10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Virginia 2025

Distance learning can be a cost-effective and efficient way to gain marketable skills and career options. Learn more about affordable online degrees in Virginia today.

College students interested in online learning can find fantastic programs at institutions throughout Virginia. Do you have budget concerns? Some of the top online colleges in Virginia are more affordable than you think ?and there are plenty of cheap online colleges in the state that can also provide a quality education.

Below, we'll highlight affordable online colleges seeking degree completion programs. We'll also share the cheapest colleges in Virginia for recent high school graduates interested in attending an online school.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Virginia

Are you looking for low-cost alternatives to on-campus programs? Explore the list below to find cheap colleges in Virginia offering reputable online degrees.

1. University of Virginia

At the University of Virginia, students can find graduate and undergraduate programs in education, health sciences management, and beyond. Tuition rates vary by college or school.

For instance, annual in-state tuition is $16,258 in the College of Arts & Sciences and $5,988 in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. UVA meets 100% of financial need for all in-state and out-of-state students who apply before the school's annual March 1 deadline.

2. George Mason University

Fairfax, VA, is home to George Mason University. This accredited institution offers over 50 online and hybrid degrees, including adult completion degrees and programs in education, social sciences, and healthcare.

The per-credit in-state tuition for most undergrad and grad students is $433 and $589, respectively. Some online programs qualify for scholarships and other financial aid.

3. James Madison University

At James Madison University, students can pursue online nursing and adult bachelor's degrees. Doctoral and master's degrees are available in education, nursing, and more.

In-state undergraduates pay $14,242 annually, and in-state graduate students pay $561 per credit hour. Awards like the Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship can help learners save.

4. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers dozens of degree and certificate programs. Areas of study include business, engineering, math, and communication.

Distance education at ODU costs $408 per credit for in-state undergraduates and $620 for in-state graduates. Nearly two-thirds of ODUGlobal undergraduates received financial aid in the fall of 2024.

5. Norfolk State University

Students interested in affordable alternatives to in-person learning can find cheap accredited online bachelor's degree programs and low-cost master's degrees at Norfolk State University. Programs include cybersecurity, tourism, and psychology.

Undergraduate learners from Virginia pay $3,038 per semester, and graduate students pay $4,654. The university offers the Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) Scholarship, enabling Pell Grant-eligible first-year students living near the campus the ability to attend tuition-free.

6. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond offers nationally ranked business, social work, nursing, and education programs. Degree levels include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral.

In-state undergraduate learners pay $13,200 per year. Residents seeking master's and doctoral degrees pay $13,766 and $11,348 annually, respectively. Financial aid is available to lower expenses.

7. Radford University

Radford University offers online programs ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are accredited by the prestigious Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Radford costs $4,264 per semester for Virginia undergrads and $4,871 for in-state grad students. Federal and state grants and scholarships can help reduce costs.

8. Liberty University

Students interested in an online education at Liberty University can choose from hundreds of programs. Degrees are available in criminal justice, information technology, human resources, nonprofit management, and beyond.

Full-time per-hour tuition is $390 for undergraduates and $565 for graduates. These rates have been frozen for nine years. Students can lower costs with tuition discounts, financial aid, scholarships, and more.

9. Hampton University

Hampton University offers online degrees in religious studies, business management, cybersecurity, and beyond. Distance learning coursework is available at all degree levels.

Undergraduate online courses for in-state learners cost $300 per credit while graduate courses cost $695. Financial aid and scholarships can reduce expenses.

10. Virginia State University

Virginia State University offers online master's and bachelor's degrees in nursing, hospitality management, education, and more. An online doctoral program is available in educational administration and supervision.

Undergraduate and graduate courses for in-state learners cost $5,701 and $8,876, respectively. Qualifying first-year, Pell-eligible freshmen can attend free of charge through the VCAN Scholarship.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected the schools in the rank list above using a thorough vetting process. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:

Accredited: The colleges and universities have received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
Reputable: We confirmed that the schools in this list are respected, considering factors such as acceptance rates, student outcomes, and graduation rates.
Affordable: These institutions offer affordable routes to degree completion through scholarships, financial aid, or lower tuition.

How Much Does Online College in Virginia Cost?

According to U.S. News, Virginia residents pay just under $400 per credit for online bachelor's degrees when attending public schools in Virginia. Out-of-state students might pay about $580 per credit. Attending inexpensive online colleges with lower rates or schools accepting financial aid and offering scholarships helps reduce costs.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

The first step to making an online degree accessible is filling out the FAFSA form to determine financial need.

Students with low expected family contribution will usually qualify for federal programs such as the Pell Grant as well as institution-specific forms of needs-based funding.

Academic merit scholarships are another way to reduce tuition costs. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance measures such as GPA, SAT, or ACT outcomes.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About the Cheapest Online Colleges in Virginia

Are you ready to enroll in a low-cost online degree program? Explore the following FAQs to learn more about cheap colleges in Virginia with reputable degrees.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Virginia?

Norfolk State University is one of Virginia's best online colleges for affordability. In-state learners pay just over $6,000 per year in undergraduate tuition and less than $10,000 annually for graduate study.

Is an Online Degree Program Worth It?

Yes, earning an online degree is worth your time and effort. You can receive the same quality academic experience without the need to travel to campus.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), most full-time, first-year college students (85.2%) received financial aid in the 2022-23 school year. Online students are among learners who can use grants and scholarships to lower costs.

Is Online College Free in Virginia?

Several opportunities are available for Virginia residents to attend online college tuition-free. Some include:

Virginia G3: Virginia Community Colleges participate in this tuition assistance program that covers tuition and more for Virginia residents with an eligible household income.
University of Virginia: Eligible students who apply before March 1 have 100% of their financial needs met through scholarships, grants, and more.
Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN): First-year students who are eligible for the Pell Grant can attend qualifying schools tuition-free.

How Many Online Colleges Are There in Virginia?

Virginia's network of 23 community colleges offers online programs, including associate degrees. At least a dozen four-year institutions provide online learning opportunities, including the schools listed above and institutions like Strayer University and Virginia Wesleyan University.

Are There Online Colleges That Offer Free Laptops?

The Virginia Community College System, which offers online degrees, established the Virginia Veterans Laptop Project (VVLP). Eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses receive free refurbished laptops, pending available resources.

Explore Accredited Online Programs

Begin your journey toward your dream career by exploring the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover how their programs can help you reach your goals.