Research the best MBA programs in Virginia by concentrations offered, how the MBA programs are offered (full-time, part-time, online, weekend and evenings), rankings by publication, cost of tuition, number of alumni, GMAT requirements and more.
To meet the diverse needs of Virginia businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 47 MBA concentrations to specialize in.
Options for earning your MBA in Virginia have never been more flexible. Virginia MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule. You will find 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Virginia including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.
Virginia has 27 Accredited MBA programs. There are 3 private and 14 public schools offering MBA programs.
Online Business Programs Liked by Virginia MBA Graduates
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Research additional school detail on the school summary pages, in the tables and charts below and throughout the site.
MBA Program Comparisons: Virginia vs Online vs U.S.
Compare MBA Programs Averages | Virginia MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | MBA Programs in the US |
---|---|---|---|
Average MBA Tuition | $42,424 | $33,130 | $39,291 |
Average GMAT Scores | 550 | 530 | 543 |
Average Full-Time MBA Faculty | 61 | 65 | 63 |
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio | 283:100 | 249:100 | 129:50 |
Average # of MBA Faculty with Doctorate | 86.21% | 83.44% | 83.98% |
Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment | 187 | 199 | 239 |
Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment | 239 | 387 | 318 |
Average % of MBA Students from U.S. | 68% | 76% | 75% |
Rankings for MBA Programs in Virginia
The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.
Of the 27 accredited MBA programs offered in Virginia, 15 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.
Virginia schools have earned a total of 25 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:
Publications and the number of awards granted for Virginia schools:
Salaries for MBA Graduates in Virginia
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Virginia is about $91,397, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $41,538 from Shenandoah University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $124,684 from University of Virginia-Darden.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Virginia is between $87,480 from College of William and Mary and $124,684 from University of Virginia-Darden. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Virginia is $96,848.
In-Person
- Average: $91,397 from Virginia's 18 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $41,538 from Shenandoah University
- Highest In-Person:$124,684 from University of Virginia-Darden
Online
- Average: $96,848 from Virginia's 9 Online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online: $87,480 from College of William and Mary
- Highest Online: $124,684 from University of Virginia-Darden
10 Highest Salaries for MBA Graduates in Virginia
- University of Virginia-Darden - $124,684.00
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $103,987.00
- Old Dominion University - $100,715.00
- University of Richmond - $100,000.00
- Longwood University - $91,957.00
- Radford University - $90,255.00
- University of Mary Washington - $89,042.00
- Virginia Commonwealth University - $87,989.00
- James Madison University - $87,718.00
- College of William and Mary - $87,480.00
10 Lowest Salaries for MBA Graduates in Virginia
- Shenandoah University - $41,538.00
- College of William and Mary - $87,480.00
- James Madison University - $87,718.00
- Virginia Commonwealth University - $87,989.00
- University of Mary Washington - $89,042.00
- Radford University - $90,255.00
- Longwood University - $91,957.00
- University of Richmond - $100,000.00
- Old Dominion University - $100,715.00
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $103,987.00
Tuition for MBA Programs in Virginia
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.
While the average in-person MBA program in Virginia will cost about $42,424, the least expensive MBA program is $18,612 from Radford University, and the most expensive is $139,200 from University of Virginia-Darden.
An Online MBA program from an institution in Virginia will cost you between $18,612 from Radford University and $139,200 from University of Virginia-Darden. The average cost of online MBA programs within Virginia is $50,118.
