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Best Value Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in Virginia

2023 Best Value Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in Virginia

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

21 Schools Ranked
$29,802 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$24,474 Avg Student Debt*

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

The Best Value Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in Virginia ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 21 schools in Virginia to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best value experiences for trade school students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

This ranking is not just a list of inexpensive schools. We also consider each school's quality, since we believe a low-quality school may not be a 'bargain' at any price. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

For nationwide and regional rankings, we use out-of-state tuition and fees in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Trade Bachelor's Degree Schools in Virginia

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
7,289 Total Awards
$34,920 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Virginia Tech to be the best value school for trade school students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Virginia. Virginia Tech is a large public school located in Blacksburg, Virginia that handed out 7,289 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Virginia Tech undergraduate students pay an average of $34,920 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,726 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Virginia Tech does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Virginia Tech not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #1 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list.

Full Virginia Tech Report

#2

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
3,756 Total Awards
$31,170 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 21 schools in Virginia that were part of this year’s value ranking, Old Dominion University landed the # 2 spot on the list. Old Dominion is a large public school situated in Norfolk, Virginia. It awarded 3,756 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Old Dominion are $31,170 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,437 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Old Dominion, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 77% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Old Dominion did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list.

Read full report on Old Dominion University

#3

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
4,688 Total Awards
$30,152 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 21 schools in Virginia that were part of this year’s value ranking, James Madison University landed the # 3 spot on the list. JMU is a large public school situated in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It awarded 4,688 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at JMU are $30,152 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,303 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at JMU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 34% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

JMU also took the #3 spot in our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Virginia rankings.

Read full report on James Madison University

#4

Radford University

Radford, Virginia
1,626 Total Awards
$24,453 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 21 schools in Virginia that were part of this year’s value ranking, Radford University landed the # 4 spot on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Radford, Virginia, and it awarded 1,626 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Radford undergraduate students pay an average of $24,453 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,583 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Radford. During the 2020-2021 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Radford University

#5

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
5,483 Total Awards
$57,374 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Virginia - Main Campus. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the large public school handed out 5,483 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

University of Virginia undergraduate students pay an average of $57,374 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $16,901 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since University of Virginia does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 22% took at least some of their classes online.

University of Virginia did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list.

Full University of Virginia - Main Campus Report

#6

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia
5,197 Total Awards
$37,588 Average Tuition & Fees

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. VCU is a large public school situated in Richmond, Virginia. It awarded 5,197 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at VCU are $37,588 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,634 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since VCU does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

VCU not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #5 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list.

Full Virginia Commonwealth University Report

#7

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
6,285 Total Awards
$37,566 Average Tuition & Fees

George Mason University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list. This large public school is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and it awarded 6,285 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

GMU undergraduate students pay an average of $37,566 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,995 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at GMU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full George Mason University Report

#8

Longwood University

Farmville, Virginia
881 Total Awards
$26,780 Average Tuition & Fees

Longwood University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Longwood University is a small public school located in Farmville, Virginia that handed out 881 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Longwood undergraduate students pay an average of $26,780 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,328 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Longwood. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 21% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Longwood University Report

#9

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
10,025 Total Awards
$16,203 Average Tuition & Fees

Liberty University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Lynchburg, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 10,025 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Liberty University are $16,203 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $26,038 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Liberty University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 87% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#10

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
1,287 Total Awards
$18,484 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, ECPI University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Virginia Beach, Virginia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,287 students in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at ECPI University are $18,484 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,394 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that ECPI University does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#12

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
682 Total Awards
$19,680 Average Tuition & Fees

Regent University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #12 on the list. Regent University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia that handed out 682 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Regent are $19,680 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,170 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Regent. During the 2020-2021 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Regent University Report

#13

South University, Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia
59 Total Awards
$16,560 Average Tuition & Fees

South University, Virginia Beach ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the very small private for-profit school handed out 59 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at South University, Virginia Beach are $16,560 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $38,641 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that South University, Virginia Beach does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 46% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on South University, Virginia Beach

#14

American National University

Salem, Virginia
22 Total Awards
$10,856 Average Tuition & Fees

American National University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Salem, Virginia, the small private for-profit school awarded 22 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at American National University are $10,856 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $40,427 in student loans.

American National University is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full American National University Report

#15

The Art Institute of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia
16 Total Awards
$20,794 Average Tuition & Fees

The Art Institute of Virginia Beach came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Ai Virginia Beach is a private for-profit institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 16 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Ai Virginia Beach undergraduate students pay an average of $20,794 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $35,852 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Full The Art Institute of Virginia Beach Report

#16

Hampton University

Hampton, Virginia
674 Total Awards
$29,162 Average Tuition & Fees

Hampton University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia list. Hampton, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 674 students in 2021-2022.

Hampton undergraduate students pay an average of $29,162 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $23,718 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Hampton does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 7% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Hampton University Report

#17

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, Virginia
319 Total Awards
$32,036 Average Tuition & Fees

Mary Baldwin University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Located in Staunton, Virginia, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 319 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Mary Baldwin are $32,036 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,689 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Mary Baldwin does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Mary Baldwin University

#18

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
288 Total Awards
$40,990 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #18, Eastern Mennonite University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Eastern Mennonite is a private not-for-profit institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 288 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Eastern Mennonite undergraduate students pay an average of $40,990 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $16,086 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Eastern Mennonite does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 18% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#19

Marymount University

Arlington, Virginia
500 Total Awards
$36,800 Average Tuition & Fees

Marymount University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Arlington, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 500 students in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Marymount are $36,800 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,198 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Marymount. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 55% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#20

Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia
40 Total Awards
$17,211 Average Tuition & Fees

Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 40 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach are $17,211 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $39,502 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach. In fact, around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#21

Ferrum College

Ferrum, Virginia
169 Total Awards
$38,320 Average Tuition & Fees

Ferrum College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Ferrum, Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 169 students in 2021-2022.

Ferrum College undergraduate students pay an average of $38,320 in tuition and fees each year.

Ferrum College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 40% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

View Best Value Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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