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Best Universities in Virginia for International Students

Darshan Shah
Darshan Shah

03 Oct 2024

Virginia is one of the favourite destinations for international students in the US. It offers dynamic academic and research opportunities. Virginia offers some of the best universities and is also known for its beautiful landscape, history, diverse culture, top-class education, and dynamic student life. For students who are willing to pursue high research-based knowledge in fields like technology, engineering, business, and arts, this state is perfect for them. A few top universities that are famous for their top faculty and diverse specialisations are the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, Virginia International University, and many more. The state offers a lot of opportunities for internships in different sectors. International students get a chance to explore different fields and choose their interests. In addition to the academics, international students in Virginia also get to experience a friendly community and they are very supportive towards them. Universities also help international students in Virginia by giving them career counselling, helping in the visa process, providing in-house residence and helping with scholarship programs. From vibrant city life to top academic programmes, Virginia is definitely an ideal location for all international students. In this blog, we will help you explore the best universities in Virginia for international students, the top courses they offer and many more details about studying in the USA

Why choose Virginia?

Virginia is an ideal location for international students, as it offers dynamic education, vibrant city life and top-ranked universities. Here are a few reasons why students must choose Virginia-

Top-ranked institutes

  • Virginia offers some of the top and most prestigious universities to international students. These universities are known and reputed globally and provide world-class education to students. 

Strong academic programme

  • Virginia offers strong academic programmes and specialisation options to students. They offer a wide range of programs and fields like- engineering, business, healthcare and arts.

Cultural diversity

  • Students from all around the world come to Virginia, creating a very diverse cultural environment. Students get to interact with each other and build their network.

Affordable living

  • Compared to other US states, Virginia offers affordable living to international students. The tuition fees are also comparatively lower for universities in Virginia.

Job and internship opportunities

  • The state's economy is on top, providing a lot of internships and job opportunities to international students. They offer internships and fields like- technology, Finance, and government.

Safe and friendly environment

  • Virginia is a very safe and friendly state for international students. The state offers friendly communities that help international students to adjust and feel at home.

Beautiful landscapes

  • Virginia offers some of the best universities and is also known for its beautiful landscape, history, diverse culture, top-class education, and dynamic student life. Students get to experience a very beautiful tourist spot.

International student support

  • Universities in Virginia provide very dedicated support to international students. Universities also help international students in Virginia by giving them career counselling, help in the visa process, provide in-house residence and helping with scholarship programs.

Central location

  • Virginia is centrally located, and access to big states in the US is easy. It is very easy for students to travel and explore and make their networking strong.

Cost of living in Virginia for international students

Cost of living and University tuition fees are important considerations for international students. Tuition fees are lower for public universities and higher for private universities. The cost of living completely depends on the student, depending on their lifestyle and preferences. We have tried to put down an estimated expense of living and tuition fees for undergraduate postgraduate programmes for private and public universities in Utah.

Tuition fees (Public University)

  • Undergraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $23,000 to $30,000 yearly.
  • Post-graduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $20,000-$34,000 annually.

Tuition fees (Private university)

  • Undergraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $35,000-$55,000 yearly.
  • Postgraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $30,000-$50,000 yearly.

Housing

  • On-campus housing- for one academic year, international students must expect the expense for on-campus housing around $8000-$12,000.
  • Flat on rent- this depends on the size of the flat and the city. Usually, the expense is around $700-$1500 for one month. For a bigger city like Salt Lake City, The expense increases.

Utility 

  • For Gas, Internet, water, and electricity, the expense is around $150-$200 monthly.

Transportation

  • Public transportation- international students usually prefer public transportation for travelling. They take a monthly pass which costs around $50- $100 monthly. Some universities also give discounts on these passes or free transit.
  • Owning or renting a car- The cost of owning a car is around $500-$800 for one month and renting a car for a short time is around $400 to $600 monthly. 

Food

  • Grocery expense- This completely depends on personal preference but approx expense is around $250 to $400 monthly.
  • Dine-out options- The cost per meal is around $10-$20 monthly.
  • On-campus meal plans- Per semester expense is around $3000 to $5000, depending on the university. 

Health insurance

  • The average cost is around $500 to $2000 yearly. Universities usually require students to take health insurance.

Miscellaneous expense

  • Personal and entertainment expenses are around $100 to $300 monthly.

