Virginia Universities Earned Spots in 2027 U.S. News Rankings
Several state institutions have been recognized for their academic performance and student outcomes.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in College Applications
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U.S. News and World Report has released its 2027 college rankings, highlighting multiple Virginia universities for their academic achievement. The annual list evaluates institutions based on metrics such as graduation rates, social mobility, and faculty resources.
Why it matters
These rankings provide prospective students and families with comparative data on academic rigor and institutional performance. The findings offer a standardized metric to evaluate the value and quality of education across diverse collegiate environments.
Elizabeth City State University achieved a No. 7 ranking in Regional Colleges South and was named No. 1 in Best Colleges for Veterans. Other notable metrics include William & Mary's 82% graduation rate and Old Dominion University's 25% graduation rate.
The players
William & Mary
This is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, known as the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
Old Dominion University
This is a public research university based in Norfolk, Virginia, that serves a large undergraduate population across the Hampton Roads region.
Elizabeth City State University
This is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system that has been recognized for its performance in the Southern region.
Regent University
This is a private Christian university headquartered in Virginia Beach that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The details
The rankings are derived from a comprehensive analysis of student outcomes, including retention and graduation rates, alongside academic peer assessments. Specific schools in the Commonwealth, including William & Mary and Regent University, were evaluated across various national and regional categories.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Elizabeth City State University issued a news release regarding their ranking placement.
Culture Shift
These rankings follow the established methodology of the 2027 U.S. News and World Report college rankings. The current results mark a continuation of the annual trend where institutional prestige is measured against evolving metrics of student success and accessibility.
Students and families can use these rankings to compare tuition costs, such as the $7,660 fee structure at Elizabeth City State University, against academic outcomes. This data helps individuals weigh the long-term value of a degree when making personal enrollment decisions.
The takeaway
These rankings offer a baseline for comparing educational quality but should be paired with campus visits and financial planning. Students should prioritize schools that align with their personal career goals and long-term financial capacity.
Further reading
For additional context on how academic institutions are evaluated, see the latest updates on College Applications.
More information
View the comprehensive U.S. News Best Colleges rankings to see the full list of school data.
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