Engineers are responsible for some of the most innovative and important discoveries and creations of our time, including aircraft and spacecraft, medical devices, clean energy solutions, and much more.
Virginia is one of America’s oldest states and offers a lot for those looking to pursue engineering careers.
Engineering degrees at Virginia colleges prepare students for a variety of exciting career opportunities.
There are plenty of opportunities for those pursuing careers in engineering. Entry-level engineers in Virginia make about $60,000 per year. This is also dependent on your program.
If you’re considering studying engineering at one of the top engineering schools in Virginia, we’ve got the information you need to get started in your research.
What are the Best Engineering Universities in Virginia?
Even if you’re an international student looking to study abroad in the US, you can become one by completing programs from any of the engineering colleges below.
- George Mason University
- Old Dominion University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Radford University
- Christopher Newport University
- Liberty University
- Tidewater Community College
- Norfolk State University
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- Hampton University
- Virginia State University
- Sweet Briar College
- Virginia Common Wealth University
- Virginia Military Institute
- James Madison University
George Mason University (GMU)
GMU is one of the engineering schools in Virginia located in Fairfax. It is a large university with a sizable engineering program.
GMU offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs with specialties including:
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Bioengineering and
- Computer science
Most students benefit from GMU’s proximity to Washington D.C., which has a wealth of resources for students seeking career opportunities within government contracting agencies or other private firms servicing local businesses and federal agencies.
Related: The 12 Best Engineering Schools in the Midwest | Latest Rankings
Old Dominion University (ODU)
Located on a scenic 1,600-acre campus just south of Norfolk, ODU is one of northern Virginia’s premier engineering colleges.
Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and distinguished faculty. ODU offers 19 bachelor’s programs and five master’s programs.
Students can choose from seven different Engineering tracks. They include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental & Water Resources Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Systems Science
- Operations Research.
Northern Virginia Community College
Founded in 1966, Northern Virginia Community College is one of 23 colleges and universities owned by Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education for Virginias.
More than 38,000 students are enrolled here, including 10,700 full-time students at its two main campuses (in Annandale and Woodbridge) and seven centers spread throughout northern Virginia.
The school boasts more than 100 associate degree programs, as well as bachelor’s degrees through its cooperative program with George Mason University.
Northern Virginia is one of the top engineering colleges in Virginia.
Also read: 10 Best Engineering Schools in the Northeast
Radford University
Named for its location within Radford city limits, Radford University has a total enrollment of just over 10,000 students across both campuses.
The university offers more than 60 bachelor’s degrees as well as 12 graduate-level programs.
Business and engineering programs are among those with the highest enrollment which makes it one of the best engineering schools in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University
Ranked #9 among regional universities South by U.S. News & World Report.
Christopher Newport University is one of the most recognized engineering universities in Virginia and was founded in 1926.
The institution’s location is ideal for students who enjoy sailing or fishing, both of which are popular activities here.
The engineering school with undergraduate and graduate degrees is accredited by ABET.
Also read: Top 21 Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee
Liberty University
This is one of the top engineering colleges in Virginia and a Christian University. Measured by student admission, it is the largest non-profit University in the US.
The fee is about 20,109 USD. There’s an acceptance rate of 21.6%.
International students looking for engineering schools in Virginia can quickly enroll in this.
Tidewater Community College
This is a public institution of higher education, located in Norfolk, Virginia.
It is a relatively small college with an acceptance rate of 8,198. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Alumni who graduated from this institution make a starting salary of $24,100. You need to pay a tuition fee of $7,560.
This is one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia and is recognized for its excellent engineering program.
For your interest: Top 16 Best Engineering Schools in Virginia
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University (NSU) is a public, historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia.
Established by an act of the General Assembly of Virginia in 1891 as an industrial school for Colored youth and renamed Normal School for Colored Teachers in 1902.
Became one of only two schools established for Black people to earn four-year degrees.
NSU is one of the top engineering universities in Virginia and provides undergraduate and graduate programs leading to bachelor’s, master and doctoral degrees through its nationally accredited engineering program.
University of Virginia
UVA’s dual-degree program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in 4 years.
It is one of the top engineering colleges in the world that offer required programs.
Other programs offered include:
- Humanities Business and
- Economics graduating
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public, highly-rated university located in Blacksburg, Virginia.
With an enrollment of 26,603 students, it is a comprehensive university.
The school has an acceptance rate of 70%. The tuition fee is about $18,700.
Hampton University
Hampton University in Virginia is one of the top-notch universities in Virginia famous for training black Americans.
The school has an acceptance rate of 36%. and tuition of about $26,000.
Graduates from this school earn a salary of $33,200. The tuition fee in this institution is about $26,03.
Virginia State University
As a public, four-year university with an annual budget of $155 million, VSU’s engineering programs are known for their state-of-the-art facilities and top faculty.
The University has been named one of America’s 100 Best College Buys by BusinessWeek magazine and is recognized as a top producer of Hispanic engineers among all engineering colleges.
The Virginia State University acceptance rate is 91% while tuition is $16,247.
Graduates from this school can earn up to $26,000 as entry-level engineers.
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar offers a range of majors that includes some engineering-related subjects.
Engineering students interested in biomedical science might be drawn to its B.S. degree program with a concentration in biotechnology.
It also offers a major and minor in computational mathematics as well as two minors related to engineering.
Sweet Briar College has an acceptance rate of 93% and ranks as one of the best engineering colleges in Virginia.
Virginia Common Wealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia.
VCUacceptance rate is 84% and is one of the best colleges in Virginia with engineering majors.
Virginia Military Institute
Founded in 1839 and located just a stone’s throw from historic Lexington, Va., VMI was established by Thomas Jefferson as the West Point of our system of defense.
This makes sense since Robert E. Lee (an alumnus) once called it The best school there is on earth!
Today, VMI offers a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on math and science, so it still might be considered one of the best engineering schools in Virginia.
James Madison University
James Madison University is a comprehensive public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
There are over 350 undergraduate degree programs offered at JMU.
In 2010, US News & World Report ranked JMU as one of the top engineering colleges in Virginia—and one of the best engineering schools to graduate students who want to be immediately employed upon graduation.
James Madison has an acceptance rate of 75%. With a tuition fee of about $27,446.
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