The birthplace of more founding fathers and presidents than any other state, Virginia is also home to some of the nation's distinguished colleges. Many colleges in the Old Dominion offer online degrees to meet the demand for more flexible higher education.
And you won't be alone! Many of Virginia's college students are enrolled in online degree programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 35% of undergraduates in Virginia enrolled exclusively in distance education courses in 2021.
Interested in learning more about online colleges in Virginia? This guide can help you find a school and learn how to finance your college education in Virginia.
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Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
Hampton University
- Hampton, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Students in Hampton University's online programs can pursue majors such as business management, criminal justice, aviation management, and religious studies. Learners looking to pursue master's degrees can complete the school's bachelor of arts in general studies to receive a broad foundation for graduate school. This program also suits students looking to transfer credits from past education.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $300
Out of State | $300
Why Students Choose Hampton:
- Affordable Online Tuition: Hampton has the lowest per-credit undergraduate tuition among the programs on this list. As a private university, in-state and out-of-state learners pay the same cost.
- Religious Studies: HU is the only online school in our ranking to offer an online religious studies program.
- Accelerated Options: Nursing students can choose from two accelerated pathways to BSNs: a one-year program and a two-year program.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Costs for Online Learners: Distance learners pursuing online degrees at HU pay an additional $50 per semester.
- Experiential Learning Requirements: Even online degrees, like the accelerated bachelor's in nursing, may require students to complete in-person learning opportunities to develop real-world experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
James Madison University, headquartered in Harrisonburg, offers multiple online programs. The university runs several bachelor's of individualized study degrees and an online RN-to-BSN program. These distance learning degree-completion programs allow students to customize their core coursework and explore subjects relevant to their career aspirations.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $485
Out of State | $1,062
Why Students Choose JMU:
- Affordable In-State Tuition: Out-of-state costs are significantly higher at JMU.
- Adult Degree Programs: JMU's degree-completion options offer customizable transfer credit pathways.
- Individualized Study Major: The bachelor of individualized study program allows students to create a major that matches their personal and professional goals.
Know Before You Enroll:
- In-Person Requirements: Though all courses are virtual, students in the online RN-to-BSN and special education bachelor's programs must complete in-person experiential learning requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The online programs at Fairfax-based George Mason University offer parity with its top-tier on-campus offerings. George Mason features 20 undergraduate online programs across various subjects, such as computational and data sciences, business, and health administration. Learners with credits from past education can pursue the school's adult degree-completion options to save additional money and time.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $433
Out of State | $1,452
Why Students Choose George Mason:
- Hybrid Options: In addition to fully online programs, George Mason offers hybrid delivery to students who can commute to its campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Manassas.
- Various Online Delivery Methods: Distance programs at George Mason operate through synchronous and asynchronous methods.
- Online Support: Students can access distance learning resources like George Mason's online writing lab to communicate with tutors via email.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Out-of-State Tuition for Online Learning: The per-credit tuition for nonresidents of Virginia is more than $1,000 higher than the in-state rate.
- Potential Campus Visits: Distance learners can often complete their degrees online, but they may need to visit campus to participate in orientation, complete final exams, or meet lab requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
Norfolk State University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
At Norfolk State University, enrollees can pursue seven bachelor's degrees in fields like history, psychology, health services management, and information management. NSU delivers coursework asynchronously to provide learners with maximum flexibility in scheduling classes and completing assignments.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $463
Out of State | $986
Why Students Choose NSU:
- A Focus on Health Sciences: NSU features undergraduate online degrees in psychology, health services management, and nursing.
- Business Options: Online bachelor's degrees in information management and hospitality management can create workforce-ready, business-savvy professionals.
- Asynchronous Delivery Offers Flexibility: Students can flexibly integrate education into their busy schedules.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Online Fees: Accelerated online programs at NSU charge a $450-$500 fee in addition to standard tuition.
- Real-World Requirements: Some programs may include internships or other experiential learning requirements, making it difficult to maintain full-time employment or take classes fully online while enrolled.
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2025
Old Dominion University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Norfolk's Old Dominion University offers online programs through its ODU Global system. Distance learners can earn bachelor's degrees in 40 different subjects, including full programs and degree-completion pathways. ODU lets enrollees transfer credits from past college experiences and save on general education credit costs.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $408
Out of State | $439
Why Students Choose ODU:
- Affordable Out-of-State Tuition: At just $31 more than the in-state tuition rate, nonresidents and international students can pursue an affordable online education at ODU.
- Full Programs and Degree-Completion Options: The school offers many full online bachelor's programs and degree-completion pathways, providing flexibility and the opportunity for significant credit transfer.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Online Learning Fees: Distance learners at ODU pay an additional $30 per credit for online courses.
- Guaranteed Acceptance: The university maintains partnerships with other schools. Students who earn associate degrees at these partner institutions receive guaranteed acceptance into bachelor's programs at ODU.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How Much Is Online College in Virginia?
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
According to the state's most recent Tuition and Fees Report, the average tuition for in-state undergraduates in Virginia increased 2.8% from the 2023-2024 academic year to the 2024-2025 academic year.
