Best Online Colleges in Virginia for 2024
Get detailed info on Best Online Colleges in Virginia and their online degrees, financial aid and scholarships, acceptance rate, tuition and fees.
Virginia is located in the South-eastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Virginia is home to a large number of online colleges and universities. The online education has helped citizens in Virginia to expand their educational qualifications at their comfort. Also, many online courses are accredited by various accrediting bodies which are recognized by the state.
The best online colleges in Virginia provide courses from certification programs to doctoral degrees. All school and institution divisions must abide by the educational standards set by the Virginia Department of Education, which maintains an accreditation regime known as the Standards of Learning to ensure liability.
Opportunities for college education in Virginia
The state of Virginia has around 129 degree-granting institutions within the state. They are categorized as 38 private not-for-profit, 52 private-for-profits, and 39 public schools. The total number of degrees awarded in 2016 was 6,498 Associate’s degree, 16,519 Bachelor’s degree, 6244 Master's Degree and 1,160 Doctoral Degree. The total number of enrollment in 2016 was 557,461, according to NCES.
The state provides a huge sum of financial aid for the students which can be approximately 162.2 million dollars for in need-based grants and 7.45 million dollars for non-need-based grants, according to the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs.
The online colleges in Virginia are growing rapidly and more colleges have started offering online programs. The state is doing its part in maintaining a high quality of education. One can expect high standards of education at very affordable rates through online education.
The following is a list of top colleges in Virginia in 2019.
1 Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 95%
Average Financial Aid: $10,768
Acceptance Rate: 30.00
Total Programs Offered (184)
34
Theology Programs
28
Education Programs
28
Business Management Programs
94
Other Programs
Liberty University (LU) is a private and one of the largest Christian universities in the world and it has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university offers more than 550 programs both online and campus.
The cumulative GPA required for admission is 3.37 while the SAT and ACT should range in between 1041-1240 and 21-27 respectively.
Some of the popular majors at this university include Psychology, Business Management, Marketing, Visual and Performing Arts and many more. It is very selective with an acceptance rate of just 30%.
More than 72% of the candidates receive federal aid from the university and the average grant awarded is $10,905. LU comes under the Tier 2 of National Universities in the Best Colleges ranking for many websites and magazines.
2 Old Dominion University (ODU)
Norfolk, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 90%
Average Financial Aid: $8,849
Acceptance Rate: 85.00
Total Programs Offered (109)
26
Education Programs
20
Engineering Programs
15
Business Management Programs
48
Other Programs
Old Dominion University is a research-oriented public university accredited by (SACSCOC). ODUOnline is the counterpart of the university that offers online education which offers Bachelors, Masters and Associates degree programs.
The online academic curriculum includes many student support services similar to what is offered to the on-campus students, such as expert coaching for academics as well as career, access to study tools, online book repository, technical assistance and more. The above facilities are through myODU Portal of the university.
ODU also has military affiliated programs which are designed specifically for military students, they can earn academic credit based on their military training.
3 Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 98%
Average Financial Aid: $10,216
Acceptance Rate: 81.00
Total Programs Offered (316)
74
Education Programs
61
Business Management Programs
47
Theology Programs
134
Other Programs
Regent University is a private, not-for-profit university of Christian origin. The institutional accrediting body is (SACSCOC). The students have the choice to choose the programs on-campus, online or combine both and take up a hybrid program, as per their preference.
On-campus students, as well as online students, enjoy various services provided by the university which include tutoring and mentoring services, weekly chapel, library, and other support amenities. Career services include professional contact opportunities for students with various employers and skill development sessions.
Almost 88% of students receive financial assistance of some kind, around $24 million is spent on scholarships annually. The US News and World Report ranked the university under Top 15 Online Bachelor’s Degree Program.
4 Mary Baldwin University
Staunton, Virginia
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $23,412
Acceptance Rate: 99.00
Total Programs Offered (42)
13
Business Management Programs
10
Education Programs
5
Health Science Programs
14
Other Programs
Mary Baldwin University is a private not for profit university accredited by SACSCOC. The university provides more than 30 online programs and is also ranked 7th by US News and World Report under ‘Best Value School’ category. Subject Tutoring Program, Writing Center is part of academic support rendered to on-campus and online students.
The personal and professional development office, known as ‘The Vantage point’, empowers students to indulge in innovation, self-awareness and prepares the students to be industry-ready. Merit-based scholarships and need-based financial assistance are provided to students to make education affordable.
It is recognized as a Military Friendly School and collaborates with the Yellow Ribbon Program to provide benefits through personalized assistance and guidance to veterans, members of service, reservists, and their dependents.
