Affordable Online Colleges in VA
Home to more than eight million residents and dozens of colleges and universities, Virginia serves students nationwide and globally. The state hosts some of the country's top public and private colleges, such as the University of Virginia. Online colleges in Virginia let students earn a degree from anywhere.
Our guide provides information on online colleges in Virginia. Read on to learn about costs, residency requirements, and the advantages of attending college in the state. This page also covers the top college degrees and fastest-growing careers in Virginia.
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Questions About Online Colleges in Virginia
How long do you need to live in Virginia to get in-state tuition?
Students must live in Virginia for at least 12 months before their first day of college to gain state residency.
Can Virginia residents attend college for free?
Virginia residents must still pay standard in-state tuition rates at public colleges. Students can fund their education through grants, scholarships, and loans.
How many colleges and universities are in Virginia?
Virginia has more than 85 accredited colleges and universities, including 47 private nonprofit colleges. The state also boasts 15 public four-year colleges and 23 community colleges.
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Online Colleges in Virginia 2022
#1 Online Schools In Virginia
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The nonprofit school Liberty University offers a comprehensive catalog that includes liberal arts and professional studies degrees. Online learning allows working students to conveniently earn accredited degrees.
Students traditionally complete a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in four years. Graduate students complete a master’s program in two years on average. Students earn their degree using live and recorded classes. Faculty blend classroom instruction with experiential learning such as internships or practicums. Nontraditional learners complete assignments within a set time frame.
Students can begin their education at the school with certificates or associate degrees. Students at the university benefit from online support services such as tutoring and career advising. Distance learners pay competitive tuition rates. Virtual learners pay an average of $750 per credit for bachelor’s degrees. The school accepts 51% of applicants.
Liberty University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Schools In Virginia
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
An undergraduate degree from Regent University helps professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. In total, 9,507 online learners enroll at the school. Distance learners receive a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience through internships and practicums. Students can access support services online and in person. Learners can pursue peer tutoring to excel in their classes.
Degree-seekers at Regent University can begin their education with a bachelor’s or associate degree. The school’s generous transfer policy facilitates faster bachelor’s degree completion. Online learners pay $17,220 for in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Working professionals complete online master’s degrees in two years on average. Doctoral degrees can take more than four years to complete. Students enrolled in graduate programs pay $15,552 for in-state tuition. Prospective students can explore private and institutional scholarships to help fund their degree.
Online learners can choose from multiple start dates. Hopeful students can expect an 86% admission rate. Programs help learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to impress employers. Prospective students can use entrance scores to bolster their application. The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Schools In Virginia
Old Dominion University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Old Dominion University offers online degrees that do not compromise quality. Enrollees at Old Dominion University, a public school, can earn one of 62 online degrees. The institution enrolls online learners in some of the nation’s top programs. Students choose from a catalog of bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Nontraditional learners choose online learning so they can continue their careers.
The school’s online programs attract students who need flexibility. Nontraditional learners transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Applicants need not submit test scores. Applicants can expect an 89% admission rate. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a recognized accrediting body.
Old Dominion University at a Glance:
Status of School: Public
Students Pursuing Online Degrees: 12,854
Online Programs Available: 62
Total Bachelor’s Programs Online: 20
Per-Credit Tuition: $492
Undergraduate Tuition In State: $7,029 a year
Undergraduate Tuition Out Of State: $26,664 a year
Rate of Admission: 89%
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Schools In Virginia
Radford University
- Radford, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The top-ranked online programs at Radford University make it one of the best online schools. At the public institution, remote learners choose from programs in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Many programs let students earn a college degree entirely remotely. Online enrollees can complete classwork from home instead of on campus in Virginia.
Remote classroom spaces let distance learners interact with teachers and peers in their online programs. Participants transition to the workforce smoothly because of the knowledge and skills gained through the institution's many experiential learning opportunities. The school provides distance learners with academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling to support their academic journeys.
Diverse students get their different needs met by the accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level program offerings. The flexible format makes completing graduation requirements easier for degree-seekers.
Radford University Facts:
Total Online Learners: 5,339
Available Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Students Receiving Aid: 88%
Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 66%
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Schools In Virginia
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
As one of the best online schools, George Mason University offers top-ranked online programs. Online learners at the public institution enroll in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science programs. Completing a 100% online degree is an option with many programs. Doing class assignments from home lets remote enrollees skip commuting to the Fairfax, Virginia, campus.
Learners in online programs communicate with teachers and peers in virtual classroom settings. The institution's experiential learning opportunities help participants transition into the workforce. Distance learners at the school get access to academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
Undergraduate and graduate programs are available at the accredited online institution to meet the different needs of all kinds of students. Degree-seekers can complete the requirements for graduation more easily because of the flexible format.
