15 Cheapest Universities in Virginia for International Students

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In Virginia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Virginia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 41 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Virginia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Virginia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Virginia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Virginia University of Lynchburg 8,448 USD - 12,700 USD 75%
Virginia Union University 14,500 USD 58%
Bluefield State University 17,400 USD 49%
ECPI University 17,500 USD 49%
Virginia State University 18,900 USD 45%
Southern Virginia University 20,800 USD 39%
Regent University 21,000 USD 38%
Longwood University 21,200 USD 38%
Radford University 22,100 USD 35%
University of Mary Washington 22,900 USD 33%
Old Dominion University 22,900 USD - 28,700 USD 33%
Norfolk State University 23,100 USD 32%
Liberty University 24,700 USD 27%
Bluefield University 25,000 USD 27%
Sweet Briar College 26,300 USD 23%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 33,800 USD for universities in Virginia.

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1. Virginia University of Lynchburg

Virginia University of Lynchburg is a Christian-centered institution that seeks to nurture a safe and caring environment where students are given equal opportunities to develop into future leaders in society. The university’s primary mission is to welcome diverse students from different cultures and ethnic groups and educate them to become well-trained individuals in whatever career they wish to pursue.

2. Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University is a private historically black Baptist university in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as the Richmond Theological Institute. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in the arts, business, education, science, and theology. Divinity/Ministry, Criminology, Biology, and Business Administration are the most popular majors at Virginia Union.

3. Bluefield State University

For over a century, Bluefield State University has played a major role in making higher education more affordable and accessible in the state of West Virginia. This historically black institution offers degree programs in various disciplines designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to the needs of industries and society. The college also carries out different services and activities to support its students and help them succeed in every step of their academic journey.

4. ECPI University

ECPI University was founded in 1966 with campuses all around Virginia State. The educational opportunities they have are not bound by the campuses, as online programs can also be taken by students in and out of the United States. Accelerated programs are also available to students, allowing them to work and earn money as soon as or even before they graduate. Tuition fees are also affordable despite being a private university with excellent service and opportunities. More than the low tuition fees, financial assistance is also available for those who extremely need it.

5. Virginia State University

Virginia State University caters to a predominant population of Black American students. It began as an all-Black learning environment, with the student body comprised of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Virginia State University offers degree programs from a broad range of disciplines, such as business management, science and engineering, and the social sciences.

6. Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains with a history rooted in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. The school has offered quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs since 1867, with 44 faculty heads that govern specific fields of study. The code of conduct of the school revolves around faith, honesty, and kindness. The university also provides quality services for students’ campus life, such as free iPads, free Wi-Fi, university housing, campus dining, athletic camps, art performances, and various counseling.

7. Regent University

Regent University is a Catholic university in Virginia and is religiously affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical. The “regent” in its name refers to Christ. It is not the same or related to Regent’s College or Regent’s University London. Regent Uni has both institutional and specialized accreditations from organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Longwood University

Longwood University combines a classical liberal arts curriculum with an intensive experience in the actual field. The university aims to train students and immediately expose them to real-life situations. It seeks to maintain a constructive and efficient learning environment where students get to maximize their intelligence.

9. Radford University

Founded in 1910, Radford University has been providing exemplary educational programs to its local community. It also warmly welcomes out-state and international students from all backgrounds. One of the university’s primary goals is to cultivate responsible and competent individuals. Admitted students will be presented with numerous opportunities to help develop their skills, gain sufficient knowledge, and enhance their talents. Currently, the university offers multidisciplinary programs and awards degrees from bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate degrees.

10. University of Mary Washington

The University of Mary Washington offers education and training in the arts, sciences, business, and education. While it has several undergraduate courses, its selection of graduate programs is limited. The institution started as a teacher training school before becoming a full-fledged university in 2004. Besides its campus in Fredericksburg, UMW has other locations in Virginia: Stafford and Dahlgren. As for placement, it placed 251st in the QS US Universities rankings.

11. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public institution for higher learning in Norfolk, Virginia. Since it was established in 1930, the university has become one of the largest in the state. At present, it provides undergraduate and master’s education to more than 24,000 students.

12. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University aims to maintain its legacy of being one of the best state universities in the country. It provides a space for students to flourish and achieve excellence through rigorous academic work and practical experience. The university also enables students to gain international background by participating in numerous conferences and foreign events.

13. Liberty University

Liberty University is perfect for students with a conservative Christian background since this is an evangelical university that keeps Christian values at the core of its operations. Proof of this is the various volunteer programs available to students, along with the activities organized by the Liberty Worship Collective. Besides religion-related degrees, Liberty University offers more than 700 programs in various areas including science, technology, health, humanities, and law. They are available for studying on campus and online.

14. Bluefield University

Bluefield University is a private Baptist university in Bluefield, Virginia. It was established in 1922 as Bluefield College by the Baptist General Associate of Virginia. Bluefield is regarded as Virginia’s premier Christ-centered liberal arts university due to its rigorous academic program and diverse student body. Over 70 academic programs in a variety of fields are available at the university.

15. Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College was founded by Indiana Fletcher Williams to give more opportunities to women in a time when women could not even vote. The college was quickly recognized by graduate programs at leading institutions, and three of its five first graduates were accepted to pursue graduate studies in those leading universities. The college persisted when its own administration attempted to close its gates and has now become a self-governing institution of learning.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Virginia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Virginia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Emory & Henry University 4,380 USD - 9,540 USD 70%
Randolph College 4,800 USD - 10,800 USD 67%
Sweet Briar College 5,100 USD - 7,650 USD 64%
Longwood University 5,556 USD - 14,000 USD 61%
Ferrum College 5,700 USD - 8,550 USD 60%
Mary Baldwin University 5,940 USD - 20,500 USD 59%
Bluefield University 5,940 USD - 28,800 USD 59%
Eastern Mennonite University 6,168 USD - 17,400 USD 57%
Hollins University 6,375 USD - 22,800 USD 55%
Liberty University 6,720 USD - 10,100 USD 53%
Regent University 7,020 USD - 19,300 USD 51%
Shenandoah University 7,140 USD - 18,400 USD 50%
University of Lynchburg 7,560 USD - 11,700 USD 47%
Averett University 7,860 USD - 11,800 USD 45%
Virginia University of Lynchburg 8,448 USD - 12,700 USD 41%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,200 USD for universities in Virginia.

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1. Emory & Henry University

Emory & Henry University is a private liberal arts university located in Emory, southwestern Virginia, United States. The university was founded in 1836, and is said to be the oldest institution of higher education in southwestern Virginia. The university’s entire central campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Register, and the university offers more than 25 academic programs. In addition, students at Emory & Henry University have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by participating in overseas study programs or overseas travel programs with professors and lectures by experts and artists in various fields.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Emory & Henry University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,380 USD to 9,540 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Randolph College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Randolph College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Randolph College is 4,800 USD to 10,776 USD.

Randolph College is a well-established liberal arts and science institution that offers innovative academic programs. Since the school has a close-knit community, there will likely be support from fellow students and possible mentorship from academic staff.  Additionally, this nationally recognized college comprises a diverse group of students from Virginia, neighboring states, and other foreign countries.

3. Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College was founded by Indiana Fletcher Williams to give more opportunities to women in a time when women could not even vote. The college was quickly recognized by graduate programs at leading institutions, and three of its five first graduates were accepted to pursue graduate studies in those leading universities. The college persisted when its own administration attempted to close its gates and has now become a self-governing institution of learning.

The tuition fee at Sweet Briar College for incoming international master’s students is 5,100 USD to 7,650 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Longwood University

Another affordable university to consider in Virginia is Longwood University.

Longwood University combines a classical liberal arts curriculum with an intensive experience in the actual field. The university aims to train students and immediately expose them to real-life situations. It seeks to maintain a constructive and efficient learning environment where students get to maximize their intelligence.

