Best Online Colleges in Virginia
Writer
Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Colleges in Virginia include some of the most historic schools in the nation. Home to a college founded by Thomas Jefferson and to one of the oldest universities in the nation, the state' s educational roots run deep.
Today, Virginia boasts a growing and educated workforce that draws companies from around the globe. The largest employment sectors in the state include business, finance, education, healthcare, and the computer technology industry. Software developers and counselors are two of the most in-demand occupations in these fields.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that school counselors in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $68,060 in 2019, while software developers earned $114,440 per year. Students considering these positions must earn a bachelor' s degree in a related field.
Fortunately, Virginia offers a wealth of colleges that prepare students for these lucrative and rewarding careers. We ranked the 10 best online colleges in Virginia. Read on to learn about each school' s programs and admission requirements.
Explore Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Study in Virginia?
Virginia boasts a diverse selection of higher education institutions, from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, as well as some of the oldest and most historic schools in the nation.
Virginia boasts a diverse selection of higher education institutions, from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, as well as some of the oldest and most historic schools in the nation.
The state also ranked first in CNBC' s 2019 America' s Top States for Business thanks to high educational levels in the state' s workforce and a high concentration of STEM workers. Twenty-two companies in Virginia made the 2020 Fortune 500 list, which ranks the largest corporations in the U.S. by revenue.
Students and graduates will also find a stimulating cultural environment in addition to a thriving business landscape. The state is home to more than 100 historical societies, museums, and theaters. Students can also experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an active music and entertainment scene.
The cost to live in Virginia varies dramatically from city to city. Two examples include Richmond, which costs about 5% less than the national average, and Arlington, which costs close to 56% more.
Top Degree Programs in Virginia
Virginia Employment Outlook
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) projects a job growth rate of 6.6% between 2018 and 2028, equaling approximately 275,920 new jobs in the state. Industries experiencing the strongest growth include business, finance, computer technology, and healthcare.
Growing occupations in these sectors include software developer, counselor, and social worker. Health technologists and technicians should also experience increasing demand, with the VEC projecting the addition of 17,700 positions in these professions between 2018 and 2028.
According to the BLS, software developers in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $114,400 in 2019, over twice the average annual wage of $56,740 across all occupations in the state.
To qualify for these lucrative roles, job-seekers must hold a bachelor' s degree in a related field. Some positions, such as clinical social worker, require a master' s. Below, explore our ranking of the best online colleges in Virginia to find a school that can help you further your educational and professional goals.
Popular Career Paths in Virginia
2022 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Virginia
Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team
Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $488
Graduate | $599
Among the best online colleges in Virginia, University of Virginia offers online programs in a variety of fields. Learners can pursue degrees and certificates in areas like business, education, and health sciences. Online enrollees receive support from academic advisors, counselors, and technology staff.
Admission criteria vary by program. All prospective students submit an online application and provide transcripts and test scores. Some programs require admissions essays, recommendation letters, and writing samples.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Averett University-Non-Traditional Programs
Danville, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $480-$950
Graduate | $530-$695
Averett University's Graduate and Professional Studies division offers 100% online, accelerated degrees for working students. Enrollees can complete degrees mostly asynchronously with help from success coaches.
Online learners can pursue degrees in fields like applied science, business, and education. Other options include psychology and hybrid nursing programs. Applicants submit an online application and transcripts. Nursing programs may require state licensure or certification.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $330-$455
Graduate | $395-$1,200
Liberty University ranks among the best online colleges in Virginia. The school offers online bachelor's programs in fields like aviation, business, and education. Master's and doctoral programs include counseling, criminal justice, and healthcare.
Online enrollees can access resources like academic advising, enrollment assistance, and IT help. Prospective students complete an online application and provide transcripts. First-year students submit a high school self-certification form. Online learners can apply for financial aid.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $419
Undergrad, out of state | $983
Graduate, in state | $513
Graduate, out of state | $1,231
James Madison University offers fully and mostly online programs for undergraduates and graduate students. One of the best online colleges in Virginia, JMU offers programs in fields like accounting, nursing, and psychology. Online learners can access online library and career-planning services.
Undergraduate admission requires an online application and transcripts. Program requirements vary. Some programs require licensure, prior degrees, or other information.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $396
Undergrad, out of state | $1,374
Graduate, in state | $507-$1,000
Graduate, out of state | $693-$1,039
One of the best colleges in Virginia, George Mason University offers remote learning in hybrid and online formats. Classes run asynchronously and synchronously. Online learners can access an online writing lab and library resources.
Mason offers more than 50 online programs, including education, health, and social sciences. The school also offers over 100 graduate-level certificates. Degree-completion options include applied science and individualized study.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $295-$450
Graduate | $250-$1,200
Regent University's online programs follow eight-week course schedules. Learners can access advisors, faculty mentors, and technical support. One of the best online colleges in Virginia, Regent offers online degrees at all levels. Students can pursue degrees in fields like business, healthcare, and information technology.
Most classes run asynchronously through Blackboard. However, some programs require on-campus residencies. Prospective students complete an online application and admissions questionnaire. They also provide transcripts and additional information depending on the program.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $417
Undergrad, out of state | $1,129
Graduate, in state | $569-$834
Virginia Commonwealth University offers online and hybrid degree options, a virtual student success center, online writing support, academic advising, and computer and technology discounts and assistance.
One of the best online colleges in Virginia, VCU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Learners can pursue degrees in fields like engineering, nursing, and public affairs. Students can also pursue certificates in areas like disability leadership, educational leadership, and medical education. Admission requirements vary by program and degree level.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $360
Undergrad, out of state | $407
Graduate, in state | $551
Graduate, out of state | $595
ODU Online ranks among the best online colleges in Virginia. Learners can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like business, education, and engineering. ODU also offers programs in health sciences and nursing and military-affiliated education.
Classes run asynchronously or synchronously, depending on the program. Some programs require hands-on experiential learning. Enrollees can access online academic support, technical support, and free software.
Prospective students apply online and can contact an enrollment coach for advisement.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Radford University-Carilion
Roanoke, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $329-$333
Undergrad, out of state | $814
Graduate | $444-$454
Radford University offers online programs in business administration and nursing. Graduate admission for business administration and business analytics requires a bachelor's degree and 2.75 GPA. Bachelor's in business administration applicants need an associate degree or fewer than six hours remaining to complete general education requirements.
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students need an associate degree or diploma in nursing or an RN license and a 2.5 GPA. Graduate nursing programs require a BSN and 3.0 GPA.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Hampton University
Hampton, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $300
Graduate | $695
Among the best online colleges in Virginia, Hampton University offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The school also offers certificates and educational specialist credentials. Degree options include aviation management, counseling, and theology.
Students complete classes at their own pace through Blackboard. HU offers online access to library materials and career services. Undergraduate admission requires a high school or GED diploma, transcripts, and a 2.0 GPA. Admission for other degree levels and programs varies.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Feature Image: Photos by Coyle / Moment / Getty Images
