The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

by TBS Staff

Updated October 10, 2022

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Virginia boasts a long, rich history of higher education. Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary educated several early U.S. leaders, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

Jefferson went on to establish the University of Virginia, and many other Virginia colleges honor the state's history.

Today, Virginia’s 124 degree–granting colleges and universities provide a wide range of opportunities, including numerous online programs. Government support for online learning starts in high school; the Virginia legislature requires all high school students to take at least one online course to graduate.

Many online colleges in Virginia, including the the state’s flagship schools, collaborate to offer innovative online programs through the Electronic Campus of Virginia. Community college students may take online courses through any of the 24 participating VCCS schools. Virginia also participates in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus, a cooperative effort that offers online courses to students throughout the southern U.S.

The result of these collaborative efforts is a flourishing system of online schools in Virginia. The federal government reports that in 2012, 35% of students enrolled in Virginia colleges and universities took some or all their courses online. According to the College Board, the average in–state tuition rate was $12,820, and the average out–of–state rate was $33,270.

The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

#1 The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Liberty University is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. Remote programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees at this private institution. The school has a strong reputation for its academics and substantial experience in online education.

Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Lynchburg, Virginia, area. Online offerings by academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help learners plan for success. The school's internship program gives participants a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.

Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.

Liberty University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 78,511

Online Bachelor's Programs: 30

Online Master's Programs: 67

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 70%

Admission Rate: 51%

Average Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online degree-seekers should consider Old Dominion University. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 62 virtual programs. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.

All learners, including those enrolled remotely, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Norfolk, Virginia, campus. Career services programs, such as academic advising and virtual job fairs, help enrollees achieve their professional goals. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Graduates of the program obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.

More information about which programs are available online and how to apply are available by contacting the school.

Old Dominion University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 12,854

Online Bachelor's Programs: 20

Online Master's Programs: 16

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 35%

Admission Rate: 89%

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Regent University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. The private institution offers 137 virtual programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school's proven track record in remote education and its reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.

Career and academic service associates located at the Virginia Beach, Virginia, campus also assist online enrollees. Degree-seekers benefit from virtual job fairs, other career-planning services, and academic advising. Internship programs are also available to students, helping them gain valuable field experience. Graduates of the program obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.

Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.

Regent University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 9,507

Online Bachelor's Programs: 32

Online Master's Programs: 37

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 93%

Admission Rate: 86%

Average Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
10,365
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

Hampton University

  • Hampton, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hampton University ranks among the best online colleges. The school, a private institution, hosts 20 programs for remote students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's substantial track record in online education and good academic reputation attract many distance learners.

Online enrollees can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Hampton, Virginia, campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help participants gain real-world experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.

Potential applicants can get in touch with the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.

Hampton University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 490

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Online Master's Programs: 3

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%

Admission Rate: 36%

Average Tuition
In-state
$24,950
Out-of-state
$24,950
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
4,293
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
11% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 The Best Online Colleges in Virginia

Bluefield College

  • Bluefield, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A quality online college education is available at Bluefield College. The private institution's 15 remote degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has experience facilitating virtual classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many distance learners.

Online students can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Bluefield, Virginia, campus. Degree-seekers that choose to connect with academic advisors can participate in virtual job fairs and other career-planning events. Internships are available to help enrollees gain hands-on experience. The degree that graduates receive is fully accredited.

Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.

Bluefield College at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,107

Online Bachelor's Programs: 10

Online Master's Programs: 4

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 34%

Admission Rate: 99%

Average Tuition
In-state
$25,256
Out-of-state
$25,256
Retention Rate
53%
Admission Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
1,156
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Colleges

Online Colleges in Virginia Ranking Guidelines

We selected the online schools in Virginia based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.

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