Did you know that Virginia hosted 23,557 international students in 2024/25? This data alone makes it a relatively popular state in the U.S. among foreign learners. Colleges in this state offer various degrees, courses, and programs for students from many backgrounds. Many liberal arts colleges and mid-sized universities are also found in Virginia.
So, if you’re looking for lower-cost education abroad, this state may be worth considering. This article explores affordable institutions and colleges located in Virginia. Let’s explore the cheapest universities in Virginia and why they are worth the investment!
Affordable Schools in Virginia for International Students
1. James Madison University
James Madison University is a public institution in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1908 and is recognized for its strong undergraduate programs. The institute offers degrees in various fields, including business, education, and health sciences.
JMU also appears in national rankings: for 2026, U.S. News lists it at No. 151 among National Universities and No. 79 among Top Public Schools. Earlier, JMU appeared at No. 2 on a 2020 WSJ/THE most-recommended U.S. universities list. These recognitions make JMU a strong option for international students searching for a well-known public university with competitive tuition fees.
2. Radford University
Radford University was founded in 1910 by the Virginia General Assembly as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. Today, it is known for its teaching and research contributions. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion through dedicated campus resources.
Radford University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, aiming to equip students with creative and critical thinking skills. Its programs range from accounting, business administration, and finance to health-related degrees such as foods and nutrition and health sciences.
3. Southern Virginia University
Southern Virginia University is a private liberal arts college in Buena Vista, Virginia. It focuses on the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The institution traces its roots to the Home School for Girls, founded in 1867. In 1996, a group of Latter-day Saints assumed responsibility for the school and renewed it as a four-year liberal arts college aligned with Latter-day Saint values; it became Southern Virginia University in 2001.
The university is a small baccalaureate college, ideal for prospective undergraduate international students. Apple named SVU an Apple Distinguished School for 2019–2022 and renewed the designation for 2023–2025. Some of its programs include art, biochemistry, music, political science, theatre, and history.
4. Liberty University
Liberty University was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns. The institute is a Christian institution situated in Lynchburg, Virginia, and it focuses on Christian-based education.
The university prepares students for the competitive job market through career coaching and professional development resources. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate degrees on campus and online. The university also offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate certificate programs.
5. George Mason University
George Mason University became an independent public university in 1972. It offers many degree programs and has notable alumni in technology, public service, and other fields, including Anousheh Ansari, the first Iranian in space.
This institution supports career development by providing internship and job-search resources that help students gain hands-on experience in multiple settings. Moreover, it supports international students through dedicated University Career Resources.
6. Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University was founded on September 18, 1935, in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University. It became independent as Norfolk Polytechnic College in 1942 and is now a public historically Black university.
The institute is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Its reputation makes it a solid choice for international students seeking career growth and advancement.
7. University of Mary Washington
The University of Mary Washington offers a nurturing educational environment in liberal arts courses. This institution prepares students for various careers through critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The university is located near Washington, D.C., allowing students to take advantage of internship and job opportunities in the region. UMW also supports students through academic advising, career resources, and a liberal arts learning environment.
8. Longwood University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $16,250/year (In-State tuition and mandatory fees) | $28,490/year (Out-of-State and International tuition and mandatory fees)
Longwood University, founded in 1839, is a historic public university in Virginia. It is known for its affordable education programs and student-centered learning environment.
Longwood’s alumni include Jerome Kersey, an NBA player, and Pat McGee, a renowned musician. These aspects make it a welcoming option among international students. With students from throughout the U.S. and more than 20 countries worldwide, Longwood creates a globally connected environment.
9. Virginia Union University
Virginia Union University offers one of the lower-cost private university tuition options on this list. It also offers career services to help students explore the job market and find employment that aligns with their career goals.
The institution offers graduate degrees in everything from business administration to Christian education, criminal justice, hospitality management, and political science. However, the school’s undergraduate programs are more diverse than its graduate programs. These include sciences, English, health sciences, mathematics, and marketing.
10. Hampton University
Hampton University dates back to 1868. It was initially established as an educational institution for African Americans. Today, Hampton offers a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs to students from many parts of the United States and abroad.
Its notable alumni include Mary Jackson, a mathematician and NASA engineer, and Wanda Sykes, an actress and stand-up comedian. Apart from its strong reputation for academic excellence, the university is known for its historic role as a private historically Black university. Hampton’s official international-student financial aid guidance notes that aid opportunities are limited and highly competitive, and it points students to scholarship search resources.
FAQs: Studying at a University in Virginia
What are the General Requirements to Study in Virginia?
To study in Virginia, international students must meet requirements that vary by university. Typically, each university sets its own admission criteria. Standard admission requirements include submitting an application form and providing transcripts from previous institutions. Many universities require international students to submit proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or another approved English test, unless they qualify for a waiver.
Some students may also need to submit standardized test scores, including the SAT or ACT, depending on the institution and program. International students must also provide proof of financial support. After admission to a SEVP-approved school, students generally receive a Form I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and apply for the appropriate U.S. student visa, such as an F-1 visa, through a U.S. embassy or consulate. J-1 visas apply to eligible exchange visitors.
Are International Students Eligible for Financial Aid and Grants in Virginia?
The eligibility criteria for financial aid and grants depend on your selected university. For instance, the University of Virginia states that it does not have funds available for scholarships or loans for foreign national students. However, United World College students may apply for need-based support.
Similarly, international students at Virginia Tech are generally not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid unless they meet eligible noncitizen requirements. Some students with qualifying Virginia domicile or immigration status may have separate state-aid pathways, and international students should check each university’s institutional scholarships, assistantships, and private funding options.
What is the Cost of Living in Virginia?
The cost of living in Virginia varies by city, campus, housing choice, meal plan, health insurance, and lifestyle. MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult in Virginia needs about $43,365 after taxes, or $53,505 before taxes, to cover basic annual living expenses.
According to that estimate, annual basic expenses for one adult include about $4,597 for food, $18,372 for housing, $8,621 for transportation, and $3,468 for medical costs. Student budgets can differ significantly, so international students should always review the cost-of-attendance page for their chosen university.
In conclusion, Virginia is an excellent study-abroad destination for students looking for quality education on a budget. Many universities also provide international students with internship and career development opportunities, allowing them to work toward their career goals actively.
We hope this article on the cheapest colleges in Virginia was helpful. Check out the Study in the USA Page and Available Programs for International Students for more details about learning opportunities in the United States!
