10 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025

Online college programs can be highly beneficial, especially for nontraditional students who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend school. In fact, in Virginia, more than 30% of all college students study exclusively online. Perhaps you're interested in finding out more about online colleges in Virginia: which schools in your state offer the best online degrees?

Keep reading as we explore some of the top online colleges. We'll also answer some questions you may have about pursuing higher education programs online.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Virginia

The top online programs in Virginia offer a range of bachelor's and master's degrees at affordable prices through flexible online coursework. Let's take a closer look at the schools offering these programs.

1. James Madison University

James Madison University is a public school in Harrisonburg. The school offers various master's programs and bachelor's degrees in nursing and individualized study programs are also available. Students in the individualized study programs can earn concentrations in areas such as:

• small business management and entrepreneurship
• special education
• healthcare leadership
• professional workplace communication
• child development

The school awards financial aid to 89% of its student body. It is considered one of the top online schools in the state thanks to its high graduation rate, variety of study options, and flexible courses.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,576

Out-of-State: $30,790

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,856

Out-of-State: $29,304

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 76%

Retention Rate: 90%

Institution Type: Public university

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

2. George Mason University

George Mason University is a large public school enrolling more than 40,000 students. Located in Fairfax County, it also provides a wealth of graduate and undergraduate degrees through its remote campus, Mason Online. Options include:

• information technology
• applied science
• global affairs
• sociology
• health administration

Around 80% of students receive some form of financial aid at this school. Both asynchronous and synchronous classes are available, and students have opportunities to get involved in organizations and events even when studying online. For these reasons, this school is considered one of the top online options in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,815

Out-of-State: $39,397

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $13,726

Out-of-State: $35,677

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Retention Rate: 87%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a well-known private school in Lynchburg. It offers hundreds of online degrees at every program level. Some of the many majors to choose from include:

• aviation
• social work
• accounting and data analysis
• sports management
• graphic design

As many as 98% of students attending this school receive financial aid. Flexible and accelerated eight-week course sessions, a generous transfer policy, affordable tuition, and the many degree options combine to make this one of the best schools for online learners in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and out-of-state: $21,222

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and out-of-state: $7,740

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school in Richmond. It features an enrollment of nearly 29,000, many of whom study online. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees available online include:

• nursing
• leadership
• addiction studies
• marketing
• human and organizational development

The school provides financial aid for 100% of students. This, combined with flexible courses and a national reputation for academic excellence, makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best schools in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $16,458

Out-of-State: $39,042

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $13,404

Out-of-State: $27,550

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Retention Rate: 86%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Hampton University

Hampton University is a private, historically Black institution in Hampton. It provides every kind of online degree program, including certificates and specialist degrees. Areas of study include:

• religious studies
• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• public administration
• educational management

Students attending this school receive financial aid in 95% of cases. The flexible online learning format and high-quality academics make this one of the top online schools in Virginia.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and out-of-state: $29,162

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and out-of-state: $13,099

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 48%

Retention Rate: 85%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Radford University

Radford University is a public school with around 10,000 students. Located in Radford, it also provides online degrees at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Programs include:

• literacy education
• nursing
• business administration
• emergency services
• health sciences

Several of these programs are offered in a fast-track format, allowing students ultimate flexibility to graduate sooner. Tuition is affordable, and 99% of students receive financial aid. For these reasons, Radford is one of the top online universities in Virginia.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,286

Out-of-State: $25,185

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,457

Out-of-State: $18,503

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Regent University

Regent University is a private school in Virginia Beach. Many of its degree programs are online, including majors in the following areas of study:

• Christian ministry
• film and media culture
• paralegal studies
• clinical mental health counseling
• strategic leadership

Students can study at every program level, with eight-week sessions and generous transfer credit policies to help students save time and money. Up to 96% of students receive financial aid. Thanks to all of these factors, Regent University is one of the top online schools in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and out-of-state: $20,686

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and out-of-state: $16,128

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University is a public school in Norfolk. Students can pursue various online bachelor's and master's degrees and certificates, choosing from areas of study such as:

