Unlock Your Psychology Career Potential: Compare the Best Psychology Degree Programs in Virginia for 2025
$21,389
Avg. Net Price
75%
Avg. Admitted
20%
Avg. Enrolled
60%
Avg. Graduation Rate
13/1
Avg. Student / Faculty
Psychology Degree Programs in Virginia
Find and compare the best psychology degree programs by state.
Number of Schools
In Virginia, there are 40 4-year schools that offer psychology degrees
Number of Programs
With 40 schools offering psychology programs, the total number of programs offered in Virginia is 140
Number of Graduates
The 140 psychology programs in Virginia produced 8,681 psychology graduates in 2021

Virginia Psychology Degrees Programs
Top (10) Psychology Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia-Main Campus
2021 Psychology Graduates: 335
Average Cost to Attend: $33,617
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $8,647
Average Net Price: $20,401
Average Admitted: 21%
Average Enrolled: 39%
Average Graduation Rate: 94%
Student / Faculty: 15 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 83%
Virginia Ranking: #1
National Ranking: #41
Washington and Lee University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 24
Average Cost to Attend: $79,180
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,134
Average Net Price: $26,063
Average Admitted: 19%
Average Enrolled: 39%
Average Graduation Rate: 94%
Student / Faculty: 8 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 72%
Virginia Ranking: #2
National Ranking: #42
Virginia Military Institute
2021 Psychology Graduates: 39
Average Cost to Attend: $23,294
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,534
Average Net Price: $18,100
Average Admitted: 64%
Average Enrolled: 47%
Average Graduation Rate: 74%
Student / Faculty: 10 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 73%
Virginia Ranking: #3
National Ranking: #91
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 272
Average Cost to Attend: $26,210
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $16,413
Average Net Price: $20,109
Average Admitted: 56%
Average Enrolled: 28%
Average Graduation Rate: 87%
Student / Faculty: 14 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 66%
Virginia Ranking: #4
National Ranking: #83
William & Mary
2021 Psychology Graduates: 187
Average Cost to Attend: $34,246
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $3,331
Average Net Price: $18,399
Average Admitted: 37%
Average Enrolled: 26%
Average Graduation Rate: 91%
Student / Faculty: 12 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 77%
Virginia Ranking: #5
National Ranking: #73
University of Richmond
2021 Psychology Graduates: 29
Average Cost to Attend: $74,590
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,081
Average Net Price: $28,881
Average Admitted: 29%
Average Enrolled: 22%
Average Graduation Rate: 89%
Student / Faculty: 8 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 63%
Virginia Ranking: #6
National Ranking: #122
James Madison University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 343
Average Cost to Attend: $24,110
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $7,133
Average Net Price: $18,528
Average Admitted: 86%
Average Enrolled: 26%
Average Graduation Rate: 82%
Student / Faculty: 16 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 73%
Virginia Ranking: #7
National Ranking: #154
George Mason University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 855
Average Cost to Attend: $27,060
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $15,441
Average Net Price: $18,841
Average Admitted: 91%
Average Enrolled: 21%
Average Graduation Rate: 70%
Student / Faculty: 16 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 47%
Virginia Ranking: #8
National Ranking: #293
Virginia Commonwealth University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 916
Average Cost to Attend: $30,883
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $14,624
Average Net Price: $19,656
Average Admitted: 93%
Average Enrolled: 25%
Average Graduation Rate: 67%
Student / Faculty: 18 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 65%
Virginia Ranking: #9
National Ranking: #385
University of Mary Washington
2021 Psychology Graduates: 111
Average Cost to Attend: $25,728
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,839
Average Net Price: $21,901
Average Admitted: 82%
Average Enrolled: 16%
Average Graduation Rate: 68%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 67%
Virginia Ranking: #10
National Ranking: #453
Psychology Programs Offered in Virginia
There are 140 undergraduate psychology programs offered by 40 different 4-year colleges, comprising 14 public and 26 private schools.
Additionally, psychology programs in Virginia produced 5,258 bachelor’s graduates, 2,847 master’s graduates and 336 doctorate graduates.
