Best Engineering Programs in Virginia (2026)
Engineering programs in Virginia range from research-focused public flagships to applied-engineering programs at smaller schools. The list below is ranked by engineering program strength, ABET accreditation, graduate earnings, and net price.
#1
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA
Net Price
$21,565/yr
Median Earnings
$86,863
Grad Rate
95%
Engineering Share
9.5%
#2
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
Net Price
$24,953/yr
Median Earnings
$81,698
Grad Rate
86%
Engineering Share
20.2%
#3
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA
Net Price
$23,781/yr
Median Earnings
$94,810
Grad Rate
94%
Engineering Share
3.6%
#4
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA
Net Price
$17,113/yr
Median Earnings
$77,369
Grad Rate
79%
Engineering Share
21.5%
#5
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Net Price
$23,322/yr
Median Earnings
$69,954
Grad Rate
80%
Engineering Share
1.5%
#6
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Net Price
$17,915/yr
Median Earnings
$76,343
Grad Rate
69%
Engineering Share
5.2%
#7
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA
Net Price
$23,015/yr
Median Earnings
$60,509
Grad Rate
73%
Engineering Share
2.7%
#8
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA
Net Price
$27,866/yr
Median Earnings
$58,448
Grad Rate
72%
Engineering Share
3.9%
#9
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, VA
Net Price
$22,400/yr
Median Earnings
$67,640
Grad Rate
64%
Engineering Share
2.7%
#10
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Net Price
$23,433/yr
Median Earnings
$58,128
Grad Rate
64%
Engineering Share
4.5%
#11
Roanoke College
Salem, VA
Net Price
$24,503/yr
Median Earnings
$58,047
Grad Rate
67%
Engineering Share
0.3%
#12
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
Net Price
$25,319/yr
Median Earnings
$59,159
Grad Rate
56%
Engineering Share
4.0%
#13
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA
Net Price
$17,758/yr
Median Earnings
$51,943
Grad Rate
50%
Engineering Share
12.6%
#14
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA
Net Price
$24,588/yr
Median Earnings
$54,869
Grad Rate
57%
Engineering Share
1.9%
#15
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$29,357/yr
Median Earnings
$44,813
Grad Rate
64%
Engineering Share
0.9%
#16
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
Net Price
$14,638/yr
Median Earnings
$54,914
Grad Rate
45%
Engineering Share
5.3%
#17
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$15,921/yr
Median Earnings
$53,409
Grad Rate
49%
Engineering Share
2.0%
#18
Emory & Henry University
Emory, VA
Net Price
$19,061/yr
Median Earnings
$47,385
Grad Rate
55%
Engineering Share
0.5%
#19
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
Net Price
$19,923/yr
Median Earnings
$44,498
Grad Rate
56%
Engineering Share
0.4%
#20
University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wise, VA
Net Price
$9,210/yr
Median Earnings
$45,325
Grad Rate
48%
Engineering Share
1.3%
#21
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA
Net Price
$15,840/yr
Median Earnings
$45,543
Grad Rate
40%
Engineering Share
1.9%
#22
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA
Net Price
$15,282/yr
Median Earnings
$44,666
Grad Rate
36%
Engineering Share
2.6%
Why a Engineering degree?
Engineering bachelor's degrees consistently top the federal earnings data for new graduates. ABET-accredited programs are the standard requirement for licensure and most engineering jobs.
Common career paths: Mechanical Engineer · Civil Engineer · Electrical Engineer · Biomedical Engineer · Environmental Engineer
Typical starting salary range: $72,000–$110,000
Find your best fit, not just the highest rank
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