Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Virginia

The following describes the top ten cheapest colleges in Virginia that give students opportunities to obtain high-quality bachelor's degrees through affordable distance learning.

Our rankings include accredited colleges that deliver online bachelor's programs with low costs per credit for Virginia residents.

Top Cheap Colleges in Virginia

Read on to discover the cheapest colleges in Virginia, where resident students receive a valuable education at reasonable costs.

1. Hampton University

Hampton University ranks highly among the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia. It is known for delivering some of the best online programs.

It offers the following bachelor's degrees through distance learning:

• Public Safety Administration
• Systems Organization and Management
• General Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Religious Studies
• Business Management
• Nursing

Tuition for all students is $300 per credit hour, plus charges like registration and technology fees.

2. American National University

American National University in Salem provides affordable opportunities for students to obtain online degrees in various majors.

The following bachelor's programs are available:

• Nursing
• Business Administration
• Medical Health Services Management
• Network Administration

The cost per credit hour for all students ranges from $230 for an online bachelor's degree in business administration to $332 to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. These programs require 180 total credits to graduate.

3. Bluefield University

Bluefield University prides itself on delivering inexpensive degree programs that offer high-quality Christ-centered education through flexible and convenient online learning.

Undergraduate programs available at a low cost include:

• Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Criminal Justice
• Christian Studies
• Ministry Leadership
• General Studies
• Elementary Education
• Leadership and Innovation

Tuition is $395 per credit plus fees, and students can transfer up to 90 credits, helping to defray some costs.

4. Radford University

Radford University offers inexpensive options to enroll in their online bachelor's degree programs, where students learn from expert faculty and gain essential skills to help them advance in their careers.

It has the following bachelor's programs:

• RN to BSN
• Healthcare Administration
• Health Sciences
• Business Administration
• Public Health

Virginia residents attending part-time pay $349 per credit hour, and non-residents pay $868 per credit. Additional mandatory charges apply for items like technology fees.

5. James Madison University

James Madison University in Harrisonburg ranks among the cheapest colleges in Virginia and delivers academic excellence with its many programs accessible via remote learning.

Examples of their available online bachelor's degrees include:

• RN to BSN
• Special Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Child Development

The tuition costs are affordable at just $263 per credit plus applicable fees for Virginia residents who attend part-time. Those living out-of-state pay $837 per credit.

6. Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University is a great choice for adult learners who want flexible ways to get an affordable degree around their busy schedules.

It offers the following bachelor's degrees through online education:

• Management Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Studies
• Music Production
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Liberal Studies

The courses are eight weeks long and focus on the liberal arts and sciences. The cost is $399 per credit hour plus applicable miscellaneous fees for all students.

7. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University in Norfolk is a cost-effective option for many adult students seeking degrees from a credible institution through distance education.

Its online global campus offers the following bachelor's degrees:

• Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Dental Hygiene
• Fashion Merchandising
• Psychology
• Public Health
• RN to BSN

Individuals living in Virginia pay $393 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $426. Active-duty military service members receive a discount of $250 per credit.

8. Strayer University

Obtaining affordable education through distance learning is possible at Strayer University, which has numerous locations in Virginia, including Newport News and Alexandria.

Students can enroll in the following online undergraduate degrees:

• Criminal Justice
• Information Technology
• Accounting
• Applied Science in Management
• Business Administration

Their tuition costs $1,525 per course, and each bachelor's program consists of 40 courses. Eligible students may get credit for prior learning experiences or classes previously completed.

9. Virginia State University

Virginia State University in Petersburg is a top-ranked HBCU and provides quality programs for busy working professionals.

Examples of their online degrees include their Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program and their Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

It is one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia, with tuition costing just $395 per credit hour, plus applicable fees. The cost for non-residents is $929 per credit.

10. Virginia University of Lynchburg

The affordable distance learning programs at the Virginia University of Lynchburg give many adult learners the flexibility they need to obtain degrees around other full-time commitments.

Examples of bachelor's programs attainable via online education include:

• Business Administration
• Organizational Management
• Religious Studies

The cost per credit hour for an online undergraduate degree is $382, and several financial aid options are available. Students should note that there may be additional charges for technology, lab, and other services.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

Based on our list of the cheapest colleges in Virginia, students can expect to pay an average of $300 per credit.

Most bachelor's programs require around 120 credits to graduate, which does not account for additional expenses like distance learning fees or technology charges.

The cost of attending college varies depending on the school and degree requirements. Students should speak with their program advisors for specifics about their degree.

How To Make College Affordable

Aspiring students in Virginia often face the daunting task of finding ways to make higher education affordable. Several avenues can help save on college expenses, as shown below.

Conduct Research

To find the most cost-effective option, individuals should conduct thorough research and compare tuition and fees across different institutions. Many times, online learning is a cheaper choice.

Determine Eligibility for Financial Aid

Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about eligibility for receiving financial assistance.

Investigate Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are typically awarded based on merit or financial need and are a great way to help pay for college costs.

Consider Military Discounts

Many institutions offer reduced cost per credit fees for active-duty military members that contribute to ways to save on college tuition.

Look Into Work-Study Options

Work-study programs allow students to earn money while learning and can help alleviate tuition expenses.

Do Cheap Colleges in Virginia Offer High-Quality Education?

Students can earn a valuable education and obtain reputable degrees without spending a fortune by attending one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia.

Our list of accredited schools offering high-quality programs includes popular options in various majors such as business, nursing, general education, and more.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

In-state tuition for Virginia residents is relatively low, around $300 per credit, making it a great affordable option for many. Out-of-state tuition can be high, with rates around $900.

Students in Virginia should consider getting an education at an in-state college to take advantage of the more inexpensive rates.

Find an Affordable College in Virginia Today

This list ranking the top ten cheapest colleges in Virginia puts students on track today for finding the most affordable and cost-effective bachelor's degree program to fit their needs and budget.

Also, keep in mind that there are affordable online colleges around the U.S.