The table below details the programs offered and the total number of graduates in Virginia.
Psychology Graduates | BS | MA | PMC | PhD |
Applied Psychology | – | 259 | – | – |
Biopsychology | 4 | – | – | – |
Clinical Psychology | – | 17 | – | 41 |
Counseling and Applied Psychology | 13 | 1,105 | 21 | 136 |
Counseling Psychology | – | 617 | 1 | 84 |
Educational Psychology | – | 69 | 11 | – |
Forensic Psychology | – | 85 | – | – |
General Psychology | 4,580 | 212 | – | 55 |
Industrial Organizational Psychology | – | 25 | – | – |
Medical Psychology | 3 | – | – | 7 |
Mental Health Counseling | – | 81 | – | 1 |
Psychometrics Psychology | – | – | – | 2 |
Research Psychology | 24 | – | – | 2 |
School Psychology | – | 11 | 8 | – |
Social Work | 634 | 366 | – | 8 |
Total Graduates | 5,258 | 2,847 | 41 | 336 |
Credits Accepted for Virginia Schools
The types of academic credits available to Virginia students are varied and include:
- Dual enrollment
- Credit for life experiences
- Advanced placement (AP) credits
Psychology Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation in Virginia
On average, Virginia schools admitted 75% of students who applied to 4-year institutions. Of those who were offered admission, 20% enrolled.
The average freshman retention rate for Virginia schools is 76%, compared to 71% for all universities nationwide.
The overall graduation rate for 4-year colleges and universities in Virginia is 60%, compared to 56% for all universities nationwide.
The top three schools in Virginia for highest graduation rate are Washington and Lee University (94%), University of Virginia-Main Campus (94%), and William & Mary (91%).
The top three schools with the highest number of psychology graduates in Virginia are Liberty University (3,416), Virginia Commonwealth University (916), and George Mason University (855).
Region | Virginia | U.S. |
Applied | 9,148 | 8,766 |
Admitted | 75% | 73% |
Enrolled | 20% | 26% |
1st Year Return | 76% | 71% |
Graduation | 60% | 56% |
Student & Faculty Information in Virginia
In the fall of 2021, Virginia schools that offered psychology programs had an average of 67% full-time instructional or research faculty members and 32% part-time instructional faculty members.
The average student-to-faculty ratio for Virginia schools offering psychology programs is 13:1.
The table below shows a comparison of the percentage of full-time instructional and research faculty members and the student-to-faculty ratio between Virginia and the United States as a whole:
Region | Virginia | U.S. |
Full-Time Instructional | 61% | 56% |
Full-Time Research | 5% | 6% |
Part-Time Instructional | 32% | 35% |
Student Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 15:1 |
Tuition and Student Expenses in Virginia
If you’re an undergraduate psychology student in Virginia, the average tuition you’ll pay depends on the institution you choose. Typically, tuition costs range from $5,540 to $39,620 per year, with an average of $20,632. In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for books and supplies, which can cost between $440 and $2,235 annually, with an average of $1,217.
The three most affordable undergraduate psychology schools in Virginia are Virginia State University ($20,059), Radford University ($22,562), and Norfolk State University ($22,840). Meanwhile, the three most expensive institutions are the Hollins University ($57,020), Eastern Mennonite University ($55,130), and Bridgewater College ($54,290).
As for prospective graduate psychology students, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs varies widely based on the school and program chosen. Graduate tuition costs between $6,480 and $33,238 per year, with an average of $13,446. However, most graduate programs also require additional fees, such as application fees, technology fees, and library fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In-state graduate fees typically range from $35 to $6,102, with an average of $1,811.
The three most affordable graduate psychology schools in Virginia are Liberty University ($8,360), Longwood University ($9,126), and University of Mary Washington ($11,388). Meanwhile, the three most expensive graduate programs are Shenandoah University ($23,430), Marymount University ($21,016), and University of Virginia-Main Campus ($20,906).
If you’re curious about how Virginia schools stack up against national averages, you can compare average total expenses in the table below. Note that these figures don’t take into account financial aid, grants, loans, or scholarships. If you’re interested in that information, you can find it in the sections below.
