Best Economics Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 14 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 $48,383.

School choice matters significantly: Washington and Lee University graduates earn $55,964 while Randolph-Macon College graduates earn $43,426 — a $12,538 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in VA

$48,917

VA Avg. Earnings

$48,383

National Avg.

449

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in Virginia

Public Schools (9)

$47,950

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (5)

$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

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private

$55,964

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $51,643

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 17.4%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$62,409

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $62,202

Graduates: 109

Acceptance: 16.9%

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$53,108

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $54,979

Graduates: 83

Acceptance: 32.7%

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · Private

$65,821

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,385

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 23.3%

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$48,198

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,249

Graduates: 107

Acceptance: 57.0%

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$51,915

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $55,517

Graduates: 121

Acceptance: 88.8%

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$49,270

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $53,331

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 76.3%

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public

$41,937

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,118

Graduates: 62

Acceptance: 81.7%

University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA · Private

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$41,007

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,720

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 88.0%

#11

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$41,025

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,450

Graduates: 33

Acceptance: 90.6%

#12

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · Private

$39,153

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,247

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 50.1%

#13

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,719

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 86.3%

#14

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$43,426

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 83.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in Virginia?

Washington and Lee University ranks #1 for Economics in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $55,964 within two years of graduation. There are 14 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 $48,383 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 62.5%.

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 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

Computer Science $71,200 Industrial Engineering $70,628 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,947 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $69,803 Computer Engineering $69,212 Chemical Engineering $67,280 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,785 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $61,922

All colleges in Virginia →

Economics in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.