2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Virginia
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Virginia? Our ranking highlights 147 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 45 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Virginia
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Piedmont Virginia Community College to be the best-value Healthcare school in Virginia. Based in Charlottesville, VA, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,072, with out-of-state students paying around $11,510. Piedmont Virginia Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $12,495 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,752 ten years out. Set against $12,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Piedmont Virginia Community College report
You'll get strong value at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, which ranked #2 this year. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public school based in Richmond, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,718 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $16,131. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,529 a decade after entry. Set against $16,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Out of the 45 schools in Virginia in this year's value ranking, Wytheville Community College landed the #3 spot. Set in Wytheville, VA, Wytheville Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. Graduates carry a median of $9,542 in student loans. Wytheville Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,303 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,542 median debt. More on Wytheville Community College
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Healthcare ranking in Virginia. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, while out-of-state students pay about $12,410. Graduates carry a median of $14,413 in student loans. Northern Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $53,557 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. More on Northern Virginia Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Thomas Nelson Community College earned it the #5 place in Virginia. Based in Hampton, VA, Thomas Nelson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,088, with out-of-state students paying around $11,526. Typical Healthcare student debt is $14,402. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,996. Set against $14,402 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Thomas Nelson Community College
John Tyler Community College placed #6 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Set in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,082, with out-of-state students paying around $11,520. Students borrow a median of $11,262 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Set against $11,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on John Tyler Community College
Mountain Empire Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Big Stone Gap, VA, Mountain Empire Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,007 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,445 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,036 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,622. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mountain Empire Community College
Central Virginia Community College placed #8 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,157 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,595. The median Healthcare program debt is $10,384. Central Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,627 a decade after entry. Set against $10,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Virginia Community College report
Southside Virginia Community College placed #9 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Southside Virginia Community College is a public school based in Alberta, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. Graduates carry a median of $7,467 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southside Virginia Community College
Dabney S Lancaster Community College landed the #10 spot for value in Virginia this year. Based in Clifton Forge, VA, Dabney S Lancaster Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,022, with out-of-state students paying around $11,460. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,293. More on Dabney S Lancaster Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College placed #11 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Virginia Highlands Community College is a public school based in Abingdon, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,022, compared with $11,460 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,490. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,681. Set against $7,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Virginia Highlands Community College
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave landed the #12 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Weyers Cave, VA, Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,646 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,084 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,768. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,644 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,768 median debt. Get the full Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave report
Lord Fairfax Community College landed the #13 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Middletown, VA, Lord Fairfax Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,072 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,510. Lord Fairfax Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $10,698 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,000 ten years after entry. Set against $10,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lord Fairfax Community College
Danville Community College placed #14 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Danville Community College is a public school based in Danville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,992, with out-of-state students paying around $11,430. Students borrow a median of $9,494 to complete their Healthcare program here. Danville Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,664 a decade after entry. Set against $9,494 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Danville Community College
Patrick Henry Community College landed the #15 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Martinsville, VA, Patrick Henry Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $11,440. Graduates carry a median of $11,235 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,323 ten years out. Set against $11,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Patrick Henry Community College
Rappahannock Community College landed the #16 spot for value in Virginia this year. Rappahannock Community College is a public school based in Glenns, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,540 for out-of-state students. Rappahannock Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $8,997 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rappahannock Community College profile
Tidewater Community College placed #17 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Set in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,858, compared with $12,296 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,001 to complete their Healthcare program here. Tidewater Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Tidewater Community College
Virginia Western Community College landed the #18 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Roanoke, VA, Virginia Western Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,400, while out-of-state students pay about $11,838. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,715. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,787 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,715 median debt. More on Virginia Western Community College
Germanna Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Locust Grove, VA, Germanna Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,257 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,648 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,999 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,644 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,999 median debt. Read the full report on Germanna Community College
Paul D Camp Community College landed the #20 spot for value in Virginia this year. This public school is set in Franklin, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,012, while out-of-state students pay about $11,450. Graduates carry a median of $11,074 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,031 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,074 median debt. Read more about Paul D Camp Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College landed the #21 spot for value in Virginia this year. Located in Cedar Bluff, VA, Southwest Virginia Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,075, compared with $11,513 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $34,221 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwest Virginia Community College
New River Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dublin, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,417. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,132. Median earnings reach $40,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about New River Community College
James Madison University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Typical Healthcare student debt is $21,218. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about James Madison University
Old Dominion University placed #24 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Old Dominion University Healthcare students take on a median of $26,001 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,914 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Old Dominion University profile
Lynchburg College placed #25 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,380. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about Lynchburg College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Virginia
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Radford University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Radford, VA, Radford University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,548, with out-of-state students paying around $25,633. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,514. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,739. That is a strong return on a $25,514 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Radford University
Virginia Commonwealth University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Typical Healthcare student debt is $23,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University
Longwood University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Longwood University is a public school based in Farmville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,740, compared with $27,980 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $25,649. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,347. Set against $25,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Longwood University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Longwood University profile
Liberty University placed #30 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,343 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Mason University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Healthcare students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Mary Baldwin College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Staunton, VA, Mary Baldwin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,187. The median Healthcare program debt is $29,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,427 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,562 median debt. Get the full Mary Baldwin College report
Hampton University landed the #34 spot for value in Virginia this year. Hampton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hampton, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,592. The median Healthcare program debt is $26,169. Median earnings reach $59,159 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,169 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full Hampton University profile
Ecpi University landed the #35 spot for value in Virginia this year. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,484. The median Healthcare program debt is $27,988. Ecpi University alumni report median earnings of $42,837 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,988 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ecpi University profile
National College Salem offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Salem, VA, National College Salem is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,716. National College Salem Healthcare students take on a median of $27,930 in debt. National College Salem alumni report median earnings of $26,370 a decade after entry. Set against $27,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National College Salem
Shenandoah University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,950. Typical Healthcare student debt is $26,005. Median earnings reach $58,433 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,005 median debt. Shenandoah University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Shenandoah University report
South Universityvirginia Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,895. The median Healthcare program debt is $48,920. Median earnings reach $34,421 ten years out. Set against $48,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on South Universityvirginia Beach
Regent University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,451 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Regent University report
Eastern Mennonite University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,920. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $54,869 ten years out. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Mennonite University has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full Eastern Mennonite University profile
Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach landed the #42 spot for value in Virginia this year. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,752 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,715 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,568 ten years out. Set against $25,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach
Marymount University placed #43 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Located in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,120. Marymount University Healthcare students take on a median of $26,880 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,516 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marymount University profile
Averett University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Danville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,550. Averett University Healthcare students take on a median of $28,595 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,516 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Averett University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Averett University profile
Columbia College Fairfax came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Columbia College Fairfax is a private for-profit school based in Vienna, VA. Graduates carry a median of $4,665 in student loans. Median earnings reach $22,160 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $4,665 median debt. Read the full report on Columbia College Fairfax
Centura College Newport News placed #45 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. More on Centura College Newport News
Central School Of Practical Nursing Norfolk placed #46 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. More on Central School Of Practical Nursing Norfolk
Virginia University Of Lynchburg ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read the full report on Virginia University Of Lynchburg
Career Training Solutions ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Get the full Career Training Solutions report
Fortis College Norfolk placed #49 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Virginia. Get the full Fortis College Norfolk report
The Esthetic Institute ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on The Esthetic Institute
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 45 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 147 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).