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

1 Colleges in the United States
$20,207 Avg Student Debt
$55,842 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Photography Badge [Photography](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/film-video-and-photographic-arts/photography/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for photography students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Photography Schools in Virginia

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

Best Value Photography Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Northern Virginia Community College the best value for a degree in photography in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete the photography program here. Soon after graduation, photography degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College generally make around $40,126. Set against $14,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

A rank of #2 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best values for photography. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the photography program here. Soon after graduation, photography degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $23,109. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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