Best Business Schools in Virginia

The multidisciplinary field of business studies encompasses a diverse array of disciplines such as accounting, marketing, management, economics, finance, and entrepreneurship. Some degrees within this field emphasize financial aspects, while others concentrate on business management.

Virginia boasts a reasonable cost of living and is renowned for hosting some of the nation's oldest institutions of higher education. The subsequent sections delve into the exceptional universities and colleges situated within the state.

Choosing the Best Business School

When selecting a business school, students need to take into account various factors. Initially, the reputation of the institution plays a crucial role. It is advisable for students to assess the accreditation of different universities offering the same degree program. Given the wide range of specializations within business studies, students should also seek out colleges that cater to their specific area of interest. Additionally, prospective students might want to explore part-time and weekend MBA programs, as these options are offered by many universities.

Cost of Studying Business in Virginia

The expenses associated with pursuing a business education can differ based on the educational institution, the chosen program structure, and the student's enrollment status. Factors such as the length of the program and the mode of instruction, whether online or on-site, also play a role in determining the overall cost. Generally, public universities tend to have lower tuition and fees compared to private colleges. Additionally, some schools offer financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships that cover the entirety of the educational costs. Merit-based or need-based scholarships are examples of additional financial aid options, along with external funding opportunities. It is advisable for prospective students to explore these financial resources during the application process.

10 Best Business School in Virginia

Institution	Location	In-state Tuition Fees	Out-of-state Tuition Fees
University of Virginia	Charlottesville	$75,000 (Total)	$78,000 (Total)
William and Mary	Williamsburg	$31,000 annually	$42,000 annually
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Blacksburg	$850 per credit hour	$1,700 per credit hour
George Mason University	Washington	$930 per credit hour	$1,540 per credit hour
Old Dominion University	Norfolk	$32,000 (6 semesters)	$68,000 (6 semesters)
Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond	$750 per credit hour	$14,000 (9-15 credit hours)
James Madison University	Harrisonburg	$550 per credit hour	$1,270 per credit hour
Radford University	Radford	$9,500 annually	$19,000 annually
University of Richmond	Richmond	$1,600 per credit hour	$1,600 per credit hour
Longwood University	Farmville	$430-$460 per credit hour	$440-$1,100 per credit hour

NOTE: The fees shown in the table above are for MBA programs.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia holds the distinction of being a public research institution, recognized for its academic excellence by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, the university's Darden School of Business Administration has earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In the year 2023, the university dedicated approximately 310 million dollars towards student financial aid, demonstrating its commitment to supporting its students. Notably, the university's Darden School of Business Administration stands out as one of the pioneers in requiring an ethics course as part of its curriculum, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in the business world. Moreover, the Darden School offers a range of MBA programs, including Full-time MBA, Part-time MBA, and Executive MBA.

William and Mary

Established as the second-oldest institution of higher education, William and Mary is a renowned public research university that provides a wide range of academic opportunities with approximately 115 majors and minors. The university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring its commitment to academic excellence. Each year, the university dedicates around 50 million dollars to grants and scholarships, supporting its students in their educational pursuits. Moreover, William and Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business, accredited by AACSB International, offers a comprehensive selection of programs including Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA, and Online programs.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Tech, a public land-grant research university, is ranked 54th in university research in the United States. The institution offers over 230 academic programs through nine colleges and a graduate school. It holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Global Business and Analytics Complex (GBAC) is set to become renowned for its cutting-edge educational approach that aligns with the digital revolution and fosters talent development, as outlined in the university's 6-year master plan. The Pamplin College of Business at the university provides various programs such as Part-time MBA, MSBA, Online MBA, and MBA with a specialization in Global Business Analytics.

George Mason University

George Mason University, the largest public research university, offers over 100 graduate-level credentials across ten schools and colleges, in addition to 132 master's, doctorate, and professional programs. As a nationally ranked R1 research university, it had a total research spending of $178 million in 2022. The Donald G. Costello College of Business, which holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, provides MBA programs that allow students to tailor their program pace, course format, campus location, and curriculum to suit their individual needs and preferences.

Old Dominion University

The university holds the distinction of being a public research institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It has also been recognized as an R1 Research Institution by Carnegie. Offering more than 175 academic programs on campus and over 200 online, the university caters to a wide range of students. The Strome College of Business at the university is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is one of the select few with an additional specialized AACSB accreditation for its accounting programs. The university provides various MBA programs, including full-time, part-time, online, and on-campus options, with concentrations in 6 different areas.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, one of the 64 public universities in the nation recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as an "R1 Doctoral University - Highest Research Activity" and holding the prestigious "Community Engagement" designation, is a public research institution offering 200 academic degrees and certificates. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the university has a research budget exceeding $460 million in 2023. The School of Business at VCU provides evening, weekend, and online MBA and Executive MBA programs with specializations in 10 different areas.

James Madison University

James Madison University, an accredited public research university by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and AACSB International â€" The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, provides approximately 140 programs of study. It is classified as a Public R2 Doctoral University. Graduate students at the university have the opportunity to receive scholarships of up to $80,000. The College of Business at the university provides an MBA program with three different concentrations.

Radford University

Radford University, one of the eight public colleges in the state that grants doctorates, holds the distinction of being recognized as a public university by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). With a wide array of academic programs, approximately 135 options are available for students to choose from. The scholarship payments for residents of Virginia range from $2,500 to $4,000, while students from outside the state can expect award amounts varying between $7,000 and $10,000. The Davis College of Business and Economics offers both in-person and online programs, including General, Accelerated MBA, and MBA degrees with a specialization in business analytics, as well as a Business Analytics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program.

University of Richmond

The University of Richmond, a private liberal arts institution, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students receive an average need-based aid package of approximately $61,000, with a total of $98 million in grants and scholarships awarded. The Robins School of Business, which is fully AACSB-accredited, provides part-time and executive MBA programs.

Longwood University

Longwood University, the third-oldest public university in Virginia, provides a wide range of academic programs with over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations. The university offers financial assistance amounting to an average of $15,700 per year, which includes both loans and work-study opportunities. Longwood University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its College of Business and Economics holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Within the College of Business and Economics, students can pursue Online MBA programs specializing in General Business, Data Analytics, Economics, Marketing, and Real Estate.