Best History Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 22 colleges offering History programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 716 recent graduates. Graduates earn $30,141 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $30,243.

School choice matters significantly: Washington and Lee University graduates earn $30,409 while Regent University graduates earn $18,401 — a $12,008 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in VA

$30,141

VA Avg. Earnings

$30,243

National Avg.

607

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: History in Virginia

Public Schools (13)

$31,858

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (9)

$27,350

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Virginia produce comparable or higher early earnings for History graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

History Schools in Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private

$30,409

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 17.4%

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public

$45,094

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,325

Graduates: 33

Acceptance: 81.7%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$40,605

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,890

Graduates: 58

Acceptance: 16.9%

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,414

Graduates: 52

Acceptance: 32.7%

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$33,565

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,622

Graduates: 44

Acceptance: 57.0%

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

$35,701

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,540

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 90.5%

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,439

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: 76.3%

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$24,615

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,640

Graduates: 40

Acceptance: 86.3%

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$30,672

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,141

Graduates: 87

Acceptance: 93.1%

#10

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$30,984

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,553

Graduates: 40

Acceptance: 88.0%

#11

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$33,459

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,998

Graduates: 54

Acceptance: 88.8%

#12

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · Private

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,642

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 90.8%

#14

Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$23,761

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,363

Graduates: 93

Acceptance: 99.3%

#16

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$27,823

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,381

Graduates: 35

Acceptance: 90.6%

#17

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

$20,140

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,415

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 80.1%

#18

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private

Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA · Private

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA · Public

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$18,401

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,985

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 41.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for History in Virginia?

Washington and Lee University ranks #1 for History in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $30,409 within two years of graduation. There are 22 schools offering History programs in the state.

How much do History graduates earn in Virginia?

History graduates in Virginia earn an average of $30,141 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $30,243 for this major.

What is the hardest History school to get into in Virginia?

University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective History program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across History programs in the state is 73.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for History in Virginia?

In Virginia, private History programs produce average earnings of $27,350 vs $31,858 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 13 public and 9 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 →

History in Other States

New York Pennsylvania California Texas Ohio Massachusetts Illinois New Jersey Wisconsin North Carolina Georgia Indiana View All →

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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.