Top universities in Virginia for international students 

Here is the list of all the top universities in Virginia for international students-

1) University of Virginia

  • Location- Charlottesville, Virginia 
  • Type- Public research university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $29,550 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $32,200-$40,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Need-based scholarship
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Jefferson scholars programme
  • Echols scholars programme
  • Degree-
  • Bachelor’s 
  • Master’s 
  • Doctoral Degree
  • Top programs-
  • Engineering 
  • Business 
  • Law 
  • Medicine
  • Public policy 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
  • AACSB (Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) for business
  • ABA (American Bar Association) for law

2) Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST)

  • Location- Vienna, Virginia 
  • Type- private university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $8,000-$12,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $9000-$15,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Limited Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Bachelor’s 
  • Master’s 
  • Top programs-
  • Cyber security
  • Information technology
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by ACICS (Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools)

3) University of Richmond

  • Location- Richmond, Virginia 
  • Type- private liberal arts university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around  $60,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $50,000-$55,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based scholarship
  • Richmond Scholars program (Covers full tuition fees)
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Law
  • Liberal arts
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

4) Virginia International University

  • Location- Fairfax, Virginia 
  • Type- private non-profit university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $10,000-$12,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $10,000-$13,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Education 
  • Information system 
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by ACICS (Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools)

5) James Madison University

  • Location- Harrisonburg, Virginia 
  • Type- public university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $29,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $31,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based aid 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Engineering 
  • Communication 
  • Business 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

6) Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Location- Richmond, Virginia 
  • Type- public research university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $33,650 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $29,000-$36,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Medicine 
  • Fine arts
  • Engineering 
  • Business 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

7) Washington and Lee University 

  • Location- Lexington, Virginia 
  • Type- private liberal arts college 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $61,750 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $55,000-$60,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based scholarship
  • Johnson Scholarship (coverage full tuition fees)
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Law 
  • Political science 
  • Business 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
  • ABA (American Bar Association) for Law

8) Shenandoah University 

  • Location- Winchester, Virginia 
  • Type- private university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $34,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $28,000-$36,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Nursing
  • Performing arts
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

9) Randolph Macon College 

  • Location- Ashland, Virginia 
  • Type- private liberal arts college 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $46,200 yearly.
  • No postgraduate programs are available 
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Top programs-
  • Biology 
  • Political science 
  • Economics
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

10) Marymount University 

  • Location- Arlington, Virginia 
  • Type- private catholic university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $34,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $18,000-$30,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Nursing 
  • Interior design 
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

11) Hampden Sydney College 

  • Location- Hampden Sydney, Virginia 
  • Type- private men’s liberal art College 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $50,740 yearly.
  • No postgraduate programs available 
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Bachelor's degree 
  • Top programs-
  • Economics
  • Political science
  • History 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

12) University of Mary Washington 

  • Location- Fredericksburg, Virginia 
  • Type- public university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $30,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $25,000-$28,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based scholarship
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Education
  • Political science
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

13) University of Richmond

  • Location- Richmond, Virginia 
  • Type- private liberal arts university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $60,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $50,000-$55,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based scholarship
  • Richmond scholarship program (Full tuition fees coverage available)
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Liberal arts 
  • Law 
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

14) Mary Mount University 

  • Location- Arlington, Virginia 
  • Type- private catholic university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $34,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $18,000-$30,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Interior design 
  • Nursing 
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

15) Regent University 

  • Location- Virginia Beach, Virginia 
  • Type- private Christian university 
  • Tuition fees- 
  • The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $20,000 yearly.
  • For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $15,000-$25,000 yearly.
  • Scholarship-
  • Merit-based scholarship 
  • Need based scholarship
  • Degree-
  • Undergraduate degree 
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Top programs-
  • Government 
  • Law 
  • Business administration 
  • Accreditation
  • Accreditation by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Conclusion 

Virginia offers some of the world’s best institutes for international students. These universities combine academic excellence with a supporting community. Some top institutes are- University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and George Mason University. These universities are known for their diverse student bodies, high education, and research labs and facilities. Virginia offers a rich culture and central location for international students. There are a lot of communities present, making it an ideal environment for networking and education. Virginia offers very unique recreation activities and beautiful landscapes for students. We, Study Abroad Consultants at D-Vivid consultant will help you get into your dream University. We will help you in the admission process and make every admission step easy for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarship options are available in Virginia?

Few scholarship programs like- Merit based scholarships, need based scholarships, fellowship, assistantship and many more.

Is Virginia considered affordable, for international students?

The affordable living expense of Virginia, makes it an ideal location for international students. Virginia offers affordable tuition fees to international students. 

Describe Virginia’s student life?

Utah offers very unique recreation activities for students, making the state fun for students. Virginia offers some of the best universities and is also known for its beautiful landscape, history, diverse culture, top class education, and dynamic student life. Students get to experience a very beautiful tourist spot.

What tuition fees international students must expect in public universities in Virginia?

For Undergraduate program- international students must expect a fee around $23,000 to $30,000 yearly and for Post graduate program- international students must expect a fee around $20,000-$34,000 annually.

Is travelling from Virginia to other states easier for international students?

Yes, Virginia is located in the centre of the US, making travelling to other US states for job opportunities and networking is easier for international students.