10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Virginia 2025

Online master's programs are flexible degree options for professionals who want to advance their careers without disrupting their busy schedules. If you're looking for affordable online master's programs, many are available across Virginia.

Whether you want to study computer science, healthcare administration, criminal justice, or information technology, you can find master's degrees with low tuition, financial aid, and other savings options throughout the state. Keep reading to learn where to earn a cheap master's degree online.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Virginia

Online education is a popular alternative to traditional in-person learning for working students. If you're interested in virtual programs in Virginia, review the list of cheap online master's degrees below.

1. University of Virginia's College at Wise

The University of Virginia's College at Wise offers a Master of Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction with asynchronous online courses and full-time and part-time enrollment options. Coursework explores differentiated instruction, teaching in America, advanced classroom management, and more.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and a current Virginia teaching license or documentation of licensure in progress. Completing this degree qualifies students for a provisional license in general curriculum special education, K-12.

Average cost per credit hour: $388

Financial aid: Need-based grants are available to eligible MEd program enrollees who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Radford University

Radford University is home to over a dozen online and hybrid master's programs, including Master of Science (MS) degrees in health sciences and special education, a Master of Social Work (MSW), and a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). The institution also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in business analytics.

To help online learners excel in their studies, Radford provides academic coaching and 24/7 tutoring. Students who need help navigating their career path can work with the Center for Career and Talent Development.

Average cost per credit hour: $406 (in-state)

Financial aid: Graduate students must submit the FAFSA form to qualify for work-study, student loans, and other types of aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Norfolk State University

At Norfolk State University, students can choose from more than half a dozen 100% online master's programs with flexible schedules and multiple start dates. Master of Arts (MA) programs in special education and urban education and MS degrees in cyberpsychology and electronics engineering are a few options to consider.

Some degrees are designed for accelerated learning and can be completed in as few as 10 months. Tutoring, library services, writing center access, and career guidance can help students excel during enrollment and after graduating.

Average cost per credit hour: $450

Financial aid: Learners can fill out the FAFSA form to qualify for financial aid and save on tuition.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Virginia Wesleyan University

Working professionals looking for high-paying master's degrees with affordable tuition and flexible schedules can find several programs at Virginia Wesleyan University. Each program consists of eight-week courses and benefits from VWU's generous transfer policy, which allows graduate students to transfer up to 12 credits.

MA degrees are available in arts leadership and nonprofit management, applied psychology, and human services. Other options include an MBA program, a Master of Education (EdD) in teacher leadership, and a Master of Environmental Studies.

Average cost per credit hour: $499

Financial aid: Eligible students who complete the FAFSA form can qualify for student loans and other financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. James Madison University

James Madison University students can choose from over a dozen online and hybrid master's degrees, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in clinical nurse leader, family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, and nurse midwifery. Additional areas of study include speech-language pathology, mathematics, education, and computer science.

From enrollment to graduation, students receive support throughout their online learning journey. Academic planning, counseling, writing assistance, and resume writing support are among the services and resources that enrollees enjoy.

Average cost per credit hour: $561 (in-state)

Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, employment, and student loans are available for master's degree students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Liberty University

Liberty University in Lynchburg offers dozens of online master's degrees for students seeking career advancement. Areas of study include geographic information systems, clinical mental health counseling, non-licensure human services counseling, and nonprofit management.

Learners aren't required to take standardized tests (eg, GRE or GMAT) to gain admission as graduate students. Once enrolled, online students benefit from affordable tuition, eight-week terms, multiple start dates, academic advising, and technical support.

Average cost per credit hour: $565 (full-time); $615 (part-time)

Financial aid: Enrollees can save with financial aid and scholarships. Tuition discounts are available for first responders, small businesses, military personnel, and more.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Regent University

Regent University's online master's degrees are flexible graduate programs grounded in Christian principles. With over 100 options, enrollees can study journalism, organizational leadership, human resources law, higher education, and beyond to qualify for new jobs or doctoral degree programs.

Students interested in bringing credits from another institution can transfer up to 49% of their graduate degrees. Other perks of this online college include hands-on advising, faculty mentorship, and faster degree completion with help from short eight-week courses.

Average cost per credit hour: $565

Financial aid: Regent students can use federal and state aid, including scholarships and loans, to lower costs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. George Mason University

Students at George Mason University can choose from consortia programs, master's degrees, and graduate certificate programs available online. An MBA and programs in public policy, education leadership, health informatics, special education, and international security are a few options to consider.

The university enhances the online learning experience with academic advising, 24/7 library access, and online writing support. Career services include resume and cover letter reviews, career advising, and networking opportunities.

Average cost per credit hour: $589 (in-state)

Financial aid: Completing the FAFSA helps enrollees qualify for loans and other financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Old Dominion University

At Old Dominion University, learners interested in graduate study can choose from dozens of online master's degrees through ODU Global. Aerospace engineering, data science and analytics, cybersecurity, nursing, public health, and numerous education programs are available.

ODU Global offers academic advising and coaching, tutoring services, and writing center access to support learners enrolled in distance education programs. Students can also benefit from mental health and career development services.

Average cost per credit hour: $620 (in-state)

Financial aid: ODU Global helps students save with scholarships, military benefits, work-study programs, student loans, and more.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University's online learners choose from programs exploring homeland security and emergency preparedness, decision analytics, public administration, computer science, and gerontology. MBA, EdD, MSN, and MSW degrees are also offered virtually.

While enrolled, students benefit from academic advisors who help navigate online programs. VCU offers a writing center and library access, career services, and a campus learning center to help learners excel.

Average cost per credit hour: $765 (in-state)

Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and other financial aid help learners reduce costs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the institutions in this rank list to ensure they have met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: All schools have received regional accreditation from the SACSCOC.
• Affordability: These institutions offer low tuition, assistantships, fellowships, financial aid, or other cost-saving opportunities.
• Program reputation: We verified that the colleges and universities offer quality on-campus and online learning experiences.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Virginia

Are you ready to earn an online master's degree in Virginia? Before beginning your journey, review the FAQs below to learn more about these programs.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Virginia?

Online schools offering master's degrees in Virginia charge different tuition rates based on factors like degree type (ex. MS vs. MBA), enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state). If you're looking for low-cost options, some of the most affordable programs are available at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, Radford University, and Norfolk State University, all of which offer online master's degrees with rates lower than $500 per credit.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in Virginia?

Yes, students earning master's degrees online can use financial aid to reduce tuition and fees. Remote learners typically save with help from institutional or private scholarships, tuition discounts, student loans, and military benefits. Schools also help virtual students reduce costs with student employment, graduate assistantships, state grants, and fellowships.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

Online and in-person master's degrees often have comparable tuition costs. Schools may charge out-of-state online students the same rates as their in-person counterparts or offer all students a single rate, regardless of residency. Depending on the school, you could find that online rates are higher or lower than in-person rates. However, even if tuition is higher for online students, they can save by avoiding the costs of commuting to campus or paying on-campus fees.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

While the average timeframe for earning a traditional campus-based master's degree is approximately two years, students can complete online master's programs in less than a year. If you want to shorten your time in graduate school, consider institutions offering accelerated programs with shorter terms, multiple start dates, or self-paced learning options. Additionally, consider schools with generous transfer credit policies.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you achieve your academic goals.