Best Online Colleges in Virginia of 2025
Learn about the best online colleges in Virginia and the most popular, in-demand degrees in the state.
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2025The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to many top colleges and universities, some of which have massive student populations. The state also ranks as one of the best to begin your career. But as the world continues to shift to a greater digital presence, colleges must do the same to remain accessible to all students. That’s where online programs come in.
Throughout this page, we spotlight the best online colleges in Virginia and dive into some of the most popular majors and fastest-growing careers. Continue reading to learn more about online colleges in Virginia and see what these schools can do for you.
2025 Best Online Colleges in Virginia
How We Rank Schools
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
At George Mason University, you can attend virtual career workshops and employer events; access Handshake, the job, internship, and employment platform; and schedule virtual appointments with career services. You can also access the university's online library, as well as online mental health counseling with after-hours availability.
George Mason is also considered the second top online military-friendly college this year and trains faculty across departments to support military and veteran students.
Pros
- 69% graduation rate
- 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 16 bachelor's and 26 master's degrees
- Considered a military-friendly college
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
71%
$ 9,796
87%
$33,960
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,528
- Institution Type
- Public
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
James Madison University offers 17 learning and career services for online students, including several tutorial sites, English learning services, a peer tutoring program, and a writing, science, and math center.
JMU also offers four certificate programs in financial planning, paralegal studies, project management, and development business strategy.
Pros
- 81% graduation rate
- Offers four business-related certificate programs
Cons
- 58% of students awarded financial aid
- Only four bachelor's and four online master's degrees
- 17-to-1 student-faculty ratio
30%
$13,376
90%
$30,466
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,760
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Virginia
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
While the University of Virginia's degree and certificate offerings are smaller, the university excels in its free online non-credit course offerings, which are ideal for those who want to apply new knowledge to their jobs, try new skills, or build their portfolio in humanities, business, education, engineering and science, or health.
The university offers 303 online courses, certificates, and degrees, including 11 master's, two bachelor's, and one doctorate program.
Pros
- 95% graduation rate
- 15-to-1 student-faculty ratio
- 11 master's degree programs
- Lots of non-credit courses
Cons
- 54% of students awarded financial aid
- Only two bachelor's and one doctoral program
10%
$18,059
97%
$53,325
- Acceptance Rate
- 19%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,082
- Institution Type
- Public
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Richmond, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
If you want to pursue a graduate degree, Virginia Commonwealth University offers over 20 master's degrees in business administration, education, engineering, biostatistics, and more. If you want in-person experience, VCU has two health-related doctorate programs and three master's programs in health and computer science.
Pros
- 65% graduation rate
- 90% awarded financial aid
- Nine bachelor's, 24 master's, and four doctoral degree programs
- Several master's and doctoral hybrid programs.
Cons
- 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
67%
$12,850
86%
$34,744
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 28,238
- Institution Type
- Public
Eastern Mennonite University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
If you're looking for a smaller university experience online, Eastern Mennonite University has a student-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, so you'll get the chance to know your professors and classmates instead of feeling like a faceless attendee. The university's selection of degrees includes seminary, nursing, business, and education.
Pros
- 63% graduation rate
- 10-to-1 student-faculty ratio and small-university feel
- 99% awarded financial aid
Cons
- Few online programs available
29%
$40,590
79%
$40,590
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,337
- Institution Type
- Private
How Much Is Online College in Virginia?
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) | $14,825 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) | $37,730 |
| Private, Four-Year | $24,043 |
Online college is typically more affordable than a traditional campus-based education. However, multiple factors impact the cost of online college in Virginia, and tuition rates vary dramatically from school to school.
This includes whether you enroll online or on-campus, attend a school in-state vs. out-of-state, or even prefer public to private college. All of which impact how much you pay for a degree.
In general, in-state students attending public colleges pay the least, while out-of-state students tend to pay the most. That said, many colleges, especially private colleges and universities, waive the out-of-state tuition rates for their online programs.
Top 5 Most Popular Bachelor’s Degrees in Virginia
In this section, we spotlight five of the most popular bachelor’s degrees according to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Read on to see which majors top the list.
1. Psychology
Whether you’re pursuing a career in counseling, social work, or research, a bachelor’s in psychology can offer the skills needed to thrive. In Virginia, colleges and universities confer approximately 4,500 bachelor’s degrees in psychology each year.
The best psychology programs can help you achieve your goals, and, additionally, standout psychology master’s programs can help you enhance your earning potential and career options.
Median Salary (BLS, 2024): $94,310
2. Business Administration and Management
An online degree in business administration or business management can open the door to a long list of roles in areas like marketing, finance, and management. Due to the versatility of these degrees, business majors are especially popular — Virginia colleges confer nearly 4,000 bachelor’s degrees in this field annually.
Median Salary (BLS, 2022): $71,000
3. Biology (Biological Sciences)
Wondering if you should major in biology? Approximately 2,630 Virginia-based students recently graduated with a biology degree, making this a popular option.
A degree in biology offers pathways to careers in research, environmental science, and countless healthcare roles. Specializations include microbiology, zoology, botany, marine biology, and pre-med studies.
Median Salary (BLS, 2022): $71,000
4. Nursing (Registered Nursing)
In Virginia, over 2,300 students recently graduated with a nursing degree. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, earning a bachelor’s in nursing program (BSN) is a great starting point. If you’re already a registered nurse, an RN-to-BSN is also a solid choice.
Nursing specializations can vary between programs, but popular options include nursing informatics, psychiatric nursing, and critical care nursing.
Median Salary (BLS, 2024): $93,600
5. Computer and Information Sciences
Given the many different fields of study in computer science, determining which type of computer science degree to pursue is often the most difficult choice. Fortunately, most careers in computer science offer higher-than-average salaries, making them popular options for undergraduates.
Recent data points to about 1,750 computer and information sciences degrees conferred, making it one of the most popular majors in the state. Specializations include game development, data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Median Salary (BLS, 2022): $95,000
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Virginia
According to NCES data, Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 91%, making it the easiest public school to get into. Liberty University, with an admission rate of 99%, tops the list of easiest private schools to get into.
These schools offer an accessible academic pathway through expansive rosters of online programs. These flexible and affordable options allow you to complete course requirements while keeping up with personal and professional obligations.
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