Average Expenses for Psychology Schools | Virginia | U.S. |
On Campus Room & Board | $11,594 | $11,729 |
On-Campus Living Expenses | $3,387 | $3,474 |
Total Living Expenses | $14,981 | $15,203 |
Tuition for In-State, Undergraduate | $20,632 | $21,301 |
Books and Supplies, Undergraduate | $1,217 | $1,254 |
Total Undergraduate Expenses | $36,830 | $37,758 |
In-State, Graduate Tuition | $13,446 | $14,479 |
In-State, Graduate Fees | $1,811 | $1,155 |
Total Graduate Expenses | $15,257 | $15,634 |
Cost to Attend, Financial Aid, Net Price in Virginia
Average Net Price
In Virginia, the cost to attend a college or university that offers psychology programs is a significant financial investment. The key term to know for college affordability is the net price.
The average net price for a college or university in Virginia that offers psychology programs is $21,389. This figure is calculated based on the most recent data provided by each institution to the US Department of Education.
Net price is determined by adding up the costs of tuition, room and board, living expenses, books, and supplies and then subtracting the average financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, received by federal financial aid recipients.
Financial | Virginia | U.S. |
Cost to Attend | $36,830 | $37,758 |
Average Financial Aid | $18,288 | $13,984 |
Percent Receiving Aid | 89% | 90% |
Net Price | $21,389 | $17,524 |
Net Price by Family Income
Depending on the federal, state, or institutional grant aid available, the table below shows the average amount students pay to attend Virginia universities shown by family income bracket.
Students may pay more or less depending on their individual circumstances; however, these are the average costs as tracked by the university and reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Average Net Price by Income | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
$0 – $30,000 | $12,180 | $11,657 |
$30,001 – $48,000 | $13,125 | $12,285 |
$48,001 – $75,000 | $16,320 | $15,685 |
$75,001 – $110,000 | $20,719 | $20,318 |
$110,001 and more | $25,062 | $24,308 |
Additional Top Ranked Psychology Degree Programs in Virginia
Find information on each school’s ranking, number of graduates, net price, and graduation rate along with a link the school’s full 2025 report.
Rank | School | # of Graduates | Net Price | Graduation |
#11 | Liberty University | 3416 | $27,891 | 66% |
#12 | Christopher Newport University | 174 | $24,059 | 75% |
#13 | Randolph-Macon College | 37 | $26,794 | 72% |
#14 | Shenandoah University | 45 | $29,077 | 63% |
#15 | Bridgewater College | 23 | $19,592 | 62% |
#16 | Longwood University | 83 | $21,166 | 65% |
#17 | Old Dominion University | 356 | $17,254 | 48% |
#18 | Eastern Mennonite University | 26 | $23,936 | 55% |
#19 | Roanoke College | 30 | $27,758 | 70% |
#20 | Regent University | 227 | $16,579 | 63% |
#21 | Radford University | 259 | $16,835 | 54% |
#22 | Marymount University | 263 | $26,717 | 62% |
#23 | Hollins University | 23 | $23,825 | 59% |
#24 | University of Lynchburg | 22 | $27,305 | 66% |
#25 | Virginia Wesleyan University | 31 | $22,584 | 46% |
#26 | Norfolk State University | 193 | $12,264 | 37% |
#27 | Southern Virginia University | 26 | $22,951 | 38% |
#28 | Virginia State University | 115 | $16,770 | 48% |
#29 | Mary Baldwin University | 46 | $17,525 | 48% |
#30 | Hampton University | 61 | $33,204 | 57% |
#31 | Virginia Union University | 25 | $16,068 | 42% |
Psychology Salary Reports for Virginia
We use annual surveys of 100,000 psychologists to compile data on salary, employment projections, cost-of-living adjustments, comparisons to related professions, salary based on years of experience, and rankings by city.
- Industrial Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Psychology Teachers
- Forensic Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Health Care Social Workers
- Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
in addition to school websites, our Career, Salary and Program Source Data Comes from