Virginia is home to many online colleges and universities. Some colleges offer online degree pathways for undergraduate and graduate students, while others have only online classes. But as the digital world continues to evolve, a greater emphasis on online access in education has presented itself.
For students looking to earn an online education from a nonprofit college or university located in Virginia, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for online universities and colleges located within the state. These programs were selected because of their average tuition and programs available.
Featured Programs
Our editors first reviewed affordable online colleges in Virginia in July 2023. This ranking was last updated in February 2024.
Ranking the Top Online Colleges in Virginia
| College | Location | Acceptance Rate | In-state Tuition |
| Hampton University | Hampton, VA | 74% | $29,162 |
| Bluefield College | Bluefield, VA | 63% | $29,420 |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | 32% | $19,680 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 99% | $22,511 |
| Mary Baldwin University | Staunton, VA | Open Admission | $32,036 |
| University of Lynchburg | Lynchburg, VA | 96% | $34,500 |
| Longwood University | Farmville, VA | 88% | $14,840 |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | 78% | $13,092 |
| Radford University | Radford, VA | 93% | $11,916 |
| Marymount University | Arlington, VA | 81% | $37,600 |
1. Hampton University
Founded in 1868 as a private historically Black university, Hampton University, a public university, offers online options to over 3,200 students (2,846 undergraduates). The SACSCOC-accredited school offers one of the largest selections of programs in the state of Virginia.
Students at Hampton can choose from over 10 different bachelor’s degree programs, three master’s programs, and four doctoral programs, all of which have online options. There are also many associate’s degree and certificate programs delivered online. This large selection of online programs available through Hampton U Online has earned the school a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia.
Pros
- Online certificate programs
- Large selection of online programs at all degree levels
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1
- Small, tight-knit student community
Cons
- Lower overall graduation rate (46%) than some other Virginia schools
- No in-state tuition rates
2. Bluefield College
Founded by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Bluefield College is a small Christian school in Bluefield, Virginia. Originally a junior college, Bluefield quickly grew to expand its studies. Today, the school serves close to 1,000 students and offers online degrees and programs.
Bluefield has organized an impressive catalog of academic programs for its students. Currently, students at Bluefield can enroll in 18 different undergraduate and graduate degree programs online. Bluefield’s commitment to offering programs online helps the school earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Bluefield College is a private institution with a flat-rate tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Pros
- Large selection of both undergraduate and graduate degree options online
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1
- No in-state tuition cost for Virginia residents
- Small, tight-knit student community
Cons
- Limited access to big city amenities, culture, and nightlight
- More expensive tuition than some other online Virginia schools
3. Regent University
Regent University is a private Christian research institution founded in 1977 by Pat Robertson. While primarily a Christian university, the school is interdenominational and welcomes all students regardless of their faith. Today, the school offers online degrees and programs to over 10,000 students.
Students at Regent receive an expansive selection of academic programs. Currently, Regent offering students many different areas of study across its undergraduate and graduate level programs. Many of these programs are delivered online. This commitment to online education has earned Regent a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pros
- Eight start times per year
- Generous transfer policy (up to 90 credits)
- Large alumni network and access to internships and jobs
- One of the largest selections of online programs available at all degree levels
- Ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report
Cons
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio (21:1) than some other Virginia schools
4. Liberty University
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is a private Christian research university founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. What started out as a small Christian college has grown into a large university with over 96,000 students. Liberty has one of the largest catalog of degrees for online students.
With much of its academic offerings provided to students online, Liberty maintains a large selection of degree programs for its students. Liberty students can choose from over 800 different academic programs in all levels, from associate’s to doctoral degrees. Many of these programs have online options. With this massive catalog of programs, Liberty earns its place among the top online schools in Virginia.
Pros
- 99% acceptance rate for admissions
- 66% overall graduation rate
- Diverse program offerings
- Generous transfer policy
- Large selection of online programs available at all degree levels
Cons
- Large student population can make it difficult to stand out
- No in-state tuition rates for Virginia residents
5. Mary Baldwin University
Established in 1842, Mary Baldwin University, operates today as a private liberal arts college in Staunton, Virginia. The school enrolls a student body of approximately 2,000 students and offers an array of online programs.
Mary Baldwin offers its student body a large selection of majors and degrees. Students get to choose from over 30 different undergraduate majors as well as dozens of graduate programs. Many programs have online options where students can complete their degree online or take online courses. With this dedication to online learning, Mary Baldwin has earned a place among the leading online universities and colleges in Virginia.
Pros
- Academic resource center with flexible online sessions
- Diverse selection of online programs and degrees
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1
- Online events planned specifically for online students
Cons
- Higher tuition than some other online Virginia colleges
- Small community and campus with limited access to big city amenities
6. University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg Online Programs
University of Lynchburg is a private Virginia college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It offers on-campus and online programs for close to 2,400 students.