The cost of attending college in Virginia varies by institution, your state residency status, and the program you plan to pursue. For the 2020-2021 school year, students paid an average of $13,931 in in-state tuition and fees at Virginia's public four-year colleges, according to NCES data. Out-of-state students attending public colleges paid $36,193 in tuition and fees that same year.
Cost of College in Virginia (2020-21)
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition & Required Fees |
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) |
$13,931 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) |
$36,193 |
| Private, Four-Year |
$23,220 |
Source: NCES
How to Pay for Online College
A 2023 Sallie Mae report finds that families spent an average of $28,026 on college tuition and expenses in 2022-2023. While online colleges in Virginia can be more affordable than their on-campus counterparts, you still need to fund your education.
Financial aid, such as scholarships and grants, can help cover your online education costs. Compare the various options as you make a plan to pay for college.
Apply for the FAFSA
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to determining your eligibility for financial aid. The federal government, states, and public and private colleges use FAFSA information to calculate financial aid packages.
You can use scholarships, grants, and federal loans to pay for degrees at accredited online colleges in Virginia. Visit the FAFSA website to learn about deadlines and other pertinent information.
Start With Scholarships and Grants
Before you consider taking out student loans, you should start by applying for scholarships and grants. You never need to pay back this form of financial aid, which can significantly reduce the debt you may owe from loans.
You can source scholarship and grant opportunities from financial aid offices, foundations, and federal agency websites. You can even look for state-specific grants and scholarships in Virginia, like the Virginia Tuition Assistance Program grant.
Consider Using Your Income and Savings
A Sallie Mae study explored how families paid for college in 2023. Parents used their income and savings to pay for 40% of college costs, while student income and savings accounted for 10% of college costs.
This means half of all college costs were covered by personal and family income and savings in 2023. Many students also choose to work part-time in college, which can help you reduce your debt burden.
Take Out Student Loans
Not every student has the privilege of relying on their family's income to help pay for school, which is why the next step for many is taking out student loans. Student loans paid for about 11% of college tuition and expenses in 2021-22.
To pay for your degree, you can borrow money from the federal government or private lenders, such as banks and companies. Federal loan programs offer key benefits that private loans don't, such as lower interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and debt forgiveness. For these reasons, it's best to start with federal loans.
Scholarships and Grants for Virginia Students
If you're planning to attend an online college in Virginia, you should explore scholarships and grants as a first means to pay for your degree. Eligibility requirements and deadlines will vary.
Degree-seekers from single-income homes and first-generation students can apply for this Ryan Green-sponsored scholarship. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and reside in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, or New Jersey. The deadline is Nov. 30, 2023.
Award Amount: $1,000
The sponsors award this scholarship to female, first-generation college students. You must live in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, or Pennsylvania. To qualify, you must submit an essay outlining your potential. The annual scholarship deadline varies.
Award Amount: $1,000
The VTSLP program provides funding for enrollees planning to pursue a teaching career in a shortage area. You must be enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited Virginia college.
You must have a minimum 2.7 GPA and receive a nomination by your college. Submit an application directly to your school. The application deadline varies.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
VTAG awards grant funding to full-time students attending a participating private college or university in Virginia. You must reside in Virginia for at least one year prior to a VTAG award. You submit VTAG applications to your school's financial aid office. The next deadline is December 1, 2023.
Award Amount: Residential $5,000, Online $2,500
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Virginia
Old Dominion University (ODU) and Norfolk State University (NSU) claim the top spots for the cheapest online colleges in Virginia. ODU, which has an extensive catalog of online degrees, charges undergraduates $393 for in-state online tuition and $426 for out-of-state tuition.
NSU charges undergraduates $450 for in-state tuition and $973 for out-of-state tuition. NCES data shows a $16,098 annual net price to attend ODU compared to $11,872 at NSU.
Note: We only considered colleges that offered at least five undergraduate programs online.
NCES data shows 56 public and private four-year colleges in Virginia and 29 public and private community colleges. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) consists of 23 public two-year colleges across the state.
Many four-year colleges offer online programs. VCCS schools offer online degrees through the College Anywhere VA platform.
Yes, community colleges in Virginia offer free tuition for qualifying students. Low-income and middle-income Virginia students pursuing education in high-demand fields may qualify for free tuition through the "Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back" program.
The funding covers tuition, fees, and books if you're pursuing a degree in fields such as IT and healthcare. You can save money by completing programs at a community college and transferring your credits to four-year colleges.
Yes, the University of Virginia offers 297 courses, certificates, and degrees online. However, the selection of online bachelor's degrees is limited. UVA offers online bachelor's programs in health sciences management and interdisciplinary studies.
Online college is often the more affordable route compared to traditional college. Many colleges charge cheaper tuition for online degrees than the same program delivered on campus. Furthermore, some schools actually waive out-of-state tuition and fees for online learners.
Another benefit of online learning is that you don't need not pay for expenses such as transportation, childcare, and relocation costs. You can also continue your career as you pursue a degree. All of this can add up to big savings and less debt.
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