Best Economics Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 13 colleges offering Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 735 recent graduates. Graduates earn $48,917 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $48,479.

School choice matters significantly: University of Richmond graduates earn $65,821 while Hampden-Sydney College graduates earn $39,153 — a $26,668 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

13
Schools in VA
$48,917
VA Avg. Earnings
$48,479
National Avg.
413
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in Virginia

Public Schools (9)
$47,950
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (4)
$51,091
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,141 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Economics Schools in Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · Private

$65,821
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $57,385
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 23.3%
#2
U

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$62,409
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $62,202
Graduates: 109
Acceptance: 16.9%
#3
W

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private

$55,964
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,643
Graduates: 32
Acceptance: 17.4%
#4
W

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$53,108
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $54,979
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 32.7%
#5
G

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$51,915
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $55,517
Graduates: 121
Acceptance: 88.8%
#6
J

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$49,270
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $53,331
Graduates: 55
Acceptance: 76.3%
#7
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$48,198
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,249
Graduates: 107
Acceptance: 57.0%
#8
R

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$43,426
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 83.4%
#9
U

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $49,719
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 86.3%
#10
V

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public

$41,937
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,118
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 81.7%
#11
R

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$41,025
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,450
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 90.6%
#12
C

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$41,007
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,720
Graduates: 49
Acceptance: 88.0%
#13
H

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · Private

$39,153
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,247
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 50.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in Virginia?
University of Richmond ranks #1 for Economics in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $65,821 within two years of graduation. There are 13 schools offering Economics programs in the state.
How much do Economics graduates earn in Virginia?
Economics graduates in Virginia earn an average of $48,917 within two years of graduation. This is 1% above the national average of $48,479 for this major.
What is the hardest Economics school to get into in Virginia?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective Economics program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across Economics programs in the state is 61.0%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Economics in Virginia?
In Virginia, private Economics programs produce average earnings of $51,091 vs $47,950 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

All colleges in Virginia →

Economics in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.