Best Online Colleges in Virginia

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On average, college graduates make more money over the course of their lifetime. However, nontraditional students may have limitations. For instance, working adults may need to earn a college degree around their work schedule. With online degrees in Virginia, a student can complete schoolwork around his or her work schedule without dealing with any travel time. A working adult can go back to school for the first time, switch careers, or advance in his or her current position while still working. 

Parents can also benefit from online degrees in Virginia. A parent can take care of his or her kids during the day and complete his or her degree at night. He or she could also choose to complete coursework while his or her children are at school or even busy doing their homework. For rural students, Virginia online degrees can bring the school to them. They don’t have to worry about sitting in traffic or driving long distances. When the weather isn’t ideal, a student can still complete coursework for Virginia online degrees, unless he or she doesn’t have internet.

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How We Ranked the Best Online Colleges in Virginia

All of the colleges and universities featured in the Value Colleges Best Online Colleges in Virginia ranking meet VC’s requirements. They are reputable and legitimately accredited, and have demonstrated their value as an investment. Schools are ranked by the number of fully online bachelor’s degree programs they offer.

1. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers 42 online bachelor’s degree completion programs. ODU Online is recognized among the best online colleges in Virginia, with 16 full degree programs as well. The completion programs from ODU Online typically complete the baccalaureate requirements for students who have previously earned an associate degree, which is roughly equivalent to 60 credit units. Old Dominion University permits eligible students to obtain graduate credit units while completing a bachelor-level degree program.

Old Dominion University was established in 1930.  ODU’s campus covers more than 250 acres and serves upwards of 25,000 students. Old Dominion University is organized into six colleges/schools, plus an online distance learning platform. The ODU Online platform is the latest in ODU’s distance learning programs, which began more than 25 years ago. Old Dominion University began as a satellite facility for the College of William and Mary.

Number of Online Programs: 42

school website

2. Liberty University

Liberty University offers more than 40 online bachelor’s degree programs in the areas of Arts & Sciences, Aeronautics, Education, Government, Behavior Sciences, Health Science, Business, Info Technology, Law, Music, Nursing, Divinity, Communication, Visual Arts and Sports Management. Best Colleges recognizes LU among the best online colleges in Virginia and in the country, as Liberty University’s online platform offers a convenient and flexible course delivery format for busy parents or working learners. Liberty University’s tuition rates have been the same for the past several years to help reduce a student’s college costs.

Liberty University was established in 1971. The school is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian Church and operates the school on 7,000 acres in suburban Virginia. KU offers more than 500 programs through its 17 colleges/schools. Liberty University is recognized among the largest Christian institutions of higher education across the globe.

Number of Online Programs: 42

school website

3. Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University offers fourteen different degree programs that can be completed entirely online. As one of the best online colleges in Virginia, the programs provided by Mary Baldwin University are in the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, Health Sciences, History, English, Business, Criminal Justice, and Business. Mary Baldwin University’s application is cost-free, and the school permits the transfer of eligible credits up to 84 credits. Degree candidates may receive credit for military/professional work experience. MBU is recognized as the best regional university in the southern United States by US News and the Princeton Review. The university offers options to waive GRE or GMAT requirements.

Mary Baldwin University was established in 1842. Mary Baldwin University is located in the small city of Staunton, and is home to more than 1,700 undergraduate, graduate, and online students. Mary Baldwin University is an institution of higher education for women and men dedicated to leadership.

Number of Online Programs: 14

school website

4. George Mason University

George Mason University’s Office of Digital Learning offers ten distance learning (convenient and flexible scheduled) degree programs that meet associate or bachelor’s degree program requirements. Applied Science degrees are offered for Technology, Cybersecurity, and Health/Wellness. Baccalaureate online degree programs from one of the best online colleges in Virginia include Health Administration, Sports Management, Psychology, RN to BSN, Computer Game Design, Information Technology, and Management. George Mason University’s online courses are taught by the same quality faculty that teaches on George Mason’s campus. 

