Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Virginia 2025
George Mason University
406 Information Technology graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
James Madison University
162 Information Technology graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Virginia Commonwealth University
167 Information Technology graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Virginia has 40+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Virginia Tech ranks #1 in Virginia with 84% graduation rate and strong industry partnerships across the Commonwealth
- 3.Virginia IT professionals earn median $98,840 annually—8% above the national median (BLS Virginia 2024)
- 4.DC metro area provides 180,000+ IT jobs with major employers including Capital One, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon Web Services
- 5.Virginia offers in-state tuition rates 30-50% below national average for quality IT education
Information Technology Education in Virginia
Virginia offers a robust information technology education landscape with programs spanning from world-class research universities to practical career-focused institutions. The state's proximity to Washington DC and the growing tech corridor provides unique opportunities for IT students, especially in government contracting, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students considering online options should review our best online IT degrees guide. Career-focused students can explore our comprehensive IT careers hub for salary data and career progression paths.
Virginia's IT programs benefit from strong industry partnerships, particularly with government contractors and major corporations in the DC metro area. Many programs offer specialized tracks in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science to meet growing market demands.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | — | 78.4 |
| 2 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | Public | $7,914 | 95% | — | 71.3 |
| 3 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | Public | $12,850 | 92% | — | 67.3 |
| 4 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Private | $15,015 | 78% | — | 62.6 |
| 5 | Strayer University-Virginia | Arlington, VA | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | — | 62.3 |
| 6 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA | Private | $37,400 | 99% | — | 59.7 |
| 7 | University of Richmond | University of Richmond, VA | Private | $62,600 | 96% | — | 59.7 |
| 8 | Averett University | Danville, VA | Private | $38,400 | 99% | — | 56.4 |
| 9 | Washington University of Science and Technology | Vienna, VA | For-Profit | $12,758 | 55% | — | 53.8 |
| 10 | Hampton University | Hampton, VA | Private | $26,198 | 86% | — | 53 |
| 11 | Shenandoah University | Winchester, VA | Private | $34,614 | 91% | — | 48.7 |
| 12 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | Private | $18,986 | 64% | — | 47.6 |
| 13 | University of Management and Technology | Arlington, VA | For-Profit | $9,360 | — | — | 46.1 |
| 14 | Christopher Newport University | Newport News, VA | Public | $10,001 | — | — | 43 |
| 15 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk, VA | Public | $5,926 | 71% | — | 42.7 |
| 16 | Radford University | Radford, VA | Public | $8,401 | — | — | 37.6 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | UVA | George Mason | Virginia Tech | James Madison | Virginia Commonwealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $18,823 | $10,095 | $12,698 | $7,914 | $12,850 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 80% | 95% | 95% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 297 | 761 | 307 | 285 | 289 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% | 89% | 57% | 76% | 93% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 83.6/100 | 78.4/100 | 75.5/100 | 70.6/100 | 66.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Virginia
Virginia offers 27 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Virginia-Main Campus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, George Mason University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $88,270 in the Virginia market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UVA | $18,823 | 96% | 297 | 83.6 |
| #2 Virginia Tech | $12,698 | 95% | 526 | 82.7 |
| #3 George Mason | $10,095 | 80% | 761 | 78.4 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Virginia
For graduate study, Virginia offers 16 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Virginia-Main Campus, George Mason University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Virginia reaching $163,930 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Virginia Tech | $12,698 | 95% | 307 | 75.5 |
| #2 UVA | $18,823 | 96% | 80 | 79.0 |
| #3 George Mason | $10,095 | 80% | 322 | 78.4 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Virginia are at Norfolk State University ($5,926/year), Old Dominion University ($7,590/year), James Madison University ($7,914/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Virginia's competitive tech salaries.
At Norfolk State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $23,704 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $88,270, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Virginia (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Norfolk State | $5,926 | $23,704 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Old Dominion | $7,590 | $30,360 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 James Madison | $7,914 | $31,656 | 0.6 years | Public |
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,823 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 297 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 17%
- • Ranking Score: 83.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 297 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (297 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (17% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Technology BS at George Mason University prepares students to apply IT to support business processes with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills. The program is accredited by ABET and offers accelerated master's options with upper division courses taught at the Science and Technology campus.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •four years of high school mathematics, including precalculus
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,095 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 761 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 78.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 761 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (761 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,698 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 307 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 75.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 307 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (307 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Virginia Tech's IT programs offer the unique advantage of starting in the business school from day one with specialized tracks in cybersecurity and forensics, backed by research faculty tackling major industry issues and centers devoted to innovation and business analytics. Students benefit from over 90% job placement rates and connections with engaged alumni networks.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units of English
- •3 units of math (includes algebra I, and algebra II)
- •2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
- •2 units of social science (one must be history)
- •3 additional academic units
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: over 90% with a job in their field at graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,914 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 285 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 70.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 285 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (285 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
JMU's Information Technology program places students in the middle of the exploding IT revolution with small classes capped at 30 students taught by full-time faculty. The program requires a junior-level community project and a two-semester senior capstone, preparing students for real-world enterprise IT problems in cybersecurity, networking, and end-user development.
Admission Prerequisites
- •English
- •mathematics
- •social science
- •lab science
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $104K median annual wage
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,850 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 289 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 66.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 289 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (289 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (93% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
VCU's Information Systems program combines technical computing knowledge with relevant business knowledge through hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in programming, cybersecurity, database administration, and management roles. The program includes REAL opportunities and departmental partnerships with private and public sector organizations for resume and skills-building.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units of English
- •3 units of mathematics (including algebra I and either geometry or algebra II)
- •3 units of history, social studies or government
- •3 units of science (at least one laboratory)
- •3 units of one foreign language or 2 units of two foreign languages
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations throughout Virginia
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational data and systems from cyber threats, high demand in DC metro area
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Create applications and systems for Virginia's growing tech sector
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1241Manage and optimize database systems for government and private sector organizations
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze IT systems and recommend improvements for efficiency and effectiveness
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement cloud computing strategies for Virginia organizations
Virginia University Systems and IT Education
Virginia's higher education landscape is anchored by several strong public university systems that offer quality IT education at affordable rates. The Virginia State University System includes flagship institutions like Virginia Tech and UVA, along with comprehensive universities such as VCU, JMU, and George Mason.
For students interested in related fields, Virginia also offers strong programs in computer science, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Many universities offer joint degrees or minors that combine IT with these complementary fields.
- Virginia Tech (Blacksburg) - Leading research university with top-ranked engineering programs
- University of Virginia (Charlottesville) - Prestigious public university with strong liberal arts foundation
- Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond) - Comprehensive urban university with professional programs
- James Madison University (Harrisonburg) - Regional university known for undergraduate education quality
- George Mason University (Fairfax) - Growing research university in DC metro area
- Old Dominion University (Norfolk) - Comprehensive university serving Hampton Roads region
Private institutions like Liberty University and Hampton University also offer IT programs, though often at higher tuition rates. Many students find that Virginia's public universities provide exceptional value, with in-state tuition rates typically 30-50% below national averages for comparable programs.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Virginia
IT Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to DC metro area government contracting opportunities
- Strong public university options with affordable tuition
- Proximity to major tech employers like Capital One and Amazon
- Growing cybersecurity and cloud computing job markets
- Quality education with below-average costs
- Silicon Valley tech giant exposure (California)
- No state income tax benefits (Texas, Florida, Washington)
- Largest absolute number of IT jobs (California, New York)
- Major tech startup ecosystem (California, New York)
- Specific industry focus like entertainment tech (California)
Virginia IT Programs FAQ
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related IT Resources
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