2026 Best Value Athletic Training Schools in Virginia

1

Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, VA

For return on investment in athletic training, no school beat Mountain Empire Community College this year. Set in the town of Big Stone Gap, Mountain Empire Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,007, compared with $11,445 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for athletic training graduates is $9,036. Soon after graduation, athletic training degree recipients from Mountain Empire Community College generally make around $36,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA

Students looking for strong value in athletic training will find it at Old Dominion University, which ranked #2. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Athletic Training graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Soon after graduation, athletic training degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $57,131. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants.

3

Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value athletic training schools. Located in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,548, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Typical student debt for athletic training graduates is $25,250. Soon after graduation, athletic training degree recipients from Radford University generally make around $83,490. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Radford University admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in athletic training, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Typical student debt for athletic training graduates is $26,992. Early-career athletic training graduates make about $57,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

5

Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lynchburg College earned it the #5 place for athletic training. Lynchburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,750. Early-career athletic training graduates make about $138,322. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

6

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University came in at #6 for value in athletic training this year. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete the athletic training program here. Athletic Training graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $120,817 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

7

University Of Virginia Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #7 spot for athletic training value this year. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Athletic Training graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Soon after graduation, athletic training degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $69,126. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants.

8

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University earned the #8 position for value in athletic training this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for athletic training graduates is $27,000. Early-career athletic training graduates make about $45,877. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.

9

Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value athletic training schools. Located in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,950. Typical student debt for athletic training graduates is $26,005. Soon after graduation, athletic training degree recipients from Shenandoah University generally make around $100,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shenandoah University admits about 77% of applicants.