Virginia has many affordable universities. Enrolling in these colleges will allow you to pursue your ambition of studying in the United States without spending a lot of money.
These universities also provide well-rounded academic programs and curricula, allowing students to get their degrees while spending less money.
If you choose to study in Virginia, you’ll have plenty of options because the state is home to 40 universities. However, if you’re seeking for cheap universities in Virginia, continue reading.
What can I study at the Cheap Colleges in Virginia?
International students can pursue some undergraduate and graduate degrees in Virginia.
Bluefield University, for example, is one of Virginia’s best cheap institutions, offering bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Business Administration, and Chemistry.
Eastern Mennonite University provides master’s programs in healthcare management, religion, and human resources.
Cheap Colleges in Virginia
1. Virginia State University
VSU is an HBCU and the first fully state-supported four-year college or university for black students in the United States, having been founded in 1882. Today, College Choice rates the university 12th out of 104 HBCUs.
VSU has received numerous more accolades and distinctions. For example, it is ranked fifth in the country in terms of teacher productivity. Meanwhile, HBCU Digest rated the Department of Art and Design as the Best Fine Arts Program at an HBCU. It is also one of the top ten student retention programs at HBCUs.
2. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
UVA Wise has ten departments, including Business and Economics, Communications, Education, History and Philosophy, Language and Literature, Mathematics and Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Nursing, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
The institution, which is part of UVA, is a public liberal arts college located in Southwest Virginia’s mountains. It stands out for its low student-to-faculty ratio, commitment to reducing/eliminating student debt and gorgeous campus.
3. Old Dominion University
Military Times ranked Old Dominion as the top school for veterans in Virginia, with 25% of students linked to the military.
It was founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. Today, it is one of the state’s largest institutes of higher learning.
Education Trust has named Old Dominion as one of the top 15 national institutions for African-American student success. U.S. News ranks its online bachelor’s programs as among the finest.
4. James Madison University
JMU offers over 130 degree programs in Business, Communications, Education, Health and Behavioral Studies, Humanities and Social Science, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, as well as Visual and Performing Arts.
U.S. News ranked the university, founded in 1908, as the most creative in the South, and 80% of students conduct research, internships, practicums, or student teaching.
According to US Department of Education statistics, the school is also Virginia’s number one best college for employment.
5. Radford University
Radford has been renowned for its diverse academic programs and commitment to sustainability.
Overall, the institution provides 76 bachelor’s programs, 28 master’s programs, three associate’s degrees and six doctoral programs, along with certificates. Radford also competes in NCAA Division I, with over 300 student clubs and organizations.
6. Longwood University
Longwood University, Virginia’s third-oldest public university, was founded as a college before becoming a university in 2002.
It is divided into three colleges and is supplemented by an Honors College and a College of Graduate and Professional Services.
Some of the school’s distinguishing features include a low student-faculty ratio, a close-knit community and the Civitae Core Curriculum. It was also ranked as one of the top ten public schools in the South by U.S. News.
7. Virginia University, Lynchburg
VUL, previously Virginia Theological Seminary and College, is a historically Black Christian university that has remained dedicated to its fundamental Christian doctrines and principles.
It is Lynchburg’s oldest higher education institution, offering a variety of degrees at several levels, the majority of which are dedicated to religious studies.
8. University of Mary Washington.
UMW, founded in 1908 as Fredericksburg Teachers College, now offers more than 60 majors and programs of study.
Today, it has three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Education. While undergraduate education was once UMW’s primary focus, it now offers some master’s degrees.
Many students study overseas. Students are encouraged to investigate a variety of topics in first-year seminar courses, which allow them to hone their essential abilities and engage in conversations.
9. Christopher Newport University
The liberal arts and sciences program is the foundation of CNU. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni has named the challenging core curriculum the strongest of its kind.
The university emphasizes leadership studies and has established a “nationally respected” President’s Leadership Program. Furthermore, it encourages students to do community service.
10. George Mason University
George Mason, created in 1949 as a northern branch of UVA, has received numerous awards in its short history. U.S. News ranked it the most diverse institution in Virginia, for starters. It also has 500 student groups, including several fraternities and sororities.
George Mason is presently Virginia’s largest public research university, with three campuses across the state and one in Songdo, Korea. Students come from 130 countries and 50 states to pursue an education at the university.
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is so expensive because schools raise tuition rates regularly, which contributes significantly to the high cost of attendance.
Additionally, government funding is minimal. We will look at these aspects in greater depth below.
1. Increasing Cost of Attendance
The rising cost of a four-year college degree includes rising tuition rates for both undergraduate and graduate students.
This implies you’ll have to pay more academic costs for your undergraduate courses as well as supplementary fees like school projects.
2. Increasing Cost of Living
The growing expense of living in general contributes to the high cost of attending college. Rising prices for other things, such as housing, transportation and food, affect how much you need to pay.
3. Lower State Funding
Lower state financing implies less money for scholarships and financial help. This means that you may receive less financial aid for your tuition and other academic expenditures.
How to Save Money at College
Apply for scholarships and grants. Scholarships and grants might help you save money on college tuition.
Receiving full scholarships means you will not have to pay for college tuition. In contrast, partial scholarships relieve you of the pressure of paying the entire amount of your tuition cost.
Investigate financial aid alternatives. Most institutions offer need-based financial aid packages to students. Exploring the available financial assistance alternatives allows you to save money on college tuition by lowering the amount you have to spend.
Purchase used textbooks. New textbooks can be highly expensive. Purchasing used textbooks from other students allows you to save a significant amount of money on school materials.
You can then recoup some of your investment by selling your secondhand textbooks to other students in need.
Apply for a part-time position. Getting a part-time job in college allows you to make money while studying. Furthermore, this choice allows you to save money for future tuition or graduate school.
Take more credits per semester. Taking more credits per semester allows you to finish college at an earlier date. This means that you can save up on expenses such as food and housing.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Virginia
- Consult with the financial aid counselor at the school you are applying to to determine the financial aid possibilities available to you. This allows you to determine which financial aid options are appropriate for you.
- Prepare the documentation required to apply for the financial aid that you are eligible for. This includes documentation like student IDs, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and electronic consent.
- Complete the remaining financial aid criteria. This includes your eligibility requirements at the state and federal levels. This is a critical step in determining your qualifying status and how much financial aid you can receive.
- Please report any other scholarships you have. Most Virginia colleges ask you to submit any outside scholarships you have so that they can determine the type and amount of financial help you will get.
How to Select a Cheap Colleges in Virginia
When selecting a low-cost college in Virginia, it is critical to consider tuition rates, college fees and study possibilities.
These aspects enable you to understand your options and save money in both short- and long-term timeframes.
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Tuition rates
The college tuition rate makes up a significant amount of the costs you pay in college. Tuition costs vary according to the degree, state, and type of college.
Comparing college tuition costs between schools is an important component of your school search to determine which college is best for you.
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College expenses
College expenses include housing, transportation, and food. These expenditures might mount up over time, so keep them in mind when you browse for schools.
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Study options
Several institutions now provide multiple options to complete a degree program. Online programs are less expensive than traditional in-person versions.
Exploring the study options available at a university might help you determine which one is ideal for you.