In-Person
- Average: $42,536 from Virginia's 18 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: $18,612 from Radford University
- Highest in-person: $139,200 from University of Virginia-Darden
Online
- Average: $50,118 from Virginia's 9 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: $18,612 from Radford University
- Highest online: $139,200 from University of Virginia-Darden
10 Most Expensive MBAs in Virginia
- University of Virginia-Darden - $139,200.00
- College of William and Mary - $70,526.00
- Washington and Lee University - $57,285.00
- University of Richmond - $56,860.00
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $45,050.00
- Marymount University - $40,970.00
- James Madison University - $29,230.00
- Old Dominion University - $27,220.00
- Shenandoah University - $24,030.00
- University of Mary Washington - $22,104.00
10 Least Expensive MBAs in Virginia
- Radford University - $18,612.00
- Virginia State University - $20,307.00
- Longwood University - $20,988.00
- Norfolk State University - $21,550.00
- University of Mary Washington - $22,104.00
- Shenandoah University - $24,030.00
- Old Dominion University - $27,220.00
- James Madison University - $29,230.00
- Marymount University - $40,970.00
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $45,050.00
GMAT Scores Needed for MBA Programs in Virginia
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.
While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Virginia is 550, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 400 from East Coast Polytechnic Institute, and the highest GMAT score needed is 672 from University of Virginia-Darden.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Virginia is between 400 from East Coast Polytechnic Institute to 672 from University of Virginia-Darden. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Virginia is 548.
In-Person
- Average: 550 from Virginia's 18 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 400 from East Coast Polytechnic Institute
- Highest in-person: 672 from University of Virginia-Darden
Online
- Average: 548 from Virginia's 9 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 400 from East Coast Polytechnic Institute
- Highest online: 672 from University of Virginia-Darden
10 Highest GMAT Scores in Virginia
- University of Virginia-Darden - 672
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 630
- College of William and Mary - 620
- University of Richmond - 600
- University of Mary Washington - 593
- George Mason University - 572
- Virginia Commonwealth University - 550
- Old Dominion University - 540
- Longwood University - 538
- James Madison University - 525
10 Lowest GMAT Scores in Virginia
- East Coast Polytechnic Institute - 400
- Shenandoah University - 450
- Radford University - 461
- James Madison University - 525
- Longwood University - 538
- Old Dominion University - 540
- Virginia Commonwealth University - 550
- George Mason University - 572
- University of Mary Washington - 593
- University of Richmond - 600
Student Enrollment for Virginia MBA Programs
The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.
For Virginia state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 2 and 969. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 63 and 598.
In Person
- Lowest: 2 from University of Richmond
- Highest: 969 from University of Virginia-Darden
- Average: 187 from Virginia's 27 MBA Programs.
- Average: 243 from 876 the nation's campus MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 13 from Radford University
- Highest: 969 from University of Virginia-Darden
- Average: 224 from Virginia's 9 MBA Programs.
- Average: 199 from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
10 Schools with the Highest Student Enrollment in Virginia
- University of Virginia-Darden - 969
- College of William and Mary - 372
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 215
- George Mason University - 215
- Marymount University - 180
- Virginia Commonwealth University - 81
- Old Dominion University - 55
- Shenandoah University - 54
- James Madison University - 54
- Longwood University - 31
10 Schools with the Lowest Student Enrollment in Virginia
- University of Richmond - 2
- Radford University - 13
- Longwood University - 31
- Shenandoah University - 54
- James Madison University - 54
- Old Dominion University - 55
- Virginia Commonwealth University - 81
- Marymount University - 180
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 215
- George Mason University - 215
Percent of Global MBA Student Population
The MBA programs in the United States are coveted around the world and attract a healthy percentage of global students each year. A culturally diverse student population is especially important in an ever-changing global economy. With increasing globalization, a well diversified student body from outside the United States can provide much needed global world-view as well as valuable networking opportunities.
In Virginia the percentage of students from the United States varies from a low of 60% to a high of 75%.
For online programs in Virginia the percentage of students from the United States varies from a low of 60% to a high of 75%.
In Person
- Lowest: 60% from College of William and Mary
- Highest: 75% from University of Virginia-Darden
- Average: 68% from Virginia's 18 in-person MBA Programs.
- Average: 75% from 590 nation's in-person MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 60% from College of William and Mary
- Highest: 75% from University of Virginia-Darden
- Average: 68% from Virginia's 9 online MBA Programs.
