by our College Data Analytics TeamBest degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best best schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall best education in Virginia.
Leading the list is George Mason University, our #1 school for best. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. About 75 best degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. Graduates of the best program make about $56,264 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,747 to complete this degree. See the full best program report for George Mason University
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best best schools. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates 63% of students within six years. About 94 best degrees were awarded at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, best degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $43,085. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. See the full best program report for Virginia Commonwealth University
Students looking for a strong best program will find one at Tidewater Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Norfolk, Tidewater Community College is a very large public institution. Tidewater Community College awarded about 21 best degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their best degree from Tidewater Community College earn around $35,627 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,001. Get the full best details for Tidewater Community College
This list is compiled 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.