At University of Lynchburg, students can enroll in different academic programs, both undergraduate and graduate. Most students take courses online while earning an on-campus degree. Popular majors include biology, computer science, and sociology. Graduate programs with online courses include business (MBA), education (MEd), and public health (MPH). By offering these programs online the University of Lynchburg has earned a place among our pick for top online Virginia colleges.
Pros
- Diverse selection of online courses
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1
- Online graduate courses available
- Research opportunities for graduate students
- Small, tight-knit student community and geographic location
Cons
- Limited 100% online degree pathways
- No in-state tuition rate for Virginia residents
7. Longwood University
Located in Farmville, Virginia, Longwood University is a public liberal arts institution serving over 4,300 students. The school offers a large selection of academic degree programs with online options.
Longwood is accredited by the SACSCOC and offers over 100 different undergraduate programs. It also has several online graduate degree programs in business and other disciplines. Students at Longwood can take online courses that help supplement their traditional degree. It is these many different pathways and online options that place Longwood on our list of top Virginia schools with online programs.
Pros
- Acceptance rate of 88%
- In-state tuition rate for Virginia residents
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1
- Overall graduation rate of 67%
- Remote location with limited access to big city amenities and culture
Cons
- Not all degrees are offered online
- Small student population
8. James Madison University
Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, James Madison University is a public research university founded on the motto “Knowledge is Liberty.” It got its starts as a women’s college, but today serves over 22,000 students, of all genders. It also offers a large selection of academic programs, including many online.
JMU maintains a large selection of degree programs for students to enroll in. It has over 110 different academic programs across its undergraduate and graduate program offerings. Its commitment to online education has earned it a spot on our list of Virginia colleges. Students can choose from many popular online majors, including the RN to BSN and Bachelor’s of Individualized Studies (BIS). Graduate online programs are plentiful and include degrees in education, business, and health and behavioral sciences.
Pros
- Diverse selection of online graduate programs
- In-state tuition rates for Virginia residents
- Online certificate programs
- Online nursing programs and certificates
Cons
- Larger student body population than some Virginia schools
- Limited number of undergraduate online programs
9. Radford University
Radford University is a public university established in 1910. Originally named the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford, Radford educated women who wanted to become teachers. Today, the school is home to a student population of about 7,700 students. It is SACSCOC-accredited and offers online options for degrees and courses.
Students at Radford can choose from a wide-ranging selection of academic programs that go far beyond teaching. Currently, Radford offers more than 30 online programs that span six different colleges, including the School of Nursing. Popular degree programs include the BBA and MBA, MS in Education (with many certificate options), and the MSW (social work). Radford’s dedication to online learning places it on our list of colleges in Virginia with online programs.
Pros
- Both online and hybrid tracks offered
- Diverse programs for online students
- High acceptance rate of 93%
- In-state tuition rates for Virginia residents
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1
- Many online certificate options
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-Virginia residents
10. Marymount University
Located in Arlington County, Virginia, Marymount University is a Catholic university founded in 1950. Today, it enrolls over 3,700 students and offers both on-campus and online degree pathways and courses.
What sets Marymount apart from other online Virginia schools is its low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and small selection of online programs. It offers a completely online accelerated BSN and two doctoral programs. Students can earn a Doctor of Education or Doctor of Business Administration online. While the school offers a limited number of online programs, there are online courses you can take concurrently while earning your on-campus degree.
Pros
- Generous financial aid assistance options for qualifying students
- Low student-to-faculty ratio (13:1)
- Online doctoral programs in business and education
- Selection of online courses
Cons
- Limited number of online degree pathways for undergraduates
- No low in-state tuition cost for Virginia residents
Other Online Colleges in Virginia
- Eastern Mennonite University
- George Mason University
- Norfolk State University
- Old Dominion University
- Shenandoah University
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Polytechnic and State University
- Virginia State University
Frequently Asked Questions
University of Virginia consistently ranks among the best online colleges in the state. The university has a 19% acceptance rate, making it one of the most selective schools in Virginia. Good news for in-state students, as the school offers in-state tuition for VA residents.
According to U.S. News survey data, the average cost per credit for an online degree at a Virginia public university or college is $392.33 per credit. Out of state cost per credit averages about $580 per credit. Financial aid assistance can cut these costs considerably for qualifying students.
The cost to attend college online in Virginia varies by school, but the cheapest from our list is Radford University. This school costs under $12,000/year for in-state, undergraduate students. There are many other affordable online colleges in the state, including James Madison and Longwood University.
Virginia college offer online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can get an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree online. You can also get online certificates. The most popular online degrees to get include:
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Education
• Finance
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
Online degrees from reputable, accredited institutions in Virginia can be valuable. Employers in Virginia look at the school reputation, accreditation, and degree type to help them decide on a qualifying candidate. Most Virginia colleges don’t list on your transcript that you completed the degree online.
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