• history
• tourism and hospitality management
• interdisciplinary studies
• urban education
• cyberpsychology

The school provides financial aid for 97% of students. Online programs here feature expert faculty, provide flexible options, charge affordable rates, and provide diverse perspectives � making this school one of the best for online learning opportunities in Virginia.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,910

Out-of-State: $21,412

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,084

Out-of-State: $21,498

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public school also located in Norfolk. It is known for offering a wealth of distance education programs through its remote campus, ODU Global. Bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees are available in topics like:

• civil engineering technology
• economics
• game studies and design
• dental hygiene
• English

Students enjoy flexible coursework and options to accelerate their degree path. Up to 94% of students receive financial aid, helping them afford their top-notch education from this quality Virginia online school.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,262

Out-of-State: $32,662

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,016

Out-of-State: $30,756

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a top public university. Though it's located in Charlottesville, it offers several online undergraduate and graduate degrees, including:

• interdisciplinary studies
• health sciences management
• public safety
• business analytics
• curriculum and instruction

Though the school offers a relatively small number of online degrees and provides financial aid for just 44% of students, it is a high-ranking university with strong academic standards and a selective admissions process. This makes it one of the top schools for online learners in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $20,986

Out-of-State: $58,014

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $19,118

Out-of-state: $32,022

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Retention Rate: 97%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Featured Online Schools

Let's consider a few top online schools that offer degree programs for students throughout the country. These top colleges are great options for busy adults looking for maximum value in their college experience.

National University

This private school is headquartered in San Diego. It has various campuses and provides flexible online degrees in many areas of study, such as:

• forensic sciences
• digital media design
• general studies
• integrative psychology
• human resource management

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. This school's online programs are designed with busy nontraditional students in mind and provide both flexibility and affordability.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school located near Manchester, NH. It enrolls over 135,000 students, many who study online. There are more than 200 programs to choose from, including:

• communication
• finance
• geosciences
• health information management
• operations management

Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, this school provides flexible courses and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. It is a top choice among online learners, as it also offers affordable tuition and various financial aid options.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It is an exclusively online college providing associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas like:

• business management
• science education
• software engineering
• nursing
• supply chain management

The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It uses a competency-based education model, allowing students maximum flexibility to get their degrees on their terms and to save money along the way.

How We Rank Schools

We use a strenuous vetting process when choosing schools to include in our rank lists. The following criteria, along with data from the NCES College Navigator and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, were used when compiling the list above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, primarily the SACSCOC.
• Reputation: All of the schools have strong reputations for providing high-quality academic programs for both online and in-person students.
• Accessibility: The schools above provide flexible courses, multiple yearly start dates, generous transfer policies, affordable tuition, and/or financial aid opportunities to make school accessible for online students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Virginia

As with anything in life, there are both benefits and drawbacks to online degree programs. Let's look more closely at these pros and cons.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Affordability: Online programs are often more affordable than on-campus programs, as they provide lower tuition rates or charge fewer fees and added expenses.
• Flexibility: Online programs typically allow students to study on their own time or to choose a schedule that works best with their lives.
• Study from anywhere: Students in online degree programs can choose to study wherever they have an internet connection.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Employer skepticism: Though online degrees are gaining popularity, some employers may prefer to hire those with traditional degrees.
• Feeling isolated: Students in online programs sometimes feel isolated from their peers and professors since they don't have face-to-face contact with them.
• Lack of structure: Since online programs are flexible, they tend to lack structure, which may prove challenging for students who are used to a more traditional classroom study format.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in Virginia

When choosing an online school, make sure that any college you are considering is accredited and has a solid reputation. These factors will increase the chances that your online degree will be respected and accepted by potential employers.

You'll also want to consider factors such as tuition and financial aid, related college expenses, admission requirements, and what student resources are available for online learners. Look for schools offering your desired major and, if you have transfer credits, find out if the schools you are considering accept them. Doing this research ahead of time will help you choose which school is the best fit for you.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Virginia Cost?

