Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Virginia 2025
ECPI University
367 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Richmond
2 Network Administration graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Old Dominion University
168 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Virginia has 15+ accredited network administration and IT programs across public universities and community colleges (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Virginia Tech leads with 84% graduation rate and strong industry connections to Northern Virginia tech corridor
- 3.Virginia network administrators earn median $89,420 annually—8% above the national median (BLS Virginia OEWS 2024)
- 4.Northern Virginia offers 60% of state tech jobs due to federal contracting and data center concentration
- 5.Major employers include Amazon Web Services, Capital One, Booz Allen Hamilton, and federal agencies
Network Administration Education in Virginia
Virginia offers strong network administration programs positioned to serve the state's growing technology sector, particularly in Northern Virginia's tech corridor. With major data centers, federal contracting, and financial services companies, Virginia provides excellent career prospects for network administrators.
For comprehensive program comparisons nationwide, see our national network administration rankings. Students considering online options should review our best online network admin degrees guide. For career insights, consult our cybersecurity analyst salary guide and DevOps engineer salary data.
Virginia's strategic location in the mid-Atlantic region, combined with its business-friendly environment and proximity to Washington D.C., makes it an ideal place to launch a network administration career. The state's universities offer practical, hands-on training aligned with industry certifications.
Virginia Network Administration Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | For-Profit | $17,424 | — | — | 71.6 |
| 2 | University of Richmond | University of Richmond, VA | Private | $62,600 | 96% | — | 59.3 |
| 3 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | Public | $7,590 | — | — | 58 |
| 4 | Randolph-Macon College | Ashland, VA | Private | $46,278 | 87% | — | 50.4 |
| 5 | Shenandoah University | Winchester, VA | Private | $34,614 | 91% | — | 48.1 |
| 6 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Private | $15,015 | 78% | — | 47.4 |
| 7 | Bluefield University | Bluefield, VA | Private | $27,876 | — | — | 41.7 |
| 8 | Radford University | Radford, VA | Public | $8,401 | — | — | 37.1 |
| 9 | Ferrum College | Ferrum, VA | Private | $37,400 | — | — | 34.3 |
Top 5 Network Administration Programs in Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | ECPI | U of Richmond | Marymount | Randolph-Macon College | Old Dominion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $17,424 | $62,600 | $37,400 | $46,278 | $7,590 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 96% | 99% | 87% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 367 | 2 | 32 | 19 | 70 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% | 23% | 81% | 83% | 91% |
| Type | For-Profit | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.6/100 | 59.3/100 | 56.1/100 | 50.4/100 | 49.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in Virginia
Virginia offers 9 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are ECPI University, University of Richmond, Old Dominion University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $88,270 in the Virginia market.
A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 ECPI | $17,424 | N/A% | 367 | 71.6 |
| #2 U of Richmond | $62,600 | 96% | 2 | 59.3 |
| #3 Old Dominion | $7,590 | N/A% | 168 | 58.0 |
Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Virginia
For graduate study, Virginia offers 6 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include Marymount University, ECPI University, Old Dominion University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Virginia reaching $163,930 or more.
Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Marymount | $37,400 | 99% | 32 | 56.1 |
| #2 ECPI | $17,424 | N/A% | 68 | 65.2 |
| #3 Old Dominion | $7,590 | N/A% | 70 | 49.2 |
Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in Virginia are at Norfolk State University ($5,926/year), Old Dominion University ($7,590/year), Radford University ($8,401/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 Network Administration 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 Radford | $8,401 | $33,604 | 0.6 years | Public |
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $17,424 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 367 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 71.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 367 network administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 71.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (367 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity training, hands-on learning approach, and an apprenticeship option for students with limited work experience. The program prepares graduates for roles like Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Systems Administrator through comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,600 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 23%
- • Ranking Score: 59.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 2 network administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 59.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (23% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Marymount University
Arlington, VA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 56.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 32 network administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 56.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Marymount's cybersecurity program is designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency, placing it among elite universities. The program's location 20 minutes from Washington, DC provides proximity to government agencies and major tech companies for internships and career opportunities.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 54 credits
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Amazon, Capital One, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $46,278 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 50.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 19 network administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Randolph-Macon's cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning with actual computers and networks rather than virtual systems, featuring 24/7 access to state-of-the-art labs with 70 dedicated Linux workstations. Students benefit from research opportunities including summer fellowships and real-world internships with companies like Sentara Hospital Systems.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 86.6%
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $102,600
- Top Employers: Tech for Troops, Sentara Hospital Systems, MAD Security, MKA Cyber, Richweb
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,590 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 70 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 49.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 70 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (70 graduates), state salary outcomes ($126,100), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations, ensuring reliable connectivity and security.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect networks and systems from cyber threats through monitoring, analysis, and incident response.
Network Security Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement secure network infrastructures with advanced security protocols.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Manage servers, operating systems, and network infrastructure for enterprise environments.
Cloud Network Engineer
SOC 15-1245Design and manage cloud-based network infrastructures using AWS, Azure, and hybrid solutions.
Virginia University Systems and Network Programs
Virginia's public university system offers multiple pathways for network administration education. The state's flagship institutions provide comprehensive programs while regional universities focus on practical, career-oriented training.
Virginia Tech stands as the state's premier technology institution, offering world-class computer science and information technology programs. The university's location in Southwest Virginia doesn't diminish its strong connections to Northern Virginia's tech corridor, with many graduates finding employment with major technology companies and federal contractors.
The Virginia Community College System provides an excellent entry point for network administration careers. Two-year associate degrees in information technology and networking can lead directly to employment or transfer to four-year programs. This pathway is particularly valuable for students seeking affordable education and rapid entry into the workforce.
- Virginia Tech: Premier technology education with strong industry partnerships
- George Mason University: Northern Virginia location ideal for tech internships
- Old Dominion University: Strong programs serving Hampton Roads military contractors
- Virginia Community College System: Affordable associate degrees with transfer pathways
Other Tech Degree Programs in Virginia
Network Administration Programs by State
California
Texas
Florida
New York
Washington
Which Should You Choose?
- You want proximity to federal contracting opportunities in Northern Virginia
- You prefer lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs
- You're interested in cybersecurity and defense-related networking
- You want access to major data centers (Amazon, Microsoft, Google)
- You value strong public university options with reasonable tuition
- You want the highest tech salaries (California, Washington, New York)
- You prefer a larger tech startup ecosystem
- You need more networking program options at elite private universities
- You want access to specific technology company headquarters
- Cost of living is not a concern and you prioritize maximum earning potential
Virginia Network Administration FAQ
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration 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 network administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data for 2023
Virginia-specific salary data for network administrators and IT professionals, May 2024
State employment projections and workforce data, 2024
Tuition, acceptance rates, and program availability data
Source: Virginia Tech Career Services 2024
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.