
Virginia is widely recognized for its robust educational system that, among other features, integrates an array of college programs. A member of the Southern Regional Education Board, Virginia is also home to online universities and colleges that produce the most competent future professionals.

Recently, online registration in Virginia’s higher academic institutions has shown a significant rise. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that enrollment in online college programs in the state rose by 1.2% within the years 2014 and 2015. There were 4,000 more online bachelor’s students during this period.


Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education, a government body, is tasked to advance post-secondary education in the state. In 2014, the council’s Virginia Plan for Higher Education focused on providing more affordable higher learning alternatives for returning and nontraditional students.
METHODOLOGY
To help make the online school selection process easy for prospective students, the staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com sorted through the many options in Virginia. Our 5 Top Online Schools in Virginia all feature a diverse range of online programs that demonstrate their commitment to quality education. Here are the factors that we took into account in creating this list:
- Rigorous coursework and robust techniques that are similar to, or exceed, on-campus instruction,
- A top-rated virtual learning platform as an essential tool for online coursework access and discussions,
- Industry-best online faculty,
- Accreditation from academic agencies that promote academic excellence.
See our Methodology Page to know more about our ranking process.

University of Virginia

Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia is a non-profit university with about 20,000 students—most of whom belong to the top 10% of their high schools. The university had a four-year graduation rate of 89% in 2013.
The University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies has about three online degree programs and 15 certificate programs. The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is considered to be a degree completion program, having various specializations like information technology, business, and cybersecurity. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science Management (B.P.H.M) was created for students possessing technical backgrounds. There is also a Master of Public Safety (M.P.S) degree program that aims to equip students in topics like threats to public safety and relational policing.
Other online bachelor’s degree programs offered at the university are health sciences, project management, human resource management, public administration, accounting, and information technology. Online students may also earn undergraduate certificates in human resources management credentials, federal acquisition, and accounting. The school also offers graduate certificates in public administration, leadership, and digital marketing. Students can also receive a non-credit certificate in public relations.
Coursework is delivered online in both asynchronous and synchronous formats through various tools like forums, instant messaging, blogs, and video conferences. These strategies encourage dynamic interaction between students and faculty. The university has a web portal, the UVaCollab, which is an essential tool for all online students. It allows them to utilize media gallery tools, discussion forums, instant messaging, and video conferencing for coursework completion.
Tuition is $1,275 per credit hour while online tuition for active military personnel is $250 per credit hour. There are also military discounts and resident tuition rates. At present, out-of-state students who are enrolled in K-12 educators programs pay more than the average tuition for in-state students. Bachelor of Interdisciplinary students, on the other hand, pay the same tuition regardless of their residency.
Students and alumni obtain career assistance through job connections, industry guidance, and resume reviews.
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- $25 nonrefundable application fee
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Liberty University

Liberty University is an educational structure consisting of 17 schools and colleges with curricula founded on Christian beliefs. The university was founded in 1971, and it has a population of 100,000 students from all American states and 80 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is relatively low at 17:1, enabling students to obtain quality education in a convenient setting.
Bachelor’s degree programs include certificates and degree programs in international business, aviation, and criminal justice. Graduate opportunities involve certificate and degree programs in graphic design, public health, and applied communication studies. Postgraduate students can explore fields such as education, nursing practice, and strategic leadership. Candidates can pursue a diploma at the Wilmington School of the Bible, and high school students may engage in dual enrollment for earning college credits.
The programs are synchronous but require asynchronous participation. Students who are new to distance learning obtain tutorial sessions and attend classes through the Blackboard virtual platform. Liberty also has a wide range of academic services that include study aids, note-taking tips, exam preparations, a writing center, and library access. Online students may access their grades through the university’s ASIST tool, view their accounts, and submit tuition payments. Transfer credits may be obtained through numerous certificate programs, military training, professional experience, and college credit exams.
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- SAT and ACT Scores
- Official high school transcripts
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

George Mason University

George Mason University (GMU) is a massive research institution that houses 30,000 students from 130 countries and is a part of the Online Virginia Network. The proximity of the university to the Washington metro area means that the faculty has a close connection with government agencies. The university also offers online students accessibility to after-hours nursing counsel care of the Student Health Services.
GMU has more than 50 online and hybrid degree programs. The opportunities for online study include nine online undergraduate degree programs in specific fields such as information technology, nursing, psychology, and computer game design. A popular online bachelor’s degree offered in this university is the B.F.A. in Game Design.
Graduate students may pursue online degree programs in fields like business administration, health informatics, education leadership, and accounting. Graduate programs include a Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics and an M.S. in Biodefense. Students may also acquire hybrid master’s degree programs or graduate certificates in areas such as telecommunications, literacy, and geospatial intelligence. Numerous departments deliver online courses in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, and specific programs have on-campus components.
Online students may take advantage of online journals and eBooks through the school library, and they can consult a librarian through phone calls, email, and instant messaging. The library also gives tutorial sessions to assist students in terms of research, and they also provide materials to students via a document delivery service. The online writing laboratory enables students to communicate via email for tutor review. The Career Services department, on the other hand, assists students through job postings and practice interviews. Virtual students may look for online health advice or visit the campus for free healthcare.
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.66
- SAT and ACT Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Hampton University