Average tuition rates vary widely depending on factors like degree level and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Among the schools discussed above, tuition ranges from around $8,700 to more than $58,000 yearly.

Keep in mind, that these figures account for tuition only � additional expenses like fees and book costs may apply. Also, these are only average rates; actual tuition for online students may be lower depending on the institution in question.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Virginia More Affordable

Even the cheapest online colleges in Virginia can be pretty pricey. Fortunately, there are many resources in place to help students afford their education.

Students can complete the FAFSA to apply for federal and state aid like the Pell Grant. They can also apply for private aid like scholarships, save money by applying transfer credits and attending schools with no application fees, and manage their tuition costs better with payment plans. Learn more about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Virginia Scholarships & Grants

Students in Virginia have a variety of scholarship opportunities. Let's look closer at a few of the options.

Granville P. Meade Scholarship

The Granville P. Meade Scholarship is available through the Virginia Department of Education and provides funds for underprivileged high school seniors to attend college. Students must be planning to attend a college or university in Virginia, and those with strong academic records typically have the best chance of earning this award.

Award Amount: $2,000 per year

Deadline: February 3, 2025

Horatio Alger Association Virginia Scholarship

This scholarship is for high school juniors in Virginia whose family incomes are lower than $65,000 a year. Students must be involved in community service or co-curricular activities, display perseverance, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better, and be U.S. citizens to apply.

Award Amount: $10,000

Deadline: March 1, 2025

American Legion Auxiliary Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school seniors who are children of American Legion Auxiliary members in Virginia. Students must plan to attend college full-time and demonstrate academic excellence. Letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and standardized test scores are also required.

Award Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 15, 2025

Top Majors for Virginia Graduates

According to data in Virginia, the following majors are some of the most common for online learners in the state:

• RN-to-BSN: These programs are designed for registered nurses pursuing bachelor's degrees in their field. They are often accelerated bachelor's programs that can lead to numerous career advancement opportunities.
• Healthcare administration: Healthcare administration degrees teach various business skills and tactics and how they specifically apply to healthcare organizations. Bachelor's and master's graduates can pursue various leadership careers in healthcare.
• Business administration: Business administration majors learn essential skills for running all kinds of businesses. They can pursue management and leadership careers and often start their own businesses after earning a bachelor's or master's degree.
• Computer information systems: Often available as bachelor's degrees, computer information systems and related majors provide a well-rounded tech education. Graduates can pursue various tech-related careers and career advancement.
• Psychology: Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviors. Students can pursue this type of degree at every program level but can work in various social service careers with just a bachelor's degree.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Virginia

If you still have questions about studying online in Virginia, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Virginia?

Full-time students typically earn an online degree within four years (for bachelor's programs) or two years (for master's programs). Students with transfer credits, or those pursuing accelerated online degrees in Virginia, can typically finish much sooner � anywhere from one to three years for a bachelor's degree and a year or less for a master's degree.

What Is the Best Online College in Virginia?

Various criteria could be used to determine which Virginia school is the best. When considering the number of degree offerings, graduation rate, and reputation, James Madison University might be considered the best online school in the state.

However, the ''best school'' is a subjective term because what is best for one student may not be best for another. It's important to research various options and choose the school you determine is the best fit for you.

What Is the Easiest Online University in Virginia To Get Into?

To determine the easiest school to get into, you can compare acceptance rates. Several schools in Virginia, most notably Mary Baldwin University, accept 100% of applicants meeting basic admission requirements. Among the schools on this list, Liberty University is the easiest to get into with an acceptance rate of 99%.

Is Online College Worth It in Virginia?

Online college can be highly beneficial, especially for nontraditional students, because they are flexible and affordable. Earning online degrees can help students pursue career advancement and potentially higher salaries, making them more desirable job candidates. As such, online college is typically seen as well worth the investment in Virginia.

Are Online Schools in Virginia Accredited?

Yes, all of the schools discussed in this article are accredited. Each of the schools located in Virginia is accredited by the SACS.

Discover Online Degrees in Virginia

If you're ready to begin your online degree program in Virginia, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to find out more about their programs and determine which one is right for you.