The tuition fee in Longwood University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 5,556 USD.

5. Ferrum College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Ferrum College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 5,700 USD yearly.

Ferrum College, a United Methodist Church institution, started as Ferrum Training School. It then went on to become a junior college before transforming into an institution that provides both undergrad and grad programs. The college has a wide variety of undergrad studies, majors, and minors. Its master’s programs are flexible and conducted online.

6. Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University (MBU) is a private university located in Staunton, Virginia. It was established in 1842 as the Augusta Female Seminary and was named after one of its first students, Mary Julia Baldwin. The university grants undergraduate degrees in over 30 majors and graduate degrees in a variety of fields.

7. Bluefield University

Bluefield University is a private Baptist university in Bluefield, Virginia. It was established in 1922 as Bluefield College by the Baptist General Associate of Virginia. Bluefield is regarded as Virginia’s premier Christ-centered liberal arts university due to its rigorous academic program and diverse student body. Over 70 academic programs in a variety of fields are available at the university.

8. Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University is a private Mennonite liberal arts university located in Virginia. It is primarily aimed at working adults, and also operates a satellite campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the United States. Many graduates of Eastern Mennonite University tend to be engaged in service-oriented work, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. The university is also famous for its graduate program of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP), especially for conflict change.

9. Hollins University

Founded a century and a half ago, Hollins University offers 29 bachelor’s degree programs and 12 master’s degree programs. It was established as an institution only for female students, and it continues to be like that for undergraduate programs. However, master’s degrees are now available for both female and male students. This university is known for its programs in different fields of arts and humanities, although the biology and business majors are very popular as well. Education here focuses on giving internship opportunities and encouraging study abroad options.

10. Liberty University

Liberty University is perfect for students with a conservative Christian background since this is an evangelical university that keeps Christian values at the core of its operations. Proof of this is the various volunteer programs available to students, along with the activities organized by the Liberty Worship Collective. Besides religion-related degrees, Liberty University offers more than 700 programs in various areas including science, technology, health, humanities, and law. They are available for studying on campus and online.

11. Regent University

Regent University is a Catholic university in Virginia and is religiously affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical. The “regent” in its name refers to Christ. It is not the same or related to Regent’s College or Regent’s University London. Regent Uni has both institutional and specialized accreditations from organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

12. Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University is a private university acknowledged for its high standards of teaching and research. The university offers liberal arts and professional programs in the following areas of study: health sciences, business, social sciences, humanities, arts, and natural sciences. Moreover, the university also gives students numerous opportunities, such as exchange programs, study abroad programs, and community service programs to name a few.

13. University of Lynchburg

Two hundred years into the establishment of the city of Lynchburg in the state of Virginia, the University of Lynchburg was finally founded. Established in 1903, the University of Lynchburg is a private university that offers a balanced student life of academics and sports. The athletic field of the Lynchburg area currently has NCAA Division III teams that actively compete for prestige and experience. Recently, around 2400 students have been enrolled, and it continues to grow as time passes by.

14. Averett University

Averett University is a private university in Danville, Virginia. It was established in 1859 as Union Female College by the Baptist General Associate of Virginia. The mission of the university is to prepare students to serve and lead as catalysts for change. Business, Management, Kinesiology, Education, and Health Professions are the most popular majors at Averett University.

15. Virginia University of Lynchburg

Virginia University of Lynchburg is a Christian-centered institution that seeks to nurture a safe and caring environment where students are given equal opportunities to develop into future leaders in society. The university’s primary mission is to welcome diverse students from different cultures and ethnic groups and educate them to become well-trained individuals in whatever career they wish to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Virginia?

Applying to cheap universities in Virginia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Virginia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Virginia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Virginia is the Bluefield State University, which offers Allied Health Education, Organizational Leadership and Development, and Civil Engineering Technology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Averett University offers Accountancy, and Nursing.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Virginia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Virginia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Virginia for international students was helpful!