Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in Virginia
Virginia Tech
Top-ranked analytics program with strong industry partnerships and 94% job placement rate
Virginia Commonwealth University
Comprehensive data science curriculum with healthcare analytics specialization
George Mason University
Strong connections to DC tech corridor with hands-on industry projects
- 1.Data analytics jobs in Virginia are projected to grow 35% through 2032, significantly faster than the national average
- 2.Virginia Tech leads with the highest graduate employment rate at 94% within six months
- 3.Average starting salaries for data analytics graduates range from $65,000-$78,000 across Virginia programs
- 4.The Washington DC metro area provides the highest concentration of analytics jobs with Fortune 500 companies
- 5.In-state tuition averages $14,200 annually across Virginia's top data analytics programs
Virginia Data Analytics Job Market Overview
Virginia's data analytics job market ranks among the strongest nationally, driven by the concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies in the Northern Virginia region. The state offers 12,400 data analytics positions with a median salary of $94,200 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The Washington DC metropolitan area, which includes Northern Virginia, represents the second-largest tech hub on the East Coast. Major employers like Amazon Web Services, Capital One, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Lockheed Martin actively recruit Virginia data analytics graduates. These companies offer starting salaries 15-20% above the national average for entry-level analysts.
Virginia's unique position as home to both government agencies and private sector technology companies creates diverse career paths for data analytics graduates. Federal contractors specializing in cybersecurity and defense analytics offer some of the highest compensation packages, while fintech companies in Richmond and Norfolk provide opportunities in financial data analysis.
The state's investment in technology education through the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority has strengthened industry-university collaborations. Programs like Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center and VCU's da Vinci Center provide students direct access to real-world analytics projects and internship opportunities with leading employers.
Based on 15 programs from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and institutional reporting
Percentage employed within 6 months of graduation
Average salary for recent graduates
Corporate connections and internship programs
Technical skills coverage and hands-on projects
Industry experience and research output
Technology labs, software access, and facilities
Complete Virginia Data Analytics Program Rankings
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg | $14,000 | 8300% | 9400% | $78,200 |
| 2 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | $15,600 | 7100% | 8900% | $72,800 |
| 3 | George Mason University | Fairfax | $13,600 | 7000% | 9100% | $76,500 |
| 4 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville | $17,300 | 9500% | 8800% | $74,200 |
| 5 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg | $12,100 | 8200% | 8500% | $68,900 |
| 6 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk | $11,600 | 5400% | 8200% | $65,400 |
| 7 | Virginia State University | Petersburg | $9,800 | 4300% | 7800% | $61,200 |
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- • $78,200 average starting salary - highest in Virginia
- • Partnership with 40+ Fortune 500 companies for internships and projects
- • Option to specialize in cybersecurity analytics or business intelligence
Program Strengths
- Advanced analytics curriculum covering machine learning, statistical modeling, and big data technologies
- Corporate Research Center providing direct industry project experience
- Strong alumni network in major tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Capital One
- State-of-the-art Torgersen Hall data science laboratories with enterprise-grade software
Why Ranked #1
Virginia Tech's data analytics program combines rigorous technical training with extensive industry partnerships, resulting in the highest employment rate among Virginia schools at 94%.
Student Reviews
"The hands-on projects with real companies gave me practical experience that made me stand out in job interviews."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
"Virginia Tech's analytics program prepared me for everything from SQL optimization to machine learning deployment."
— Current Data Scientist at Capital One
| Factor | Virginia Tech | VCU | George Mason | UVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Format | On-campus | Hybrid available | On-campus & online | On-campus |
| Industry Partnerships | 40+ Fortune 500 | Healthcare focus | DC tech corridor | Consulting firms |
| Specializations | Cybersecurity, BI | Healthcare analytics | Government analytics | Financial analytics |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Moderate | Government-focused | Academic research |
| Class Size | 25-30 students | 30-35 students | 20-25 students | 15-20 students |
Data Analytics Program Admission Requirements in Virginia
Virginia data analytics programs maintain competitive admission standards, with most requiring strong mathematics backgrounds and demonstrated analytical thinking skills. Average GPA requirements range from 3.2 for state universities to 3.7 for top-tier programs like UVA.