5 George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 57%
Average Financial Aid: $8,321
Acceptance Rate: 81.00
Total Programs Offered (52)
23
Education Programs
5
Engineering Programs
5
Health Science Programs
19
Other Programs
George Mason University is a research-oriented public university accredited by SACSCOC. It is the largest research-oriented public university in Virginia. The university advances online education through its own correspondent online body, Mason Online.
Mason Online in affiliation with Old Dominion University is a member of Online Virginia Network (OVN) which is a state-supported platform for adult learners who could not complete their degrees. These students can carry forward their college credits and earn their degrees online with the help of OVN.
A good number of students receive financial assistance, special attention is given to military students with financial assistance support to cover educational costs.
6 Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 42%
Average Financial Aid: $8,155
Acceptance Rate: 71.00
Total Programs Offered (26)
8
Engineering Programs
4
Environmental Science Programs
3
Education Programs
11
Other Programs
Virginia Tech is a public university accredited by SACSCOC. The college advances online masters and certificate programs. The students have the choice to either opt for fully online programs or blended programs.
Experienced faculty instruct the students with the integration of contemporary technology, these resources have helped students grow through online learning. Virginia Tech Canvas is an initiative through which students can access presentations, book depository, study tools, and technical support. The student’s application for transfer is completed only if the student has completed at least 12 credit hours at another institute.
Financial aid is advanced to most of the students, military scholarships are provided for military members, veterans and servicemen, apart from financial assistance the university provides mentoring and other support services.
7 Norfolk State University (NSU)
Norfolk, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $8,972
Acceptance Rate: 85.00
Total Programs Offered (18)
6
Business Management Programs
4
Education Programs
3
Health Science Programs
5
Other Programs
Norfolk State University is a public university with its accreditation given by SACSCOC. NSU offers online graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs. Students must enroll themselves in Blackboard Learn 101 Orientation, to start the online course, which will guide them and serve as a platform to access virtual webinars, submit assessments and access study tools.
The online classrooms are available 24/7 for students to complete the course as per their schedule. The status of completion and feedback regarding the course is updated in real time. Other services for both on-campus and online students include career certification programs, workshops, continuing education programs, reclamation programs, etc.
The students receive financial aid in the form of loans(federal and state), student employment programs and scholarships as well.
8 Southwest Virginia Community College
Richlands, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 95%
Average Financial Aid: $4,883
Acceptance Rate: Request Info
Total Programs Offered (19)
7
Education Programs
4
Health Science Programs
2
Business Management Programs
6
Other Programs
Southwest Virginia Community College is a public institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its popular majors include Health Profession, Wielding, Nursing, Business, Occupational Therapist and many more.
It is a veteran-friendly college and provides assistance to veterans and their dependents by helping them in their academic and co-curricular matters. The students are also given scholarships depending on their academic excellence and other eligibility criteria.
The college follows an open admission policy for all the applicants. The Associate's degree is the highest degree available for students here. The full-time student retention rate is 57%. At this college, more than 55% of the full-time undergraduates receive grants and scholarships that amounts to $3,826.
9 Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 69%
Average Financial Aid: $9,207
Acceptance Rate: 81.00
Total Programs Offered (7)
7
Education Programs
Virginia Commonwealth University is a research-oriented public university accredited by SACSCOC. VCU Online offers both synchronous and asynchronous online programs. Other services include myVCUportal, eLearning, VCU Libraries, Writing Center, Campus Learning Centers, Transfer Center and more. The median salary of the alumni is $65000.
Additional guidance and assistance are extended to military-affiliated students, also the ‘Green Zone Training’ to members who are interested to get familiar with the military experience.
The financial aid office at the campus assists parents and students to educate them about their eligibility criteria, the suitable form of financial aid according to their needs and more.
10 Southside Virginia Community College
Alberta, Virginia
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 90%
Average Financial Aid: $4,874
Acceptance Rate: Request Info
Total Programs Offered (12)
11
Applied Science Programs
1
Accounting Program
Southside Virginia Community College is a public institution accredited by SACSCOC that offers online programs as well as hybrid courses. The online courses include discussion forums, online quizzes/tests, submission of projects/assignments, etc.
The resources advanced to on-campus and online students include learning through Canvas, ‘Hoonuit’ technology training that is available 24/7 for students, Zoom Web conferencing tool, Online research publications, and library along with others.
The Student Information System (SIS) is an all-in-one platform where students can acquire information about financial aid, class schedule, performance report, request for official documents, availing advisory services and career-related assistance. The ‘Student Account Support Office’ in the college manages financial aid disbursements, which delivers services 24/7.
