Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Virginia 2025
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Leading IT program with exceptional industry connections and 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Strong IT program in Virginia's capital with excellent state government and healthcare IT internship opportunities
James Madison University
Well-rounded IT program with focus on practical skills and strong alumni network in DC metro area
- 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.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Virginia May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility
Virginia-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg | Public | $13,691 | 84% | 14:1 | 96.8 |
| 2 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Public | $15,332 | 72% | 17:1 | 92.5 |
| 3 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Public | $12,190 | 83% | 16:1 | 89.7 |
| 4 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville | Public | $17,300 | 94% | 15:1 | 88.9 |
| 5 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk | Public | $12,054 | 55% | 17:1 | 85.2 |
| 6 | George Mason University | Fairfax | Public | $13,014 | 71% | 17:1 | 84.8 |
| 7 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk | Public | $9,276 | 42% | 14:1 | 82.1 |
| 8 | Christopher Newport University | Newport News | Public | $14,592 | 77% | 15:1 | 81.5 |
| 9 | Radford University | Radford | Public | $11,418 | 64% | 16:1 | 79.8 |
| 10 | Virginia State University | Petersburg | Public | $9,992 | 49% | 15:1 | 78.2 |
| 11 | University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg | Public | $13,630 | 75% | 15:1 | 77.9 |
| 12 | Longwood University | Farmville | Public | $12,970 | 67% | 14:1 | 76.5 |
| 13 | Virginia Union University | Richmond | Private | $18,798 | 48% | 12:1 | 74.8 |
| 14 | Hampton University | Hampton | Private | $27,352 | 65% | 13:1 | 74.2 |
| 15 | Liberty University | Lynchburg | Private | $15,467 | 51% | 17:1 | 72.9 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Average starting salary of $75,000 for IT graduates
- • Active partnerships with Capital One, Amazon, and Northrop Grumman
Program Strengths
- Outstanding 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Strong industry connections with internship placement at major Virginia employers
- Comprehensive curriculum covering network administration, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
- Research opportunities in emerging technologies including AI and IoT
Why Ranked #1
Virginia Tech's Information Technology program leads Virginia with exceptional industry partnerships and a 95% job placement rate. The program's focus on practical skills and cutting-edge research attracts top employers nationwide.
Student Reviews
"Virginia Tech's IT program gave me hands-on experience that employers value. The career services team helped me land internships and my full-time job."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • Direct pipeline to Virginia state government IT positions
- • Partnership with VCU Health for health informatics experience
- • 85% of graduates employed in Virginia after graduation
Program Strengths
- Strategic location in Richmond with access to government and healthcare IT roles
- Specialized tracks in healthcare informatics and government technology
- Strong co-op and internship programs with state agencies
- Modern facilities and equipment updated regularly
Why Ranked #2
VCU's IT program benefits from its location in Virginia's capital, providing unique access to state government technology initiatives and healthcare IT opportunities. Strong focus on real-world application and professional development.
Student Reviews
"The healthcare IT track at VCU opened doors I didn't know existed. I'm now working as an IT specialist at a major hospital system."
— Class of 2023 Graduate
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • 83% graduation rate, highest among Virginia public IT programs
- • Strong placement record with DC area government contractors
- • Affordable tuition at $12,190 for in-state students
Program Strengths
- Balanced curriculum combining technical skills with business acumen
- Strong alumni network in DC metro area and Northern Virginia
- Excellent student support services and career guidance
- Active student organizations and networking opportunities
Why Ranked #3
JMU's IT program stands out for its well-rounded curriculum and strong alumni network in the DC metro area. The program emphasizes both technical skills and business communication, producing well-rounded IT professionals.
Student Reviews
"JMU's IT program prepared me not just technically but professionally. The alumni network helped me get my foot in the door at a major consulting firm."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
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.
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
IT Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $13,200 | $32,400 | $22,800 |
| Room & Board | $11,500 | $11,500 | $13,200 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $24,700 | $43,900 | $36,000 |
| Average Graduation Rate | 72% | 72% | 58% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 | 14:1 |
| Job Placement Rate | 89% | 89% | 85% |
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
Related IT Resources
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.