Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
The birthplace of more founding fathers and presidents than any other state, Virginia is also home to some of the nation’s most distinguished colleges. Many colleges in the Old Dominion offer online degrees to meet the demand for more flexible higher education.
And as an online student, you won’t be alone. Many of Virginia’s college students are enrolled in online degree programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 35% of undergraduates in Virginia enrolled exclusively in distance education courses in 2021.
Interested in learning more about online colleges in Virginia? This guide can help you find a school and learn how to finance your education.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Virginia for 2025
Hampton University
Hampton, VA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Students in Hampton University's online programs can pursue majors such as business management, criminal justice, aviation management, and religious studies. Learners looking to pursue master's degrees can complete the school's bachelor of arts in general studies to receive a broad foundation for graduate school. This program also suits students looking to transfer credits from past education.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $300
Out of State | $300
Why Students Choose Hampton:
- Affordable Online Tuition: Hampton has the lowest per-credit undergraduate tuition among the programs on this list. As a private university, in-state and out-of-state learners pay the same cost.
- Religious Studies: HU is the only online school in our ranking to offer an online religious studies program.
- Accelerated Options: Nursing students can choose from two accelerated pathways to BSNs: a one-year program and a two-year program.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Costs for Online Learners: Distance learners pursuing online degrees at HU pay an additional $50 per semester.
- Experiential Learning Requirements: Even online degrees, like the accelerated bachelor's in nursing, may require students to complete in-person learning opportunities to develop real-world experience.
- In-State$26,198
- Out-of-state$26,198
- In-State$13,099
- Out-of-state$13,099
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled3,249
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
James Madison University, headquartered in Harrisonburg, offers multiple online programs. The university runs several bachelor's of individualized study degrees and an online RN-to-BSN program. These distance learning degree-completion programs allow students to customize their core coursework and explore subjects relevant to their career aspirations.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $485
Out of State | $1,062
Why Students Choose JMU:
- Affordable In-State Tuition: Out-of-state costs are significantly higher at JMU.
- Adult Degree Programs: JMU's degree-completion options offer customizable transfer credit pathways.
- Individualized Study Major: The bachelor of individualized study program allows students to create a major that matches their personal and professional goals.
Know Before You Enroll:
- In-Person Requirements: Though all courses are virtual, students in the online RN-to-BSN and special education bachelor's programs must complete in-person experiential learning requirements.
- In-State$7,914
- Out-of-state$25,128
- In-State$11,520
- Out-of-state$28,320
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled22,760
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The online programs at Fairfax-based George Mason University offer parity with its top-tier on-campus offerings. George Mason features 20 undergraduate online programs across various subjects, such as computational and data sciences, business, and health administration. Learners with credits from past education can pursue the school's adult degree-completion options to save additional money and time.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $433
Out of State | $1,452
Why Students Choose George Mason:
- Hybrid Options: In addition to fully online programs, George Mason offers hybrid delivery to students who can commute to its campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Manassas.
- Various Online Delivery Methods: Distance programs at George Mason operate through synchronous and asynchronous methods.
- Online Support: Students can access distance learning resources like George Mason's online writing lab to communicate with tutors via email.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Out-of-State Tuition for Online Learning: The per-credit tuition for nonresidents of Virginia is more than $1,000 higher than the in-state rate.
- Potential Campus Visits: Distance learners can often complete their degrees online, but they may need to visit campus to participate in orientation, complete final exams, or meet lab requirements.
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$34,260
- In-State$13,426
- Out-of-state$35,377
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled39,528
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Norfolk State University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
At Norfolk State University, enrollees can pursue seven bachelor's degrees in fields like history, psychology, health services management, and information management. NSU delivers coursework asynchronously to provide learners with maximum flexibility in scheduling classes and completing assignments.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $463
Out of State | $986
Why Students Choose NSU:
- A Focus on Health Sciences: NSU features undergraduate online degrees in psychology, health services management, and nursing.
- Business Options: Online bachelor's degrees in information management and hospitality management can create workforce-ready, business-savvy professionals.
- Asynchronous Delivery Offers Flexibility: Students can flexibly integrate education into their busy schedules.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Online Fees: Accelerated online programs at NSU charge a $450-$500 fee in addition to standard tuition.
- Real-World Requirements: Some programs may include internships or other experiential learning requirements, making it difficult to maintain full-time employment or take classes fully online while enrolled.
- In-State$5,752
- Out-of-state$16,920
- In-State$8,820
- Out-of-state$20,872
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled5,783
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Old Dominion University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Norfolk's Old Dominion University offers online programs through its ODU Global system. Distance learners can earn bachelor's degrees in 40 different subjects, including full programs and degree-completion pathways. ODU lets enrollees transfer credits from past college experiences and save on general education credit costs.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $408
Out of State | $439
Why Students Choose ODU:
- Affordable Out-of-State Tuition: At just $31 more than the in-state tuition rate, nonresidents and international students can pursue an affordable online education at ODU.
- Full Programs and Degree-Completion Options: The school offers many full online bachelor's programs and degree-completion pathways, providing flexibility and the opportunity for significant credit transfer.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Online Learning Fees: Distance learners at ODU pay an additional $30 per credit for online courses.
- Guaranteed Acceptance: The university maintains partnerships with other schools. Students who earn associate degrees at these partner institutions receive guaranteed acceptance into bachelor's programs at ODU.