Hampton University, named initially as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, is a non-profit university founded in 1868. Today, the school focuses on research and community development. During the fall of 2017, the student population reached more than 4,000, and more than 25% of these students registered for liberal arts and education programs.
The university has a comprehensive online program, and it offers about 25 online degrees and six doctorate degrees. Certificate programs are also present in the fields of entrepreneurship, human resource management, and paralegal studies. Online students may also pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in areas like educational management, business administration, counseling, nursing, and aviation management.
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management is one of its well-known undergraduate programs, and there is also an online undergraduate program offered in an accelerated format, the R.N. to B.S.N degree program. The school runs a Master of Science in Sports Administration and a Master of Arts in Counseling program. Doctorate programs include a Ph.D. in Nursing and a Ph.D. in Education Management.
Online coursework can be taken to preview programs through Blackboard technology. Undergraduate students may take at least six credits for every eight-week session or nine credits for a 16-week session. Through this arrangement, students complete their degree programs in four years. Nevertheless, graduate programs may differ, and applicants need to check their respective program timeframes. Students may graduate earlier through credit assessment, yet the university charges fees for this. Applicants may also obtain credits for professional training or experience, exams, military experience, and prior classes.
The university also provides support services for online students, such as career assistance and library accessibility. Its Career Center offers seminars and workshops on various topics like financial management, interview skills, resumes, and professional clothing, in addition to, attending job fairs that introduce students to their possible employers.
Location: Hampton, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Official High School transcripts
- SAT or ACT Scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Essay
- Application fee
- Interview
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) has a population of 25,000 students from various countries. The university has 30 years of experience in terms of online learning, and the academic institution has nearly 14,000 graduates of online learning programs with a 97% student satisfaction rate.
ODU has online bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs, with minors and certificate programs in areas like sports management, professional writing, online teaching, dental hygiene, cyber systems security, and accounting. Applicants can complete Virginia college online degree programs through asynchronous or synchronous web conferences, depending on the course, and they may register in accelerated classes for faster completion of their degree programs. Applicants may also take online quizzes to know if online learning is most appropriate to their needs.
The university has several benefits for transfer students. For example, ODU conducts eligible admission agreements with academic institutions in the Virginia Community College system and other outside-of-the-state colleges. This allows students to be admitted into ODU after earning an associate degree from participating schools. In most cases, transfer credits can fulfill the lower-level requirements for general education coursework.
The university also assesses unofficial transcripts for free so that students may perceive how prior education may affect program needs. Degree seekers may utilize the Monarch TRANSFERmation to be able to research equivalent coursework for previous classes. Military experience and training provide credited towards an ODU degree.
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- High school GPA of at least 3.29 or higher
- SAT and ACT Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges


The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the rise in demand for post-secondary education as a requirement for employment. Such is the case in Virginia. In fact, employers in the state require 67% of their workers to be holders of a post-secondary degree, and 23% of them to have earned a bachelor’s degree. Roughly 13% of all employers in Virginia consider candidates with advanced degrees.
Virginia ranks fourth in graduation rates in the United States, with 49.1% of students earning their degree within four years, according to 2013 BLS data. Because of the growing accessibility to distance learning across the state, students have the opportunity to improve their marketability and earning power.

Virginia takes pride in its 131 degree-granting higher education academic institutions, of which 40 are public educational institutions, 43 are nonprofit schools, and 48 are for-profit academies. This data covers all forms of degree-granting schools, which includes two-year community colleges, four-year universities, and special-focus schools.
Of the 20 million students registered in degree-granting post-secondary academic institutions in the country, nearly 557,000 study in Virginia. However, the total college enrollment in various states has declined by more than 20%, the registration in higher universities and colleges has been stable since 2010. Moreover, the number of students enrolled in academic institutions in Virginia has increased by about 180,000 since 2000.
Reports indicate that the average tuition and fees in public, four-year universities in Virginia during the 2018-2019 academic year was $13,490 for in-state students. The median in-state tuition for public, two-year academic colleges was $5,127 during this period. Notably, from 2018 to 2020, both tuition and fees at the University of Virginia reached $16,520 for in-state students and $47,562 for out-of-state students.
The National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs stated that Virginia received $90.6 million in non-need based grants and $365.2 million in need-based financial aid for the school year 2015 to 2016. The state was granted a $200 million increase in need-based financial aid from 2013 to 2014.
METHODOLOGY
Tucked away in Virginia are top-quality colleges and universities that offer adult learners the convenience and flexibility of online degree programs. Students get access to such academic institutions that feature low tuition and fees, as well as access to scholarships and financial aid programs. Our 5 Best Value Online Schools in Virginia are prime examples.