Mathematics prerequisites typically include calculus I and II, statistics, and linear algebra. Computer science background is preferred but not always required, though familiarity with programming languages like Python or R strengthens applications significantly.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0-3.7 depending on institution competitiveness
- Required coursework: Calculus I & II, Statistics, Computer Science I recommended
- Standardized tests: SAT 1200+ or ACT 26+ for most programs
- Letters of recommendation: 2-3 from academic or professional sources
- Personal statement highlighting analytical problem-solving experience
Virginia Tech and UVA require the most competitive credentials, while regional universities like ODU and JMU offer more accessible entry points for students building their quantitative skills. Transfer students from Virginia Community College System receive priority consideration and articulation agreements.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Advanced analytics and machine learning model development for business insights and predictive analytics.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Dashboard creation, reporting systems, and business performance analytics for executive decision-making.
Market Research Analyst
Consumer behavior analysis, market trends research, and competitive intelligence for strategic planning.
Operations Research Analyst
Process optimization, supply chain analytics, and operational efficiency improvement using mathematical methods.
Security data analysis, threat detection, and incident response using analytics tools and techniques.
Financial Analyst
Investment analysis, risk assessment, and financial modeling for banking, insurance, and investment firms.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Projections
How to Choose Your Data Analytics Program in Virginia
Selecting the right data analytics program depends on your career goals, learning preferences, and geographic constraints. Virginia offers diverse options from research-focused universities to professionally-oriented programs with direct industry connections.
Students targeting careers in federal contracting or government analytics should prioritize programs with security clearance pathways and government partnerships. George Mason University and Virginia Tech offer specialized tracks in cybersecurity analytics that align with Northern Virginia's defense industry needs.
For healthcare analytics careers, VCU's program provides unique advantages through its medical school partnerships and hospital system access. Students can work on real clinical data projects and build networks within Virginia's growing health tech sector.
Budget-conscious students should compare total program costs including living expenses. While UVA offers prestige and strong alumni networks, regional universities like JMU and ODU provide excellent value with significantly lower tuition rates and comparable employment outcomes in many analytics roles.
Consider also exploring data science programs which often overlap significantly with data analytics but may offer different specialization tracks or industry connections. Many Virginia students also supplement their education with skills in cloud platforms and analytics certifications.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want the highest employment rates and starting salaries
- Industry partnerships and hands-on projects are priorities
- You're interested in cybersecurity or business intelligence specializations
- Research opportunities and graduate school preparation matter
- Healthcare analytics and medical data interest you
- You prefer Richmond's urban environment and internship opportunities
- Hybrid learning options fit your schedule better
- You want access to clinical and hospital data projects
- Location near DC tech corridor is important for networking
- Government contracting and federal analytics appeal to you
- You want both online and on-campus program flexibility
- Security clearance pathways are valuable for your career
- You prioritize smaller class sizes and personal attention
- Cost-effectiveness is a major consideration
- A traditional college town atmosphere appeals to you
- You want strong undergraduate focus rather than research emphasis
Virginia Data Analytics Programs FAQ
Next Steps: Applying to Virginia Data Analytics Programs
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for your target schools, focusing on mathematics prerequisites and GPA standards. Most programs require calculus and statistics.
Strengthen Your Application
Take additional math courses if needed, gain programming experience through online courses, and seek internships or projects demonstrating analytical thinking.
Visit Campus and Connect
Attend information sessions, meet with admissions counselors, and connect with current students to understand program culture and opportunities.
Prepare Financial Aid Applications
Complete FAFSA applications early and research Virginia-specific scholarships and grants for STEM students through the state's financial aid programs.
Apply Early and Follow Up
Submit applications by priority deadlines, ensure all materials are complete, and maintain contact with admissions offices throughout the process.
Related Virginia Technology Programs
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Occupational employment and wage statistics for data analytics roles
State-specific enrollment, graduation, and employment data for Virginia institutions
Direct program data from university institutional research and career services offices
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.