- In-State$11,630
- Out-of-state$31,580
- In-State$10,519
- Out-of-state$29,851
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled22,541
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check 
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia reports that the average tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates were $13,554 for the 2022-2023 school year. Of that, undergraduate students paid an average of 46% of education costs, while Virginia provided 54%.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Virginia
The fastest-growing jobs in Virginia are primarily in the fields of healthcare, research, and information technology. Virginia’s aging population, advancements in medical technology, and focus on improved healthcare access have contributed to the demand for healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners and medical and health services managers.
The IT sector in Virginia has experienced rapid expansion thanks to the presence of government agencies, innovative startups, and tech companies. The state has diverse opportunities for fast-growing jobs, such as data scientists and cybersecurity specialists. Positions like these allow you to “stack” skills and certificates as you grow towards leading IT projects and teams.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Mean Annual Salary in Virginia (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 55.6% | $120,870 |
| Physician Assistants | 34.9% | $120,010 |
| Data Scientists | 34.8% | $139,080 |
| Statisticians | 34.7% | $109,980 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 34.7% | $29,500 |
| Epidemiologists | 33.3 | $95,690 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31.7% | $136,370 |
| Information Security Analysts | 30.8% | $134,550 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 28.5% | $65,970 |
| Veterinarians | 26.5% | $118,940 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Virginia’s Job Market
Since the fastest-growing Virginia careers are mainly in healthcare, IT, and data science, degrees in business, computer science, statistics, or healthcare specializations can prepare you with relevant qualifications. Consider the following majors:
Business Administration
A bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA) offers a pathway to several fast-growing Virginia careers. For example, a BBA emphasizing healthcare administration, computer science, or data science could prepare you to become a medical and health services manager, information security analyst, or data scientist, respectively.Computer Science
A bachelor’s in computer science specializing in cybersecurity, information technology, or data science could equip you to undertake some of the most lucrative careers in Virginia. You could become a statistician, data scientist, or information security analyst with this degree.Public Health
A bachelor’s in public health could be the first step to becoming an epidemiologist or medical and health services manager, although you typically need a master’s degree to become an epidemiologist. You could also become a home health administrator with this degree.Nursing
A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) prepares you to pursue additional education to become a nurse practitioner (NP), Virginia’s fastest-growing career, projected to grow an impressive 55.6% between 2022-2032. To become a nurse practitioner, you’ll need to complete an NP-focused master’s or doctoral nursing program and pass a national NP board certification exam.Other Healthcare Majors
Other fast-growing careers in Virginia require specialized degrees. You’ll need at least an associate degree plus licensure to become a physical therapist assistant. To work as a physician assistant, you’ll need a master’s degree and to pass the relevant licensure exams. To become a veterinarian, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree.
What Is the Cost of College in Virginia?
Virginia is one of the most expensive states in America for higher education at public universities. The state has many high-profile public institutions, and their branding allows them to command higher fees.
By contrast, Virginia’s private colleges charge much lower tuition than average. While these schools still cost more than in-state public colleges, you may be able to save money by applying for scholarships and grants, maximizing military benefits, and pursuing your degree online.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in VA | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $14,825 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $37,730 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $24,043 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Virginia
You can save on college costs with scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other opportunities. Scholarships can directly reduce your total expenses. Many of the scholarships below can be renewed for multiple years, allowing you to save more throughout your degree program.
State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program
The SFVA Scholarship Program aims to recognize and reward leadership and scholarship attributes developed through meaningful competition in the State Fair’s youth livestock shows. Awards can be used for continued learning, degree programs, community colleges, trade and technical schools, and certification testing. The deadline is January 22.
Award Amount: $800-$2,561
Sharen and Mila Kohute Scholarship
The sponsors award this scholarship twice annually to female, first-generation college students. To apply, you must live in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, or Pennsylvania and submit an essay outlining your potential. The deadlines fall in March and October.
Award Amount: $1,000
Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program
The VTSLP provides funding for enrollees planning to pursue a teaching career in a shortage area. You must be enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited Virginia college to apply. You also must hold a minimum 2.7 GPA and receive a nomination from your college. Award recipients must teach in a qualifying area for two years after graduation; if they do not, the funds must be repaid. The application deadline varies.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program
VTAG awards grant funding to full-time students attending a participating private college or university in Virginia. You must reside in Virginia for at least one year prior to applying for a VTAG award. VTAG applications can be submitted to your school’s financial aid office by September 15 prior to the fall semester of enrollment.
Award Amount: Up to $12,750 per year
Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship
The Better Business Bureau honors high school seniors from the BBB’s 32-county service area of Virginia who personify ethics through leadership, community service, and actions. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be present at the award ceremony to receive the scholarship. The application deadline is January 31.
Award Amount: $1,500
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Virginia
Tuition reciprocity allows nonresident students from certain states to access in-state tuition through the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market. Virginia is a participant, along with Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
If you live in any of these states, you could save money on attending a Virginia school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Virginia
According to NCES, some of the cheapest online colleges in Virginia include Patrick & Henry Community College, Eastern Shore Community College, Virginia State University, and Old Dominion University.
Average annual tuition for associate and bachelor’s programs at these schools ranges from around $3,500-$15,000, with the two-year schools costing less than the four-year universities.
Related articles that may interest you
Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia
To obtain one of these lucrative careers, consider earning an online degree in West Virginia. Learn more about the most affordable online programs.
Updated September 21, 2023
Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2025
Find out how much it costs to attend college in North Carolina and how you can save money by studying online at an in-state university.
Updated April 23, 2025
Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025
Research the average cost of college in Georgia, explore the state’s fastest-growing career paths, and connect with affordable Georgia schools.
Updated April 2, 2025