Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Virginia — 2026 Rankings

Virginia offers substantial state financial aid programs.

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) provides $5,250/year for undergraduate residents attending private nonprofit institutions (SCHEV VTAG). The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) covers tuition, fees, and books for low- and middle-income students. FAFSA completion is required with priority deadlines varying by institution.

Federal aid supplements state programs.

The Pell Grant provides up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for students with demonstrated need. Federal loans offer $5,500-$7,500/year for undergraduates. Technology companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Capital One fund scholarship programs for machine learning students at partner universities.

Institutional scholarships enhance affordability.

Virginia Tech, UVA, and GMU offer merit scholarships of $2,000-$15,000/year for strong machine learning applicants. Graduate assistantships cover tuition plus $20,000-$30,000 stipends. Many employers—including defense contractors—offer tuition reimbursement for part-time graduate study, effectively making master's degrees free for employed professionals.

Virginia's Guaranteed Admission Agreements create clear transfer pathways.

Students completing associate degrees at Virginia's 23 community colleges with required GPAs receive guaranteed admission to more than 30 four-year institutions (VCCS Transfer). For machine learning transfers, Virginia Tech requires 3.2-3.4 GPA, while VCU requires 2.5+ GPA. The Virginia Education Wizard (vawizard.org) helps plan course sequences.

Northern Virginia Community College leads machine learning transfer preparation.

As the state's largest community college, NVCC offers associate degrees designed for transfer to GMU, Virginia Tech, and other institutions. The college's location in Fairfax County provides internship access during the associate phase. Students should declare transfer intent by 15 credits earned.

Financial incentives encourage community college completion.

The Two-Year College Transfer Grant (CTG) provides up to $3,000 annually for students completing associate degrees with 3.0+ GPA (SCHEV). An additional $1,000 is available for STEM majors. Community college tuition averaging $5,000/year combined with transfer grants reduces bachelor's degree costs by $30,000-$40,000.

Machine Learning salaries in Virginia exceed national averages.

Entry-level positions start at $105,000, with mid-career professionals earning $155,000 and senior specialists reaching $250,000+ (BLS OEWS). Cleared positions—common in Virginia's defense sector—command 15-25% premiums over equivalent commercial roles. Virginia's 5.75% top income tax rate maximizes take-home pay compared to high-tax states.

Virginia Tech, UVA, and George Mason University lead machine learning education.

Virginia Tech's ABET-accredited programs and research expenditures exceeding $450 million provide world-class preparation. George Mason's Northern Virginia location enables internship access to defense contractors and technology companies. Richmond's growing tech scene and Hampton Roads' defense focus create career opportunities throughout the state. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national rankings.

Virginia's machine learning job market shows strong demand across sectors.

The state employs 385,000 technology workers with consistent growth in machine learning roles (BLS OEWS 2024). Northern Virginia anchors state tech employment, with significant opportunities in Richmond's fintech sector and Hampton Roads' defense installations. Federal defense spending increased by $150 billion in 2025, directly supporting Virginia contractor employment.

Regional salary variations reflect employer concentration.

Northern Virginia machine learning professionals earn $155,000-$250,000 in major technology roles, while Hampton Roads defense positions pay 15-20% less but offer lower cost of living. Richmond's emerging tech scene provides $105,000-$155,000 with housing costs 40% below Northern Virginia. Cleared positions command significant premiums across all regions.

Virginia machine learning programs combine theoretical foundations with practical skills.

Core curricula cover fundamental concepts, programming, and specialized topics relevant to machine learning careers. Virginia Tech's ABET-accredited programs emphasize industry practices and professional preparation. Programs require 120-128 credit hours over four years with hands-on laboratory components.

Technical depth prepares students for industry demands.

Advanced coursework incorporates industry-standard tools, emerging technologies, and professional practices. Virginia's proximity to major employers means curriculum often reflects current industry needs. Students develop proficiency through capstone projects, often sponsored by Northern Virginia technology companies and defense contractors.

Hands-on experience is integrated throughout programs.

Capstone projects, internship requirements, and industry partnerships provide real-world application. Many programs require internship experience before graduation—opportunities abound in Northern Virginia. Graduate programs (30-36 credits) offer specializations aligned with career interests. Industry certifications complement academic credentials and validate technical competencies. See software engineering programs or data science degrees.

On-campus machine learning programs provide significant advantages.

Hands-on laboratory experience, team projects, and collaborative learning are essential for developing practical skills. Virginia Tech's facilities and UVA's engineering resources provide specialized environments. Career fair access, employer networking, and research opportunities favor on-campus students. For cleared positions with defense contractors, on-campus attendance typically facilitates security clearance sponsorship.

Online programs suit working professionals seeking advancement.

George Mason, ODU, and several private Virginia institutions offer online machine learning-related degrees. These programs accommodate professionals seeking credentials or career advancement. Online tuition may be 10-20% lower than on-campus rates. Working professionals can apply job experience to coursework and implement techniques immediately.

Hybrid approaches maximize flexibility and opportunity.

Some Virginia programs offer evening and weekend options for employed students. Community college coursework completed online can transfer to on-campus bachelor's programs. Students seeking federal or contractor employment should prioritize at least some on-campus experience for clearance sponsorship and employer recruiting. For private-sector careers not requiring clearances, online programs provide viable pathways.