Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Virginia 2025
University of Virginia
Top-ranked public CS program with 94% graduation rate and strong alumni network in D.C. tech corridor
Virginia Tech
Excellent value with strong cybersecurity focus and direct pipeline to Northern Virginia tech companies
Virginia Commonwealth University
Urban campus with growing CS program, strong internship opportunities in Richmond tech scene
- 1.Virginia has 40+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs with UVA and Virginia Tech leading state rankings
- 2.University of Virginia ranks #1 in Virginia with 94% graduation rate and top-tier career placement in tech
- 3.Virginia Tech offers exceptional value at $14,068 in-state tuition with strong cybersecurity and engineering focus
- 4.Virginia software developers earn median $128,900 annually, boosted by proximity to D.C. metro tech corridor (BLS Virginia 2024)
- 5.Northern Virginia tech hub provides 180,000+ technology jobs with major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and government contractors
Computer Science Education in Virginia
Virginia offers a strong selection of computer science programs across its public university system and private colleges. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for students interested in government technology, cybersecurity, and defense contracting, while Northern Virginia's tech corridor provides abundant internship and career opportunities.
The University of Virginia and Virginia Tech lead the state in computer science education, both offering ABET-accredited programs with strong industry connections. For students considering alternatives, our best computer science bachelor's programs nationally provides broader comparison options. Cost-conscious students should review our most affordable CS programs guide for budget-friendly alternatives.
Virginia's tech landscape is dominated by the D.C. metro area, which houses major tech companies, government contractors, and cybersecurity firms. Students interested in career prospects should examine our software engineer salary guide and cybersecurity analyst salary data for Virginia-specific compensation information.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Virginia May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and academic support accessibility
Virginia-specific salaries and job placement rates
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor and competitiveness
Virginia Computer Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville | Public | $18,059 | 94% | 15:1 | 94.8 |
| 2 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg | Public | $14,068 | 87% | 14:1 | 92.1 |
| 3 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Public | $15,332 | 70% | 18:1 | 86.3 |
| 4 | George Mason University | Fairfax | Public | $13,014 | 71% | 17:1 | 84.7 |
| 5 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Public | $12,230 | 83% | 16:1 | 83.9 |
| 6 | Washington and Lee University | Lexington | Private | $60,613 | 94% | 8:1 | 83.2 |
| 7 | University of Richmond | Richmond | Private | $58,550 | 87% | 8:1 | 82.1 |
| 8 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk | Public | $11,520 | 54% | 17:1 | 79.8 |
| 9 | Christopher Newport University | Newport News | Public | $15,054 | 78% | 15:1 | 78.6 |
| 10 | Virginia Military Institute | Lexington | Public | $18,984 | 77% | 11:1 | 77.4 |
| 11 | Radford University | Radford | Public | $11,916 | 58% | 19:1 | 75.2 |
| 12 | Longwood University | Farmville | Public | $13,266 | 67% | 14:1 | 74.8 |
| 13 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk | Public | $9,654 | 39% | 16:1 | 71.5 |
| 14 | Virginia State University | Petersburg | Public | $9,882 | 47% | 14:1 | 70.9 |
| 15 | Hampden-Sydney College | Hampden-Sydney | Private | $50,160 | 64% | 10:1 | 69.7 |
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $95,000+ for CS graduates
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention
- • ABET-accredited program meeting industry standards
- • Strong placement in graduate programs at top-tier universities
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate, highest among Virginia public universities
- Strong alumni network in D.C. tech corridor and Silicon Valley
- Research opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering
- Honor Code system fostering academic integrity and collaboration
- Direct recruitment by major tech companies and government contractors
Why Ranked #1
UVA's Computer Science Department combines academic excellence with practical application, achieving a 94% graduation rate and placing graduates in top tech companies and graduate programs. The program's integration within the School of Engineering and Applied Science provides strong foundations in both theoretical computer science and engineering applications.
Student Reviews
"The CS program at UVA gave me both the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed for my software engineering role at Amazon. The professors genuinely care about student success."
