Best Forensic Science Schools in Virginia (2026)

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Virginia Forensic Science At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Forensic Science Salary$82,510
Salary OutlookVirginia offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyVirginia Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online forensic science degree in Virginia offers a flexible path into forensic science careers. Virginia offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Virginia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Forensic Science Schools in Virginia

The following schools offer accredited online forensic science programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Virginia.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA BOC Score 81.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 76%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $76,343
Avg net price $17,915/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 87%
  • Programs offered: 80

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA BOC Score 65.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $58,128
Avg net price $23,433/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 61

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA BOC Score 62.5
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 29%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,557
Avg net price $9,919/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 57

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Mountain Gateway Community College

Clifton Forge, VA BOC Score 42.0
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 42%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $34,293
Avg net price $4,861/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$5,022
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$11,460
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Forensic Science professionals in Virginia experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Virginia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Virginia)
Forensic Science Technician$68,900
Detective and Criminal Investigator$112,760
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$65,870

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Forensic Science Degree in Virginia?

Choosing a program in Virginia can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Virginia offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Virginia economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online forensic science programs in Virginia accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Forensic Science pay in Virginia compare to other states?

Virginia offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Virginia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for forensic science in Virginia?

The Virginia Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Virginia. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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