ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Education Schools in Virginia

7 Colleges in the United States
9,569 Education Degrees Awarded
$50,012 Avg Early-Career Salary

Education programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 52 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best education schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 6
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Education (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Education (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Education & Teaching Associate Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Education & Teaching Associate Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Education & Teaching Doctorate & EdD Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Education & Teaching Doctorate & EdD Programs (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Education & Teaching Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Education & Teaching Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Education & Teaching Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Education & Teaching Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Education & Teaching PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Education & Teaching PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 6
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 6 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 6
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 6 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Education in Virginia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall education education in Virginia.

Top Schools in Education

1
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

No school ranked higher than James Madison University this year for education. This very large public university is located in the city of Harrisonburg. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. There were roughly 524 education students who graduated with this degree at James Madison University in the most recent data year. Education graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $55,866 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,218. Read more about the education program at James Madison University

2

A rank of #2 makes George Mason University one of the top schools for education. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Fairfax. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 924 education degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. Education graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $60,141 early in their careers. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. More information about a degree in education from George Mason University

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Virginia Main Campus one of the top schools for education. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. University Of Virginia Main Campus awarded about 431 education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $60,179. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. See the full education program report for University Of Virginia Main Campus

4

A rank of #4 makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University one of the top schools for education. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University awarded about 253 education degrees in the most recent data year. Education graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $70,234 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,393. More information about a degree in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

5

College Of William And Mary is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public university. College Of William And Mary graduates 89% of students within six years. About 268 education degrees were awarded at College Of William And Mary in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from College Of William And Mary generally make around $75,985. Students borrow a median of $18,935 to complete this degree. See the full education program report for College Of William And Mary

6
Roanoke College crest
Roanoke College
Salem, VA

Roanoke College landed the #6 spot for education this year. Roanoke College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salem. Roanoke College graduates 67% of students within six years. About 39 education degrees were awarded at Roanoke College in the most recent year. Education graduates of Roanoke College earn a median of $33,725 early in their careers. Roanoke College graduates carry a median of $26,940 in student loans. See the full education program report for Roanoke College

7
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA

Marymount University came in at #7 for education this year. Set in the city of Arlington, Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Marymount University graduates 54% of students within six years. Marymount University awarded about 125 education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the education program make about $57,642 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,880 to complete this degree. Get the full education details for Marymount University

8

Eastern Mennonite University earned the #8 position for education this year. Eastern Mennonite University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Harrisonburg. About 67% of students finish within six years. About 91 education degrees were awarded at Eastern Mennonite University in the most recent year. Education graduates of Eastern Mennonite University earn a median of $52,222 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete this degree. See the full education program report for Eastern Mennonite University

9

Christopher Newport University landed the #9 spot for education this year. Set in the city of Newport News, Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. Christopher Newport University awarded about 34 education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Christopher Newport University generally make around $54,123. Students borrow a median of $25,094 to complete this degree. See the full education program report for Christopher Newport University

10
University Of Mary Washington crest
University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington placed #10 among the best education schools. Set in the suburb of Fredericksburg, University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public institution. University Of Mary Washington graduates 66% of students within six years. About 83 education degrees were awarded at University Of Mary Washington in the most recent year. Graduates of the education program make about $53,039 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,825 to complete this degree. Read more about the education program at University Of Mary Washington

11
Lynchburg College crest
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg College landed the #11 spot for education this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Lynchburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 57% of students finish within six years. About 56 education degrees were awarded at Lynchburg College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Lynchburg College generally make around $107,159. Read more about the education program at Lynchburg College

12
University Of Richmond crest
University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best education schools. Located in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 48 education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Richmond in the most recent data year. Graduates of the education program make about $52,109 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,634. See the full education program report for University Of Richmond

13
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Longwood University landed the #13 spot for education this year. Set in the town of Farmville, Longwood University is a moderately-sized public institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 213 education students who graduated with this degree at Longwood University in the most recent data year. Education graduates of Longwood University earn a median of $53,792 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,649. See the full education program report for Longwood University

14
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University came in at #14 for education this year. Set in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Shenandoah University awarded about 108 education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Shenandoah University generally make around $51,604. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the education program at Shenandoah University

15

Northern Virginia Community College placed #15 among the best education schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Annandale. About 39 education degrees were awarded at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their education degree from Northern Virginia Community College earn around $40,126 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in education from Northern Virginia Community College

16

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #16 for education this year. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Virginia Commonwealth University awarded about 636 education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $37,269. Typical student debt for the program is $26,901. Get the full education details for Virginia Commonwealth University

17

Old Dominion University landed the #17 spot for education this year. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. Old Dominion University graduates 46% of students within six years. Old Dominion University awarded about 606 education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $49,571. Old Dominion University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full education details for Old Dominion University

18

Tidewater Community College landed the #18 spot for education this year. Located in the city of Norfolk, Tidewater Community College is a very large public university. Tidewater Community College awarded about 35 education degrees in the most recent data year. Education graduates of Tidewater Community College earn a median of $23,117 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete this degree. Get the full education details for Tidewater Community College

19
Virginia Wesleyan College crest
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Wesleyan College placed #19 among the best education schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Virginia Beach. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. Virginia Wesleyan College awarded about 24 education degrees in the most recent data year. Education graduates of Virginia Wesleyan College earn a median of $45,517 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,925 to complete this degree. Get the full education details for Virginia Wesleyan College

20
Averett University crest
Averett University
Danville, VA

Averett University landed the #20 spot for education this year. Set in the town of Danville, Averett University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Averett University graduates 48% of students within six years. About 69 education degrees were awarded at Averett University in the most recent year. Education graduates of Averett University earn a median of $61,042 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $28,595. Read more about the education program at Averett University

21
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University came in at #21 for education this year. Located in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 184 education degrees were awarded at Radford University in the most recent year. Education graduates of Radford University earn a median of $37,622 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,523 to complete this degree. Get the full education details for Radford University

22
Hampton University crest
Hampton University
Hampton, VA

Hampton University came in at #22 for education this year. Set in the suburb of Hampton, Hampton University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. About 42 education degrees were awarded at Hampton University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Hampton University generally make around $46,870. Typical student debt for the program is $26,169. Read more about the education program at Hampton University

23
Mary Baldwin College crest
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA

Mary Baldwin College placed #23 among the best education schools. Set in the city of Staunton, Mary Baldwin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 39% of students finish within six years. About 48 education degrees were awarded at Mary Baldwin College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Mary Baldwin College generally make around $50,008. Mary Baldwin College graduates carry a median of $29,562 in student loans. More information about a degree in education from Mary Baldwin College

24

John Tyler Community College earned the #24 position for education this year. Located in the suburb of Chester, John Tyler Community College is a large public university. John Tyler Community College awarded about 24 education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from John Tyler Community College generally make around $36,623. Typical student debt for the program is $11,262. See the full education program report for John Tyler Community College

25

Piedmont Virginia Community College landed the #25 spot for education this year. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Piedmont Virginia Community College awarded about 17 education degrees in the most recent data year. Education graduates of Piedmont Virginia Community College earn a median of $46,129 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $12,495 to complete this degree. See the full education program report for Piedmont Virginia Community College

Rest of the Top 32 Education Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s education ranking:

26
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
27
Hollins University crest
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA
28
29
Regent University crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
30
31
32
Ferrum College crest
Ferrum College
Ferrum, VA

ADBLOCK #173
View All Education Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 52 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options