— Sarah K., Class of 2023
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • 87% graduation rate with strong job placement
- • 14:1 student-faculty ratio supporting academic success
- • Active tech community in Blacksburg and Northern Virginia
- • Strong alumni presence in cybersecurity and defense sectors
Program Strengths
- Outstanding value at $14,068 annual in-state tuition
- Strong cybersecurity program with government contractor connections
- Hokies network providing career opportunities across Virginia
- Research opportunities in emerging technologies
- Co-op and internship programs with major tech employers
Why Ranked #2
Virginia Tech offers exceptional value in computer science education with strong industry connections and a focus on practical application. The program's emphasis on cybersecurity and the proximity to Northern Virginia's tech corridor create excellent career opportunities for graduates.
Student Reviews
"Virginia Tech's CS program prepared me incredibly well for my cybersecurity role. The hands-on approach and industry connections made all the difference in landing my dream job."
— Michael T., Class of 2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • 18:1 student-faculty ratio providing adequate academic support
- • Increasing graduation rates showing program improvement
- • Active student organizations and hackathon participation
- • Research collaboration opportunities with VCU Health
Program Strengths
- Urban campus with access to Richmond's emerging tech sector
- Diverse student body bringing varied perspectives to CS
- Growing research opportunities in health informatics and cybersecurity
- Strong industry partnerships for internships and job placement
- Affordable tuition at $15,332 for in-state students
Why Ranked #3
VCU's Computer Science program benefits from its urban Richmond location, providing students access to a growing tech scene and internship opportunities. The program emphasizes practical skills development while maintaining academic rigor.
Student Reviews
"VCU's CS program gave me real-world experience through internships in Richmond. The professors are approachable and the program is constantly evolving with industry needs."
— Jessica R., Class of 2023
Virginia University Systems and CS Programs
Virginia's public university system provides multiple pathways for computer science education. The University of Virginia leads as the state's flagship institution, offering a prestigious CS program with excellent outcomes. Virginia Tech complements this with strong engineering-focused computer science education at exceptional value.
The Virginia State University system includes comprehensive universities like George Mason, which serves the Northern Virginia tech corridor, and regional universities like James Madison and Old Dominion that provide quality CS education across the state. Community colleges throughout Virginia offer transfer pathways through the Virginia Community College System, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year programs.
Private institutions like Washington and Lee University and the University of Richmond offer small class sizes and personalized attention, though at significantly higher tuition costs. For students interested in specialized focuses, our cybersecurity programs in Virginia and artificial intelligence programs in Virginia provide targeted educational pathways.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, websites, and software systems for tech companies and government contractors in Northern Virginia and Richmond.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational data and systems, particularly strong demand in government contracting and defense sectors around D.C.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets for insights in healthcare, government, and financial services sectors prevalent in Virginia.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Manage development and deployment pipelines for cloud-based applications, high demand in Northern Virginia tech companies.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop machine learning models and AI systems for government applications and emerging tech companies.
Compare CS Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Pennsylvania
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $14,500 | $32,800 | $52,400 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $28,200 | $46,500 | $71,800 |
| Typical Class Size | 25-40 students | 25-40 students | 15-25 students |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 | 10:1 |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Moderate |
| Alumni Network | Strong in Virginia | Strong in Virginia | Smaller but targeted |
| Career Services | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Personalized |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to D.C. metro tech opportunities and government contractors
- Strong public university options at reasonable in-state tuition rates
- Cybersecurity career focus with defense industry connections
- Moderate cost of living compared to other major tech hubs
- Proximity to both urban tech centers and college town environments
- Silicon Valley startup ecosystem and venture capital access
- Maximum salary potential in major tech hubs like Seattle or Bay Area
- Large-scale tech company headquarters (Amazon, Microsoft, Google)
- More diverse tech industry beyond government contracting
- Extensive public transportation infrastructure for internships
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia CS Programs
Related Computer Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary data for computer science occupations
State-specific enrollment, graduation, and transfer data
Program accreditation status and requirements
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.