attending Virginia private colleges. This grant helps make private education more affordable for in-state students. VTAG is not available for public university attendance.
The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) provides need-based grants for students attending Virginia public two-year colleges. Combined with federal aid, this can cover community college costs for low-income students.
UVA's AccessUVA program is among the most generous in public higher education. UVA meets 100% of demonstrated need, caps loans at approximately $14,000 total over four years, and uses grant aid instead of loans for lower-income families. For families earning under $75,000, students typically graduate with minimal debt.
Virginia Tech provides substantial merit and need-based scholarships. Tech's General Scholarship automatically considers all admitted students based on academics. The Pamplin Scholars program provides full tuition for exceptional engineering students.
William & Mary's Gateway program covers tuition, fees, room, and board for students from families earning under $55,000. Combined with Virginia Public Universities Commitment Program at multiple schools, Virginia offers strong support for low-income students.
To maximize aid, file FAFSA immediately after October 1, complete the CSS Profile for schools requiring it (UVA, W&M), and research institutional scholarships. Virginia's premium institutions provide generous aid that can make them affordable despite higher sticker prices.
Virginia In-State Residency Requirements
Virginia residency for tuition purposes requires establishing domicile in Virginia for at least one year before the first day of classes. Virginia uses a comprehensive domicile test that evaluates intent to make Virginia your permanent home.
For dependent students (under 24 and claimed on parents' taxes), residency follows parental domicile. At least one parent must have maintained Virginia domicile for at least one year with documentation: Virginia driver's license, voter registration, employment, Virginia income tax filing, property ownership or lease, and vehicle registration.
For independent students, demonstrate one year of Virginia domicile with physical presence and permanent intent. Documentation includes: Virginia driver's license, voter registration, bank accounts, employment records, utility bills, and lease agreements. You must show Virginia is your home, not just educational residence.
Virginia's domicile statute explicitly states that persons living in Virginia primarily for education are presumed to be domiciled elsewhere. This presumption is very difficult to overcome while enrolled as a full-time student.
Virginia is strict about residency reclassification. Simply living in Virginia while attending college doesn't establish domicile. Marriage to a Virginia resident doesn't automatically confer residency—you must still demonstrate domicile intent through your own actions.
Given the $36,000+ annual difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at UVA, families planning relocation should establish Virginia domicile at least 12-15 months before enrollment. Northern Virginia residents benefit from proximity to Washington D.C. job markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UVA's in-state tuition for 2025-2026?
UVA in-state tuition and fees total approximately $19,668 for 2025-2026. With room and board (~$14,430), books, and expenses, total cost of attendance is approximately $37,000-$40,000 annually. However, AccessUVA meets 100% of demonstrated need, making UVA affordable for many families.
How competitive is UVA admission?
Very competitive. UVA accepts approximately 19% of applicants. Middle 50% SAT scores range from 1380-1530. Virginia residents have higher acceptance rates than out-of-state applicants. Strong academics, leadership, compelling essays, and demonstrated fit with UVA culture are essential.
What is AccessUVA?
AccessUVA is UVA's financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. It caps total student loans at approximately $14,000 over four years and uses grants instead of loans for lower-income families. Families earning under $75,000 typically see students graduate with minimal debt.
How does Virginia Tech compare to UVA for engineering?
Virginia Tech's College of Engineering is stronger overall—ranked #13 nationally compared to UVA's #36. Tech excels particularly in aerospace, civil, mechanical, and industrial engineering. UVA engineering is excellent but smaller. For engineering-focused students, Tech is generally the better choice.
What SAT scores do I need for Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech's middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1230-1410. Tech is moderately selective at ~57% acceptance rate. For competitive programs like engineering, stronger scores (1350+) improve admission chances. Tech uses holistic review considering academics, activities, and essays.
What is William & Mary known for?
William & Mary is the nation's second-oldest college with exceptional liberal arts education. Known for rigorous academics, historic campus in Williamsburg, strong pre-law preparation, business (Mason School), and sciences. Highly selective (~33% acceptance) with culture emphasizing intellectual curiosity and student engagement.
Can I establish Virginia residency while attending college?
Very difficult. Virginia law presumes students living in Virginia primarily for education are domiciled elsewhere. Overcoming this presumption requires demonstrating that educational purposes are incidental to your presence. Working full-time while taking breaks from enrollment might help, but reclassification while continuously enrolled is rare.
What is the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets is one of the nation's senior military colleges (like Texas A&M). Participation is optional—about 1,000 students are members. The Corps provides military training, leadership development, and can lead to Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine officer commissions. Many non-Corps students attend Tech.
What is George Mason University like?
GMU is Virginia's largest public university serving 40,000+ students in Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. Known for policy studies (top-ranked), economics (two Nobel laureate faculty), information technology, and business. Urban/suburban setting with many commuter students. Location provides D.C. internship access. Less selective than UVA or Tech.
What are housing costs at Virginia universities?
Room and board averages $12,000-$15,000 annually at Virginia public universities. Charlottesville (UVA) and Northern Virginia (GMU) have higher off-campus housing costs. Blacksburg (Tech) and Williamsburg (W&M) are more affordable for off-campus living. Most schools require freshmen to live on campus.
Is JMU a good option?
James Madison University in Harrisonburg is a well-regarded comprehensive university serving 22,000+ students. Known for business, health sciences, education, and communication. Beautiful Shenandoah Valley setting. JMU has passionate school spirit and strong undergraduate focus. Less selective than UVA but more rigorous than some regional options.
What is Virginia Commonwealth University known for?
VCU is Virginia's urban public research university in Richmond. Known for arts (top-ranked VCUarts), medicine (VCU Medical Center), pharmacy, social work, and nursing. Diverse student body with many first-generation students. Urban campus provides clinical and internship opportunities. Less selective than UVA with strong professional programs.
How do I transfer to UVA?
Transfer admission to UVA is competitive—about 35% acceptance rate. Complete at least 24 credits at your current institution, maintain 3.5+ GPA, complete required prerequisites for your intended major, and demonstrate strong reasons for transferring. Virginia community college students have some guaranteed pathways through transfer agreements.
What is the Virginia Community College System?
VCCS comprises 23 community colleges across Virginia offering affordable associate degrees and transfer pathways. Guaranteed admission agreements with public universities make VCCS an excellent starting point. Credit transfers are generally smooth through the Virginia Education Transfer Agreement. Total transfer from VCCS to UVA remains competitive.
Are there good pre-med programs in Virginia?
Yes. UVA's medical school is top-25 nationally, and pre-med students benefit from research and clinical opportunities. Virginia Tech has a respected pre-med track despite lacking an on-campus medical school. VCU offers excellent clinical exposure through its urban medical center. William & Mary has strong pre-med advising with high acceptance rates.
Official Data Sources & Authority
All tuition and enrollment data for Virginia is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We provide this data to help students make informed decisions based on official government records.
- University of Virginia. "Tuition and Fees."Official Source
- State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. "Financial Aid Programs."Official Source
- Virginia Tech. "Cost of Attendance."Official Source
- University of Virginia. "AccessUVA."Official Source
- William & Mary. "Gateway William & Mary."Official Source
- U.S. Department of Education. "College Navigator."nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).studentaid.gov
Calculate Your Savings
Use our tuition calculator to estimate your total college costs and potential savings with in-state residency.