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Virginia flag2025-26Rank #43

Virginia College Cost 2025-26

$16,090 in-state, $40,150 out-of-state. Community college: $5,691.

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26

$16,090
In-state
$64,360
4-year sticker
$40,150
Out-of-state
#43
National rank

Virginia college cost breakdown

In-state tuition

$16,090

Out-of-state

$40,150

2-year in-district

$5,691

Estimated COA

$29,990

Virginia's $16,090/yr in-state tuition ranks #43 nationally (lowest = #1) and exceeds the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).

Four-year sticker cost in Virginia

Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.

In-state tuition (1 year)

Rank #43 nationally

$16,090

4-year sticker (tuition only)

No room/board

$64,360

Estimated COA (1 year)

Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)

$29,990

Out-of-state tuition (1 year)

Premium +$24,060

$40,150

Community college (1 year)

Public 2-year in-district

$5,691

Virginia vs neighboring states

Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.

Kentucky

Rank #31

In-state$12,460
Difference$-3,630

Tennessee

Rank #28

In-state$11,740
Difference$-4,350

Maryland

Rank #27

In-state$11,480
Difference$-4,610

West Virginia

Rank #15

In-state$10,000
Difference$-6,090

District of Columbia

Rank #6

In-state$8,636
Difference$-7,454

North Carolina

Rank #3

In-state$7,540
Difference$-8,550

Compare Virginia with another state

Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.

Compare any two states

Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.

States with similar in-state tuition

Rhode Island

$16,120

Massachusetts

$15,900

Delaware

$16,470

Illinois

$15,680

Michigan

$16,700

Pennsylvania

$16,950

Key takeaways — Virginia college costs

  • Virginia public 4-year in-state tuition averages $16,090/yr—rank #43 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $40,150/yr (rank #46), premium +$24,060.
  • Four-year sticker (tuition only): $64,360 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $29,990/yr × 4 ≈ $119,960.
  • Public 2-year in-district: $5,691/yr (US avg $4,150).
  • Virginia is $4,140 above the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
  • Virginia offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $4,000 single / $4,000 MFJ).
  • Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.

Virginia college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college

Virginia public 4-year institutions charge an average of $16,090 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #43 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $40,150/yr (rank #46), premium +$24,060.

Community college in Virginia: Public 2-year in-district: $5,691/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.

Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Virginia ≈ $29,990/yr in-state.

Four-year sticker cost in Virginia

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $64,360 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $119,960.

Out-of-state students pay about $160,600 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $96,240 more than in-state over 4 years.

These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.

Virginia 529 plan tax benefits

Virginia offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $4,000 single / $4,000 MFJ). Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.

529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).

Link your 529 savings goal to Virginia tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.

Virginia financial aid and scholarship programs

Virginia may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Virginia higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Virginia residents attending in-state public institutions.

Who this Virginia guide helps

  • Families comparing Virginia tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
  • High school students in Virginia evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
  • 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Virginia public college costs.
  • Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.

When to use other tools

  • You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
  • You're comparing private college costs in Virginia (this page covers public only).
  • You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
  • You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).

Virginia college cost checklist

  • Note Virginia in-state tuition: $16,090/yr (rank #43).
  • Out-of-state: $40,150/yr (premium +$24,060).
  • Community college: $5,691/yr (2-year in-district).
  • Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
  • Check Virginia 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
  • Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
  • Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.

Virginia college cost FAQs

Virginia averages $16,090 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #43 nationally (lowest = #1).

Out-of-state tuition averages $40,150/yr in Virginia (rank #46), a premium of $24,060 above in-state.

Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $5,691/yr in Virginia (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $64,360 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $29,990/yr × 4 ≈ $119,960.

Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. VA residents should check /529-calculator for Virginia-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.

Virginia may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Virginia higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.

Virginia ranks #43 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.

Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.

Most Virginia public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Virginia driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.

Yes. Most Virginia state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.