MBA Programs in Virginia Overview
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Virginia isn’t just for lovers. It’s for everyone who wants access to a buoyant job market near a large metropolis that includes the nation’s capital and parts of Maryland.
Launching a successful business career takes ambition, talent, and, quite often, an MBA. Students in MBA programs receive training in business administrative areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing. MBA graduates pave the way for higher earnings and job security, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council.
Virginia has some of the best MBA programs in the nation. Read on to learn more about the best schools to get an MBA in Virginia.
3 Popular Business Schools in Virginia
Explore three popular MBA programs in Virginia. BestColleges spotlights schools based on factors such as academic quality, popularity/enrollment, and selectivity.
Old Dominion University
The Strome College of Business at ODU offers a flexible, rigorous, and customizable MBA program. You can complete the program online, on campus, or as a blend of both in as little as 21 months.
The faculty members have doctoral degrees along with industry experience. They teach the contemporary curriculum with a global perspective.
You can choose from more than 50 graduate certificate specializations and over 80 graduate degree options. The 43-credit-hour modular program provides unique opportunities and helps students accelerate their careers in an ever-changing and increasingly global business environment.
ODU’s MBA Specializations
- Business Analytics
- Economic Analytics
- Healthcare
- Maritime and Ports Management
- Project Management
- Public Procurement and Contract Management
- Supply Chain Management
Applying to ODU
- Bachelor’s degree
- GMAT or GRE test scores (waivers available for qualified applicants)
- Official or unofficial school transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The University of Virginia
The MBA program at Darden School of Business is known for its rigorous, case-based curriculum. The school offers full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs.
The two-year program includes a first year that immerses students in a core curriculum and a second year that allows students to personalize their career paths. This program also boasts the highest average starting salary and bonus among U.S. MBA programs. Full-time programs are delivered on campus, and the part-time and executive MBA programs are a mix of in-person and virtual.
UVA’s MBA Specializations
- Data Analytics and Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- ESG and Social Impact
- Finance
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Strategy
Applying to UVA
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official or unofficial school transcripts
- GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or Executive Assessment test scores (waivers available for qualified applicants)
- Resume
- Three short essays
- One letter of recommendation
- Application form
William & Mary
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at W&M offers four distinct MBA formats to accommodate various schedules and career goals. The traditional two-year full-time MBA program is residential and based in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The part-time MBA program offers evening classes in Newport News, Virginia. Additionally, the 18-month executive MBA program has alternating weekend classes in Williamsburg, Virginia. The two-year online MBA program is for working professionals who might benefit from extra flexibility.
All programs provide access to top-rated faculty, a network of senior business leaders, and personalized career development support. The specific number of required credits varies by program.
W&M’s MBA Specializations
- Business Analytics
- Consulting
- Finance
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Applying to W&M
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official or unofficial school transcripts.
- GMAT or GRE scores (waivers available for qualified applicants)
- Resume
- Essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview
Complete List of MBA Programs in Virginia
You can consider many factors when choosing the best MBA program to meet your career and academic goals. In addition to cost, location, and curriculum, you should evaluate an MBA’s accreditation status.
Accreditation ensures that an MBA meets stringent standards established by a third-party accrediting agency. BC rankings only include nonprofit schools and MBA programs with programmatic accreditation from one or more of the following organizations:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
All Business Schools in Virginia
| School⇅ | City⇅ | Type⇅ | Accreditation⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Newport University | Newport News | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| George Mason University | Fairfax | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| Hampton University | Hampton | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | IACBE |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| Longwood University | Farmville | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| Marymount University | Arlington | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | ACBSP |
| Norfolk State University | Norfolk | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| Radford University | Radford | 4-year, Public | AACSB |
| Roanoke College | Salem | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | ACBSP |
Why Go to College for an MBA in Virginia?
Pursuing an MBA in Virginia can lead to many opportunities. The state’s rich history of leadership sets a strong precedent for those seeking to make their mark in the business world. After all, Virginia is known as the “Mother of Presidents.”
The state also offers various scholarship opportunities for MBA students, which can offset tuition costs and make higher education more accessible.
One of the key advantages of earning an MBA in Virginia is the potential for networking and job opportunities within the state. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), professionals with the highest employment in Virginia include general and operations managers, management analysts, and accountants and auditors.
MBA Cost in Virginia
The cost of an MBA in Virginia depends on a variety of factors such as the institution, program, and format. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students paid a national average of $12,596 in tuition and fees at public institutions for the 2021-2022 academic year. Graduate students paid an average of $28,017 in tuition and fees at private schools that same year.
Comparably, UVA charges MBA students $39,350 in in-state tuition and fees and $40,850 in out-of-state tuition and fees for the 2024 fall semester. MBA students at W&M pay $37,632 per year in in-state tuition and fees, compared to $49,471 per year for out-of-state residents.
ODU is the cheapest school of the three, with graduate tuition and fees at $19,160 for residents and $45,140 for out-of-state students per year. Degree-seekers can significantly reduce the cost of an MBA with financial aid and scholarships offered at many of Virginia’s business schools.
Popular MBA Jobs in Virginia
Industries in Virginia that need workers with MBA degrees include technology, defense, and government contracting, reflecting the state’s proximity to the nation’s capital. Major cities like Richmond, Arlington, and Norfolk are thriving business hubs and offer various career opportunities.
Whether you’re a prospective student or a current MBA student looking to navigate your career path, Virginia offers various opportunities.
| Career | Virginia Average Annual Salary | National Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $143,910 | $152,620 |
| Financial Managers | $183,410 | $174,820 |
| Fundraising Managers | $143,400 | $133,620 |
| General and Operations Managers | $138,980 | $129,330 |
| Marketing Managers | $182,420 | $166,410 |
| Project Management Specialists | $120,150 | $104,920 |
| Public Relations Managers | $182,610 | $159,420 |
| Purchasing Managers | $157,440 | $146,710 |
| Sales Managers | $169,750 | $157,610 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Schools in Virginia
Highly ranked business schools, such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, have among the lowest admission rates for MBA and other programs.
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 16, 2024.
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