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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Chemistry Schools in Virginia

11 Colleges in the United States
$23,860 Avg Student Debt
$67,912 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Chemistry Badge [General Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/general-chemistry/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general chemistry education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 35 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general chemistry schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value General Chemistry Schools in Virginia

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general chemistry degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value General Chemistry Schools

1

George Mason University earned the #1 spot for value among general chemistry schools in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical student debt for general chemistry graduates is $24,250. Early-career general chemistry graduates make about $50,304. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

A rank of #2 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best values for general chemistry. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,872 to complete the general chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, general chemistry degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $38,571. That is a strong return on a $21,872 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.

3
University Of Mary Washington crest
University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general chemistry, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Fredericksburg, University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,905, while out-of-state students pay about $28,083. Students borrow a median of $21,739 to complete the general chemistry program here. General Chemistry graduates of University Of Mary Washington earn a median of $43,243 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,739 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

4
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

Students looking for strong value in general chemistry will find it at James Madison University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $25,332 to complete the general chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, general chemistry degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $45,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants.

5

Christopher Newport University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general chemistry, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Newport News, Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,828, with out-of-state students paying around $31,178. General Chemistry graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. General Chemistry graduates of Christopher Newport University earn a median of $39,245 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Christopher Newport University admits about 86% of applicants.

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6

College Of William And Mary earned the #6 position for value in general chemistry this year. Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the general chemistry program here. Early-career general chemistry graduates make about $35,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Virginia Main Campus earned the #7 position for value in general chemistry this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical student debt for general chemistry graduates is $19,425. Early-career general chemistry graduates make about $30,599. That is a strong return on a $19,425 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted.

8

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #8 among the best values for general chemistry. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general chemistry graduates is $26,497. General Chemistry graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $45,513 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.

9

Randolph Macon College placed #9 among the best values for general chemistry. Randolph Macon College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Ashland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,466. General Chemistry graduates carry a median of $26,432 in student loans. General Chemistry graduates of Randolph Macon College earn a median of $40,317 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,432 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

10
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University came in at #10 for value in general chemistry this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical student debt for general chemistry graduates is $27,414. Soon after graduation, general chemistry degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $45,877. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

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11
University Of Richmond crest
University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond landed the #11 spot for general chemistry value this year. University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of University of Richmond. Students from in state pay about $65,230 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the general chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, general chemistry degree recipients from University Of Richmond generally make around $22,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 35 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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