Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Virginia 2025
Virginia Tech
Nationally ranked IT programs with strong industry partnerships and 95% job placement rate in network administration
Old Dominion University
Comprehensive networking curriculum with Cisco academy certification and hands-on lab experience
James Madison University
Strong computer information systems program with network specialization and internship partnerships
- 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.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Virginia May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility
Virginia-specific network admin salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Virginia Network Administration Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg | Public | $13,691 | 84% | 14:1 | 92.5 |
| 2 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk | Public | $12,054 | 57% | 17:1 | 87.2 |
| 3 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Public | $12,216 | 83% | 16:1 | 85.8 |
| 4 | George Mason University | Fairfax | Public | $12,564 | 70% | 17:1 | 83.4 |
| 5 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Public | $14,210 | 65% | 18:1 | 81.7 |
| 6 | Christopher Newport University | Newport News | Public | $14,526 | 77% | 15:1 | 80.3 |
| 7 | Radford University | Radford | Public | $11,678 | 63% | 16:1 | 78.9 |
| 8 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk | Public | $9,068 | 42% | 14:1 | 76.2 |
| 9 | Virginia State University | Petersburg | Public | $9,096 | 38% | 15:1 | 74.5 |
| 10 | Longwood University | Farmville | Public | $13,620 | 67% | 17:1 | 73.1 |
| 11 | Liberty University | Lynchburg | Private | $24,910 | 51% | 19:1 | 71.8 |
| 12 | Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia Beach | Private | $38,890 | 61% | 12:1 | 70.4 |
| 13 | Marymount University | Arlington | Private | $34,950 | 63% | 13:1 | 69.7 |
| 14 | University of Richmond | Richmond | Private | $58,680 | 87% | 8:1 | 68.9 |
| 15 | Virginia Union University | Richmond | Private | $18,800 | 35% | 14:1 | 67.3 |
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $75,000 for network administration roles
- • 90% of graduates earn industry certifications (CCNA, Network+, Security+)
- • Direct recruiting partnerships with Capital One, Booz Allen Hamilton, and federal agencies
- • Comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum integrated with networking coursework
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited computer science and information technology programs
- State-of-the-art networking labs with enterprise-grade equipment
- Industry partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services
- 95% job placement rate within six months of graduation
- Strong alumni network in Northern Virginia tech companies
Why Ranked #1
Virginia Tech leads Virginia in network administration education with comprehensive IT programs, excellent graduation rates, and strong industry partnerships throughout Northern Virginia's tech corridor.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • 85% of students earn Cisco CCNA certification before graduation
- • Average starting salary: $68,000 in Hampton Roads region
- • Strong connections to military and defense contractors
- • Integrated cybersecurity and network security curriculum
Program Strengths
- Cisco Networking Academy partnership with full CCNA curriculum
- Dedicated networking and cybersecurity laboratory facilities
- Internship partnerships with Norfolk Naval Base and regional businesses
- Strong focus on practical, hands-on network configuration
- Affordable tuition with excellent value proposition
Why Ranked #2
ODU offers a comprehensive networking program with strong hands-on components and Cisco Academy certification pathway, serving the Hampton Roads tech sector.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA • University
Program Highlights
- • 83% graduation rate well above state average
- • Strong internship program with regional businesses
- • Average starting salary: $65,000 for network roles
- • High student satisfaction ratings and alumni engagement
Program Strengths
- Computer Information Systems program with network administration track
- Strong emphasis on both technical and business skills
- Excellent student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention
- Modern computer labs with current networking technologies
- Active student technology organizations and competitions
Why Ranked #3
JMU provides excellent computer information systems education with network specialization, combining technical skills with business applications in a strong liberal arts environment.
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
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.
Source: Virginia Tech Career Services 2024
Network Administration Programs by State
California
Texas
Florida
New York
Washington
Virginia Network Admin Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,500 | $28,900 | $32,400 |
| Room & Board | $11,800 | $11,800 | $13,200 |
| Total Annual Cost | $24,300 | $40,700 | $45,600 |
| 4-Year Total | $97,200 | $162,800 | $182,400 |
| Average Financial Aid | $8,500 | $12,000 | $18,500 |
| Net Price | $15,800 | $28,700 | $27,100 |
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
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
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.