George Mason University (GMU) was established in 1949. GMU’s campuses (4 in VA and one in South Korea) serve more than 35,000 students studying for degrees offered by GMU’s colleges/schools. George Mason University’s faculty to student ratio is 17 to 1. George Mason University holds the distinction of being the largest public institution of higher education in Virginia.

Number of Online Programs: 10

school website

5. Hampton University

Hampton University offers ten bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed entirely online. Affordable Colleges Online recognizes Hampton University among the best online colleges in Virginia. The school offers three Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs in Paralegal, Religious, or General Studies. Hampton U Online also offers five Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs in the areas of Aviation or Business Management, Systems Organization (also available with a Human Resource Management specialty), and Criminal Justice. Hampton University has two online accelerated Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. Hampton U Online offers flexible and convenient delivery of quality academic degree programs.

Hampton University was established in 1868 and is recognized as an HBCU (Historically Black College/University) institution of higher learning. This private university’s campus is located in suburban Hampton and home to more than 4,500 students. Hampton University is the home of the oldest museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Number of Online Programs: 10

school website

6. Bluefield College

Bluefield College is recognized among the best online colleges in Virginia for the eight quality online degrees it offers through its flexible and convenient distance learning platform. Bluefield College’s online degree programs employ 8-week classes that are affordable and accredited. Bluefield’s online bachelor’s degree programs are available in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Cybersecurity, RN-BSN Nursing, Ministry Leadership, Human Services, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice. Bluefield College has received recognition as an affordable college, military-friendly, and one of the best online colleges in Virginia.

Bluefield College was established in 1922 and is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The school’s 80+ acre campus faces East River Mountain and is home to nearly 1,000 students. Bluefield College is organized with five colleges/schools in the area of education, nursing, sciences, professional programs, and arts & letters. Bluefield College’s campus is located on the state line between Virginia and West Virginia. 

Number of Online Programs: 8

school website

7. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University offers seven bachelors’ degree programs that can be completed entirely online through NSU’s distance learning platform, which are accessible 24/7. These baccalaureate programs, recognized from a school listed among the best online colleges in Virginia, include undergraduate degrees in the Management of Health Services, Hospitality/Tourism, Business/Information, history, Psychology, RN to BSN, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Additionally, Norfolk State University provides online learning options for four education graduate degrees and one master’s degree in cybersecurity. NSU’s distance learning platform provides immediate feedback to help keep students informed of their course status.

Norfolk State University was established in 1935 as a satellite unit of Virginia State University. NSU’s urban campus is built upon the land, which was once a golf course. The campus is home to more than 5,000 students studying for degrees offered by the university’s eight colleges/schools. Norfolk State University is recognized as a historically black college/university (HBCU).

Number of Online Programs: 7

school website

8. Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University offers convenient and flexible online learning options by providing six bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed online. WVU, ranked among the best online colleges in Virginia, offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs in the areas of criminal justice, business, environmental studies, social service, liberal studies, and sustainability management. Virginia Wesleyan University has a generous policy regarding the transfer of credits – up to 96 credits for undergraduate distance learning degree programs! WVU provides a rolling admission schedule of six start dates each year. It is noted that 98%+ students at WVU receive some type of financial assistance.

Virginia Wesleyan University was established in 1961. WVU operates four colleges/schools with degree programs in the Arts & Humanities, Math and Natural Sciences, Social Science, and Professional Studies. Highlight – Virginia Wesleyan University shares its campus with Chesapeake Bay Academy, a school devoted to the needs of students with disabilities.

Number of Online Programs: 6

school website

9. Radford University

Radford University offers five bachelor’s level degree programs that are available 100% online, making the school one of the best online colleges in Virginia. The baccalaureate degree programs are provided for the fields of Nursing (RN to BSN), Public Health, Emergency Services, Healthcare Administration, and Health Sciences. The distance learning degree programs are accessible to residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, of the United States, and the world. Radford University

Radford University was established in 1910. The school’s Shenandoah Valley campus covers more than 200 acres and serves more than 9,000 students. Radford University is organized into six undergraduate colleges/schools and one graduate school. The school’s urban campus is home to more than 1,500 students. Radford University is one of only eight universities in Virginia permitted to bestow a doctoral-level degree.

