Updated: Sep 8, 2023, 11:08am
Virginia is a state to watch as its technology sector becomes one of the most diverse and fast-paced in the nation. The Old Dominion has also carved solid paths in other industries, including food manufacturing and aerospace. Plus, Virginia workers make relatively high salaries compared to national averages for several careers, including data scientists and public relations managers.
If you’re considering making Virginia the home of your future academic and professional career, keep reading. We’ve evaluated Virginia’s online colleges to bring you our top 10 picks, based on a strict methodology. These online colleges in Virginia can provide you with the academic know-how and hands-on learning experiences you need to build your dream career.
Read on to learn about the best online colleges in Virginia. Our ranking considers the factors that matter most to students just like you, like affordability, student outcomes and learning experiences.
Our Methodology
Best Virginia Online Colleges
Should You Enroll in an Online College in Virginia?
Thousands of students choose Virginia online colleges to earn their bachelor’s degrees. For the 2021-22 school year, 39,395 bachelor’s students enrolled exclusively in Virginia’s distance education programs, according to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. The state has seen distance learning grow in popularity in recent years.
Still, online education fits the needs of some students, but not all. Before applying to one of Virginia’s online colleges, consider the following factors.
- What’s your budget for college expenses? Though public universities usually charge higher tuition rates to out-of-state students, some online colleges extend in-state rates to all distance learners, regardless of where they live. If you’re not a Virginia resident, consider seeking a school that offers in-state or reduced tuition rates to all online learners.
- Do online classes fit your learning style? Studying from home on your own schedule might sound pretty easy, but it can be difficult to stay motivated when working independently. If you thrive in more social environments or prefer face-to-face interactions with your instructors, in-person or hybrid classes may suit you better.
- How will your schedule adapt to school? Do you work full time, or are you a caregiver for a child or an aging parent? If so, finding time for in-person classes can be challenging. Online programs are generally more fluid. For the most flexibility, seek an online program with asynchronous classes or evening or weekend times that fit your schedule.
Best Online Colleges By State
- Best Online Colleges In Arizona
- Best Online Colleges In California
- Best Online Colleges In Florida
- Best Online Colleges In Georgia
- Best Online Colleges In Indiana
- Best Online Colleges In Kentucky
- Best Online Colleges In Massachusetts
- Best Online Colleges In Michigan
- Best Online Colleges New Hampshire
- Best Online Colleges In New Mexico
- Best Online Colleges In New York
- Best Online Colleges In North Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Ohio
- Best Online Colleges In Oklahoma
- Best Online Colleges In Pennsylvania
- Best Online Colleges In South Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Tennessee
- Best Online Colleges In Texas
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Virginia
All of the online colleges in Virginia ranked on this page hold institutional accreditation. Accrediting agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education provide institutional accreditation, which assures that a school meets strict standards for academic excellence and student outcomes.
If you plan to transfer previously earned college credits to an accredited online college in Virginia, your credits must come from an accredited school to be eligible for transfer. Federal student aid eligibility also hinges on whether you attend an accredited school.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the largest institutional accreditor in Virginia. Look for an accreditation page on a school’s website to learn whether it’s accredited and by what accrediting body. You can also browse CHEA’s institutional accreditation directory to find accredited schools.
How To Find the Right VA Online College for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Online colleges in Virginia differ in terms of degree offerings, research focus and other critical factors, meaning some schools might align with your goals better than others. When researching schools, think about your plans for after graduation, and consider how each of your options might help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Ask yourself: Do you want to pursue further education or transition straight into the workforce? If moving on to graduate school is your goal, consider finding an online program with an accelerated format that allows you to begin earning graduate credits while enrolled in a bachelor’s program. On the other hand, a practical program with an internship requirement might be better if you plan to begin your career immediately after graduation.
If your career path requires or encourages a professional credential, ensure your degree program meets the educational requirements for that credential, which may include specific coursework and field experiences.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The online schools in our ranking charge $300 to $511 per credit for bachelor’s degree tuition. With these tuition rates, a typical 120-credit program costs $9,000 to $15,330 per year.
The National Center for Education Statistics pulls tuition data from public and private schools nationwide, including Virginia. NCES’s most recent data, which reflects the 2020-21 school year, reports that the average Virginia-based public school student paid $13,931 per year in tuition and fees Out-of-state learners in Virginia paid $36,193, and Virginia’s private schools charged an average of $23,220 yearly. In comparison, the best online schools in Virginia cost less.
To lower their overall costs, students attending online colleges in Virginia can apply for federal student aid, including student loans, grants and work-study programs, by completing the FAFSA. Many schools also offer their own institutional forms of financial aid, like grants, scholarships, and school-based loans or payment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Virginia Online Colleges
What is the best online school in Virginia?
According to our ranking, the best online school in Virginia is George Mason University, which offers several distance-learning bachelor’s degrees and degree-completion programs. However, the best Virginia online college for you is whichever one aligns best with your goals, budget and expectations. Give yourself plenty of time to research various schools before applying.
How much is online college in Virginia?
The Virginia online colleges in our ranking charge $300 to $511 per credit, or about $9,000 to $15,330 per year. For maximum affordability, consider schools with a specific tuition rate for online learners or schools that charge the same tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.