George Mason University Numbers:
Per-Credit Tuition: 862
Student Pursuing Degrees Online: 12,614
Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Total Available Online Master's Programs: 14
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 74%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 43%
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Earn a Degree in Virginia Online?
Virginia ranks as one of the country's best states for higher education, according to SmartAsset. Colleges in Virginia boast an average undergraduate graduation rate of 72%. The state's colleges also feature a low student-to-teacher ratio of about 16-to-1.
Online colleges in Virginia offer various programs in most major professional and academic fields. Virginia students can enroll at some of the country's top public colleges, including William & Mary and the University of Virginia.
How Much Does College Cost in Virginia?
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia reports in-state students paid an average of $13,180 for the 2021-2022 school year. This figure does not include room and board. However, most online students do not pay for campus housing. This may save them thousands of dollars a year.
In-state tuition rates in Virginia increased slightly for the 2021-2022 school year, though at a lower rate compared to previous years.
Out-of-state students attending Virginia colleges paid an average of $35,831 in 2019-2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Virginia participates in the Academic Common Market, which lets out-of-state students in participating states pay the in-state tuition rate for certain programs.
According to NCES, public colleges in Virginia charged an average of $13,655 for the 2019-2020 school year. However, average tuition expenses vary by school. The University of Virginia, a top-ranked public college, charged an average of $17,240 for the 2021-2022 school year.
The NCES reports private colleges in Virginia charged an average tuition rate of $23,493 in 2019-2020. However, tuition varies by school. For example, Washington and Lee University charged $58,260 for the 2021-2022 school year. Hollins University charged $39,360.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students who enroll at online colleges in Virginia often save on transportation and childcare costs. However, most schools charge additional fees for online learning. These fees may cover tech support, online resources, and other services for distance learners.
Online students usually pay for standard administrative fees, such as graduation. They also need to buy textbooks and school supplies.
Some online programs include required campus sessions. Students must usually pay travel expenses for these in-person meetings. Some sessions last multiple days, requiring learners to pay for lodging.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Virginia
The Virginia Employment Commission projects jobs in all occupations to grow 6.6% from 2018-2028. This chart highlights five of the state's fastest-growing jobs. Most of these positions are in the healthcare field.
These professionals use therapeutic activities to treat patients with injuries and disabilities. They take instructions from physical therapists and follow treatment plans based on specific exercises. Occupational therapy assistants often work in healthcare facilities. They may also work in schools, nursing homes, or homecare.
These aides work alongside physical therapists. They help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They may help patients perform exercises and treat injuries using massage or stretches. Physical therapist aides may also perform other tasks related to patient care, such as setting up equipment, moving patients, and recording patient data.
These professionals help individuals manage their money and meet financial goals. They may provide assistance with mortgages, estate planning, and taxes. Personal financial advisors often provide advice about investment opportunities. They help clients make financial decisions based on their research.
These workers transport sick and injured patients to hospitals and other medical facilities. They work alongside paramedics to lift patients into ambulances. While they primarily focus on driving, these professionals may also need basic first-aid skills.
Also known as advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners (NPs) treat patients and perform many healthcare tasks. More specialized than typical nurses, NPs may provide primary care to patients. In most states, they can diagnose medical problems, order tests, and prescribe medications. NPs may consult with physicians on more specialized patient issues.
Salary Potential and Growth Rate
| Occupation |
Median Annual Wage |
Growth Rate (2020-2022) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants |
$71,660 |
4.3% |
| Physical Therapist Aides |
$29,950 |
6.3% |
| Personal Financial Advisors |
$93,710 |
4.8% |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants (Except Emergency Medical Technicians) |
$24,970 |
4.5% |
| Nurse Practitioners |
$110,730 |
9.3% |
Source: VirginiaWorks.com
Top Bachelor's Degrees Awarded in Virginia
Virginia online colleges offer many degrees in academic and professional subjects. Students can choose from most traditional fields along with specialized academic programs. This list highlights some of the most popular programs at colleges in Virginia.
Public Four-Year Institutions, 2020-21
| Programs |
Total Degrees Awarded |
| Psychology, General |
3,121 |
| Business Administration and Management, General |
2,827 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General |
2,576 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies |
1,900 |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse |
1,605 |
Private, Nonprofit Four-Year Institutions, 2020-21
| Programs |
Total Degrees Offered |
| Business Administration and Management, General |
4,600 |
| Psychology, General |
2,075 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other |
2,056 |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse |
1,002 |
| Religion/Religious Studies |
824 |
Source: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