Regent University

Founded in 1978, Regent University is a Christian-focused university that allows students to gain the necessary skills for spiritual, personal, professional, and academic success. This is further accomplished through the core coursework of Regent University, along with the integration of Christian teachings and theology into the academic curriculum. The university has about 132 degree programs, and 60 of which are online for both undergraduate and graduate levels. All coursework is grounded in Christian faith. The acceptance rate is 80%.
The coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format and condensed in eight-week sessions, enabling students to expedite completion. Coursework may be accessed through exams, quizzes, projects, and discussion boards, but may also include synchronous lectures and chats. Classes typically hold an average of 18 students and are held utilizing Blackboard technology. The online classes last within eight and 15 weeks. Online students enjoy the accessibility of library resources and participate in online admissions events. The university also gives students information on professional disciplines and aids them in career planning. Students also get to subscribe to The New York Times for free.
Online students look for degree programs from the College of Art and Sciences or any of the graduate schools of Regent University. Areas that can be explored include school counseling, healthcare leadership, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and film-television. The Office of Career and Talent Management provides career evaluation and guidance to aid students in determining their career path.
Tuition is $550 per credit. Regent University is also included in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides tuition aid to active military personnel. Other students also acquire financial assistance in various forms.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT and ACT Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

George Mason University

George Mason University has 50 fully online and hybrid bachelor’s degree courses for students, enabling them to have a high-quality customized education ideal for their needs. The university also has a relatively high graduation rate of 67% and an acceptance rate of 69%. Two professors from GMU were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1986 and 2002. GMU boasts on being one of the most adaptable, flexible, and modernized universities in the state.
Online classes are typically offered during January, May, and August. The university also has an extensive set of online resources such as a writing center, online library, and a Mason Online Team, which supports the massive population of the university. The on-campus resources of GMU, such as its faculty members, have extended their knowledge and expertise for the assistance of online students in terms of finances, counseling, and technology.
Tuition for undergraduate students is $489 per credit hour. Annual tuition is $9,060. Tuition rates for in-state students are relatively lower compared to out-of-state students. Financial aid is also available for online students outside Virginia. Graduate tuition may also differ depending on the program, from $775 per credit hour (College of Education), $900 per credit hour (College of Health and Human Services), and $950 per credit hour (College of Business).
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.66
- SAT and ACT Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Liberty University

The first online classes of Liberty University were offered in 1985, and at present, there are about 120 online bachelor’s degree programs that students may access and accomplish remotely, such as the online Early Childhood Education program. Students can also participate in associate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, along with certificate programs. Liberty University is regarded as one of the primary academic institutions, wherein about 90% of bachelor’s degree students are enrolled in specific distance education courses. The acceptance rate is 69%.
Some online degree programs through the university require students to participate in one to two-week on-campus intensive sessions. Most of the coursework is eight weeks long, yet some may last for about 14 to 17 weeks. The university also gives a wide range of student academic services in terms of note-taking, time management, and exam preparation tips as study aids, along with an online library and writing center.
Liberty University is also considered a military-friendly university, as it provides tuition breaks and discounts to students related to the armed forces. Tuition is $455 per credit hour. Out-of-state students do not usually pay higher tuition compared to in-state students.
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- SAT and ACT Scores
- Official high school transcripts
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) has a certain number of bachelor’s degrees online. The university is recognized for its bachelor’s degree completion programs. It is also the only Virginia online academic institution that has partnerships with selected community colleges in Arizona, Washington, and Virginia through the +ODU, which permits students transfer of their first two years of college-level courses to ODU in Norfolk. Students may complete their bachelor’s degrees entirely online, and they can take 300 and 400-level coursework through ODU Online.
Student satisfaction rate in the university is relative as 96% of the students have stated that they were satisfied with regards to their experiences in the academic institution. The acceptance rate is 82%. For assisting the planning of each student’s educational pathways, ODU also has partnerships between potential students and enrollment coordinators. Once they are admitted, the students need to work with their respective advisors for proper academic planning, and this guarantees that students enroll promptly. Online resources like 24/7 technology help and free online tutorials are also available for students.
In-state students pay relatively lower tuition compared to out-of-state students. Tuition is $355 per credit hour.
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- High school GPA of at least 3.29 or higher
- SAT and ACT Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Hampton University

Hampton University was established for the sole purpose of extending quality education for students who are in need. It started during the Civil War era and was built to enable recently freed black slaves an education. Online students may complete a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree, or perhaps study diverse noncredit career and professional development coursework, for career advancement and personal enrichment. The university has a 65% graduation rate and an acceptance rate of 69%. With this, it is clear that Hampton University takes into consideration the student’s needs. The university also provides generous re-entry scholarships for eligible students to help them return and complete their respective degree programs.
The online educational services of Hampton University can be obtained anytime, and there is also a list of online student services along with financial aid information from Hampton on-campus advisors and an online university bookstore. Students residing in selected states are qualified to apply to Hampton, while students living in other states may not be eligible to enter the university. Hampton University has authorized Maryland to offer specific programs to selected students.
Tuition is relatively affordable at $300 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $695 per credit hour for graduate students. Annual tuition is $9,300. Military personnel with more than two years of service may benefit from military training converted to college credits. Hampton University also provides free noncredit online coursework for the enhancement of professional development.
Location: Hampton, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT Scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Essay
- Application fee
- Interview
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

