The Best Business Schools Near Richmond for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Richmond
- George Washington University ranks #1 near Richmond on a 96.7 Program Score, with an 84% graduation rate.
- The hardest to get into is Washington University of Science and Technology (#5), which admits 7% of applicants.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, University of Mary Washington, ranks #7.
- Programs analyzed in Richmond
- 40
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 1
- Farthest school
- 96 mi
Only one business school in Richmond has a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (University of Richmond), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps that school and adds the nine closest schools that do have one, in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
George Washington University leads with a 96.7 Program Score and an 84% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA), about 47 miles from central Richmond; the farthest, George Washington University (Washington, DC), is about 96 miles away.
How the Top Business Schools Near Richmond Compare
George Washington leads at 96.7, and Strayer-Maryland closes the chart at 68.8. Longer bars rank higher.
How We Rank Business Schools Near Richmond
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Richmond, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Richmond, ranked by outcomes.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 47%
- In-state
- $67,420
- Out-of-state
- $67,420
George Washington University graduates 84% of its students, above the 69% average across this ranking, on a 96.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 96.7, #1 of 10
- 84% graduation rate
- $67,420 tuition
- Admits just 47% of applicants
George Washington University is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Business program ranks #1 of the 10 analyzed here with a 96.7 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 84.8 group average. The program graduates 84% of its students, above the 69% average across the ranked schools. George Washington admits 47% of applicants, less selective than the 42% average for the group. That is more open than the 7% rate at Washington University of Science and Technology, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 25,374 students.
On cost, George Washington charges $67,420 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 85%
- Admit rate
- 22%
- In-state
- $65,230
- Out-of-state
- $65,230
University of Richmond's Robins School reports a 98% one-year employment rate for its Class of 2024 business graduates, backed by an 85% overall graduation rate.
- Program Score 94.8
- 85% graduation rate
- 22% admit rate
- 98% one-year employment rate (school-reported, Class of '24)
The Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond builds its Business Administration major on a liberal arts foundation, with small classes taught by what the school calls teacher-scholars rather than large lecture sections. The curriculum is meant to connect business skills to the broader economic, social, geopolitical, technological, and environmental issues graduates will face on the job. The school also reports that more than half of its students study abroad, and cites a 17th place ranking among Poets&Quants' best undergraduate business schools.
Richmond lands third in Virginia with a Program Score of 94.8. Its graduation rate is 85%, and admission is selective at 22%, tighter than Virginia Tech but looser than Washington and Lee. Tuition is flat at $65,230 regardless of residency, since Richmond is private, close to W&L's rate but with a somewhat higher admit rate and a modestly lower graduation rate. The school reports a 98% one-year employment rate for its Class of 2024 graduates, a figure worth weighing against the $65,230 annual cost for a student comparing outcomes to price.
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 89%
- Admit rate
- 34%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
William & Mary graduates 89% of its students, above the 69% average across this ranking, on a 93.5 Program Score.
- Program Score 93.5, #3 of 10
- 89% graduation rate
- Online option available
Based in Williamsburg, VA, William & Mary is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 93.5 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 84.8 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 3.2 points behind top-ranked George Washington. The program graduates 89% of its students, above the 69% average across the ranked schools. William & Mary admits 34% of applicants, more selective than the 42% average for the group. That is more open than the 7% rate at Washington University of Science and Technology, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. The university enrolls 9,818 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA · Public
- Grad rate
- 96%
- Admit rate
- 17%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
University of Virginia graduates 96% of its students, above the 69% average across this ranking, on an 89.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 89.7, #4 of 10
- 96% graduation rate
- Top graduation rate on this list
University of Virginia is a public institution in Charlottesville, VA. Its Business program ranks #4 of the 10 analyzed here with an 89.7 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 84.8 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs, 7 points behind top-ranked George Washington. The program graduates 96% of its students, above the 69% average across the ranked schools. Virginia admits 17% of applicants, more selective than the 42% average for the group. That is more open than the 7% rate at Washington University of Science and Technology, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 26,409 students.
For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Washington University of Science and Technology
Alexandria, VA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 7%
- In-state
- $13,365
- Out-of-state
- $13,365
At $13,365 a year in-state, Washington University of Science and Technology is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 87.1 Program Score on a 67% graduation rate.
- Program Score 87.1, #5 of 10
- 67% graduation rate
- $13,365 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Alexandria, VA, Washington University of Science and Technology is a private, for-profit institution. Its Business program lands at #5 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 87.1 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 84.8 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, below the 69% average across the ranked schools. Washington University of Science and Technology admits 7% of applicants, more selective than the 42% average for the group. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,096 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Washington University of Science and Technology charges $13,365 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 68%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $10,392
- Out-of-state
- $34,860
At $10,392 a year in-state, George Mason University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 85.4 Program Score on a 68% graduation rate.
- Program Score 85.4, #6 of 10
- 68% graduation rate
- $10,392 in-state vs $34,860 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
George Mason University is a public institution in Fairfax, VA. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 10 analyzed here with an 85.4 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 84.8 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 68% of its students, below the 69% average across the ranked schools. George Mason admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 42% average for the group. That is more open than the 7% rate at Washington University of Science and Technology, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 39,766 students.
On cost, George Mason charges $10,392 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $34,860 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. The spread makes the program a clearer value for VA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA · Public
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $9,117
- Out-of-state
- $22,295
At $9,117 a year in-state, University of Mary Washington is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 84.5 Program Score on a 66% graduation rate.
