5 Best Colleges in Arlington
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Arlington, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Arlington.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Arlington graduates reach $49,206 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $9,450 to $39,050.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionMarymount University
Annual Tuition
$39,050
Early Salary
$67,516
Acceptance Matrix
80.5%
Strayer University-Virginia
Annual Tuition
$13,920
Early Salary
$40,092
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
University of Management and Technology
Annual Tuition
$9,450
Early Salary
$68,530
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
DeVry University-Virginia
Annual Tuition
$17,488
Early Salary
$45,987
Acceptance Matrix
100%
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette-Arlington
Annual Tuition
$23,448
Early Salary
$23,904
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Arlington
01
Academic Diversity
Arlington offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Marymount University, Strayer University-Virginia, University of Management and Technology and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Arlington can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Arlington graduates is notably strong. Institutions like University of Management and Technology lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $68,530. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Arlington has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Abingdon, Newport News, Roanoke to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Virginia landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Arlington
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Arlington, VA
Selecting a college in Arlington provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 5 institutions within or near the city limits of Arlington, Virginia. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Arlington cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Arlington area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Virginia.
Our data for Arlington, VA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Virginia.