- Average: 76% from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
MBA Concentrations Available from MBA Programs in Virginia
Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Virginia businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 47 MBA concentrations including:
- Accounting: 18
- Management: 17
- General Business: 16
- Marketing: 15
- Finance: 14
- Entrepreneurship: 13
- Economics: 13
- International Business: 13
- Information Systems: 11
- Supply Chain: 10
Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:
- University of Virginia-Darden: 34
- College of William and Mary: 22
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: 20
- Virginia Commonwealth University: 20
- Liberty University: 19
- Old Dominion University: 19
- Radford University: 17
- James Madison University: 15
- George Mason University: 14
- Longwood University: 12
Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Virginia
Quality MBA programs invest in the number of professors relative to the students attending the program. Commonly known as the Student Faculty ratio. Generally, the lower the ratio, the better it is for students. MBA students will get the personalized one-on-one attention from faculty mentors that have extensive experience in the industry. The Student/Faculty metric is a matter of personal preference and for those students who excel in lecture hall environments, you may not need the low student/faculty ratio.
In Virginia the student faculty ratio for MBA programs ranges from the lowest (best) of 2:25 the highest (less desirable) of 264:25. For online MBA programs thee student faculty ratio for MBA programs ranges from the lowest (best) of 2:25 the highest (less desirable) of 264:25.
In Person
- Lowest: 2:25 from Longwood University
- Highest: 264:25 from University of Virginia-Darden
- Average: 283:100 from Virginia's 18 MBA Programs.
- Average: 129:50 from 590 the nation's campus MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 2:25 from Longwood University
- Highest: 264:25 from University of Virginia-Darden
- Average: 313:100 from Virginia's 9 MBA Programs.
- Average: 249:100 from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
10 Programs with the Highest Student Faculty Ratio
- University of Virginia-Darden - 264:25
- Virginia Commonwealth University - 131:20
- College of William and Mary - 537:100
- George Mason University - 21:10
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 131:100
- Shenandoah University - 117:100
- James Madison University - 27:50
- Old Dominion University - 9:20
- Radford University - 1:4
- Longwood University - 2:25
10 Programs with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio
- Longwood University - 2:25
- Radford University - 1:4
- Old Dominion University - 9:20
- James Madison University - 27:50
- Shenandoah University - 117:100
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - 131:100
- George Mason University - 21:10
- College of William and Mary - 537:100
- Virginia Commonwealth University - 131:20
- University of Virginia-Darden - 264:25
Full-Time Faculty
Highly competitive MBA schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academics and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective field. Most business professors have experienced success in the corporate world and have written extensively in their chosen field. The number of highly-qualified full-time faculty is directly related to the reputation of most elite MBA programs.
The number of full-time faculty for MBA programs in Virginia ranges from a low of 12 professors to a high or 136.
- Lowest: 12 from Virginia Military Institute
- Highest: 136 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Average: 61 from Virginia's 27 MBA Programs
- Average: 65 from 324 Online MBA Programs
Percent of Faculty with a PhD
Another high-level perspective to consider when determining the quality of an MBA faculty is to note the number of faculty who have earned a PhD in their respective area of excellence. Note to writer - create a fuller amount of content for this section.
In Virginia MBA programs range from 71.10% of the faculty having a PhD to a 100.00% of the MBA faculty having a PhD.
- Lowest: 71% from James Madison University
- Highest: 100% from Washington and Lee University
- Average: 86% from Virginia's 27 MBA Programs
- Average: 83% from 324 Online MBA Programs
The Importance of MBA Accreditation
The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.
AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.
Cities in Virginia with Accredited MBA Programs
Looking for a particular city in Virginia with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Virginia. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more. The following is a list of cities in Virginia with accredited MBA programs: Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Fairfax, Farmville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Radford, Richmond, Williamsburg and Winchester.
Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Virginia
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