- Program Score 84.5, #7 of 10
- 66% graduation rate
- $9,117 in-state vs $22,295 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
University of Mary Washington is a public institution in Fredericksburg, VA. Its Business program ranks #7 of the 10 analyzed here with an 84.5 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 84.8 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 66% of its students, below the 69% average across the ranked schools. Mary Washington admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 42% average for the group. That is more open than the 7% rate at Washington University of Science and Technology, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,826 students.
On cost, Mary Washington charges $9,117 a year in-state, roughly 2.4x the $22,295 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. The spread makes the program a clearer value for VA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 38%
- In-state
- $19,950
- Out-of-state
- $19,950
Regent University ranks #8 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 77.9 Program Score and a 57% graduation rate.
- Program Score 77.9, #8 of 10
- 57% graduation rate
- $19,950 tuition
- Online option available
Regent University is a private, nonprofit institution in Virginia Beach, VA. Its Business program ranks #8 of the 10 analyzed here with a 77.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 84.8 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 69% average across the ranked schools. Regent admits 38% of applicants, more selective than the 42% average for the group. That is more open than the 7% rate at Washington University of Science and Technology, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. The university enrolls 10,657 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Regent charges $19,950 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
Strayer University-Virginia
Arlington, VA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 36%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
Strayer University-Virginia ranks #9 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 69.9 Program Score and a 36% graduation rate.
- Program Score 69.9, #9 of 10
- 36% graduation rate
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Arlington, VA, Strayer University-Virginia is a private, for-profit institution. Its Business program lands at #9 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 69.9 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 84.8 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 36% of its students, below the 69% average across the ranked schools. Strayer-Virginia holds an open-admission policy, accepting every qualified applicant. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,998 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-Virginia charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Strayer University-Maryland
Suitland, MD · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
Strayer University-Maryland ranks #10 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 68.8 Program Score and a 38% graduation rate.
- Program Score 68.8, #10 of 10
- 38% graduation rate
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Strayer University-Maryland is a private, for-profit institution in Suitland, MD. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 10 analyzed here with a 68.8 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 84.8 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 69% average across the ranked schools. Strayer-Maryland holds an open-admission policy, accepting every qualified applicant. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 96%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,290 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-Maryland charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,117 at Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Richmond
The median school on this list graduates 68% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of Virginia-Main Campus (96%) and William & Mary (89%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #4 University of Virginia-Main Campus96% graduation rate
- #3 William & Mary89% graduation rate
- #2 University of Richmond85% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Richmond?
On this list, 2 of 10 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 6 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Washington University of Science and Technology at 7%.
- #5 Washington University of Science and Technology7% admitted
- #4 University of Virginia-Main Campus17% admitted
- #2 University of Richmond22% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Richmond
This list holds 4 public, 3 private nonprofit, and 3 for-profit schools. Their median Program Scores: 87.6 public, 94.8 private nonprofit, and 69.9 for-profit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Richmond
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,096 at Washington University of Science and Technology to 39,766 at George Mason University. Of the 10, 3 enroll 20,000 students or more and 5 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Richmond Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | University of RichmondRichmond | $103,856 | $34,256 |
| #4 | University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia | $117,994 | $18,056 |
| #6 | George Mason UniversityGeorge Mason | $85,224 | $14,697 |
| #7 | University of Mary WashingtonMary Washington | $72,382 | $23,821 |
| #8 | Regent UniversityRegent | $61,752 | $18,135 |
| #9 | Strayer University-VirginiaStrayer-Virginia | $66,108 | $17,213 |
| #10 | Strayer University-MarylandStrayer-Maryland | $66,108 | $17,773 |
Graduates of Virginia earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $117,994; the lowest figure here is $61,752 at Regent.
Richmond, the highest-ranked of these schools (#2), comes in at $103,856.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $14,697 a year at George Mason to $34,256 at Richmond.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Richmond Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Richmond, measured from the average location of Richmond's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA is about 47 miles away; University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA is about 52 miles away; University of Virginia-Main Campus in Charlottesville, VA is about 65 miles away; Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA is about 88 miles away; George Mason University in Fairfax, VA is about 89 miles away; Strayer University-Maryland in Suitland, MD is about 93 miles away; Washington University of Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA is about 95 miles away; Strayer University-Virginia in Arlington, VA is about 95 miles away; George Washington University in Washington, DC is about 96 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Richmond students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Richmond Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $9,117 a year at University of Mary Washington to $67,420 at George Washington University, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $36,468 against $269,680 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Richmond
Six of the ranked schools (William & Mary, Washington University of Science and Technology, George Mason University, Regent University, Strayer University-Virginia, and Strayer University-Maryland) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Richmond it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #3 William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA
- #5 Washington University of Science and TechnologyAlexandria, VA
- #6 George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA
- #8 Regent UniversityVirginia Beach, VA
- #9 Strayer University-VirginiaArlington, VA
- #10 Strayer University-MarylandSuitland, MD
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools Near Richmond: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best business school near Richmond?
By Program Score, George Washington University (Washington, DC) ranks first, with a 96.7 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Richmond?
40 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Richmond report to IPEDS. One school has the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Richmond?
Outside Richmond, William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 47 straight-line miles from central Richmond. Inside Richmond, University of Richmond is ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Richmond?
Yes. Six of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including William & Mary, Washington University of Science and Technology, and George Mason University. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.