Number of Online Programs: 5

school website

10. Averett University

Averett University, one of the best online colleges in Virginia, offers three online degree programs specifically for working adults or busy parents. Averett University’s distance learning programs in the fields of leadership studies, criminal justice/sociology, and business administration can all be completed entirely online. Primarily, the fundamental coursework for Averett University’s online baccalaureate degrees is offered asynchronously – i.e., accessible by students when their schedule allows. The online platform provided by Averett University offers group discussions, practical applications of theoretical constructs, and a well-qualified faculty connected to online learners.

Averett University was established in 1859 and was initially affiliated with the Baptist Church. The school offers about 30 majors in associate and bachelor’s degrees and several graduate-level degrees in education and business programs to its nearly 1,900 students. Averett University operates an equestrian center at the Virginia – North Carolina border. 

Number of Online Programs: 3

school website

What is the Value of Online College in Virginia?

While it’s possible to succeed without a college degree, it’s more difficult, and there aren’t any guarantees. However, with a college education, a person has a solid foundation to build his or her career from.

More today than ever before students are seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online in addition to a certificate or continuing education programs. The workforce, corporate America, and business owners nationwide now respect these degrees just as traditional degrees are respected across the board. As a desirable and viable option for gaining an education, particularly for working adults or students who need to juggle other commitments, online education in many cases also offers the same networking benefits, internship opportunities, and community or global connections as found on campus.

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Virginia?

While choices were limited initially when it came to online degrees, today, students can benefit from numerous options for online degree programs in Virginia. For instance, a student can choose between Virginia online degree programs for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs as well as certificate programs.

Associate online degree programs in Virginia give students the option to earn a degree in business, criminal justice, healthcare administration, elementary education, marketing, or psychology, among others. Nursing is another major for online degree programs in Virginia. This program, however, isn’t available at an associate’s level. A person can only find it as online bachelor degree programs in Virginia or graduate programs. As one of the online bachelor degree programs in Virginia, a student can only start at this level because a person needs clinical experience to earn an LPN or RN. 

A pupil can choose between various master’s degree programs as Virginia online degree programs, such as a forensic psychology degree or a business degree with a focus on marketing. A doctorate degree is available online for subjects like industrial/organizational psychology. 

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Virginia?

Price can deter an individual from wanting to obtain a degree on or off-campus. However, a person can save money by earning a degree online since they’re usually cheaper than an on-campus program.

Additionally, a person can search for schools that have low tuition rates. Generally, a public school is less expensive than a private one since public schools receive government funding. Moreover, the regional campuses of public schools are less expensive in most cases. 

When choosing the cheapest online college in Virginia, a person should look into online community colleges in Virginia. Online community colleges in Virginia offer students the benefit of quality education at an affordable rate. A student can choose to earn his or her undergraduate at the cheapest online college in Virginia and then switch to a public or private university. On the other hand, the person can choose to earn credits at a community college and then transfer to a major 4-year college.

A pupil should look into employer reimbursement. This particular option consists of a student agreeing to work for an employer for a certain length of time. The employer, in return, pays for a portion of the student’s education.  

Are There Online Public Universities in Virginia? 

Public universities can offer students a quality education. Virginia online campuses at public universities are often offered by a school that has accreditation from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Sometimes, the program itself receives an acknowledgment from an accrediting agency. 

Virginia online colleges also offer individuals the benefit of high-quality education, often at a less expensive tuition rate than a private school. 

A public university, in many cases, already has a strong reputation in the community because it offered on-campus programs before online programs. The reputation of the school has a huge impact on whether a person gets hired or not. Employers respect degrees from certain schools more so than others. 

The programs supplied by Virginia online colleges that are public universities are often the same as the programs that they offer on campus. Therefore, a student is learning the same material. The online program is just set up without books, and students either type or voice their comments with instructors and other students.

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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