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Best Online Colleges in Virginia

📅 Jan 31, 2025  •  🕒 3 min read


Summing it up

  • Cost of Online College:
  • In-State: ~$13,931/year (public colleges).
  • Out-of-State: ~$36,193/year.
  • Cheapest Online Colleges:
  • Old Dominion University (ODU): $393 (in-state), $426 (out-of-state) per credit.
  • Norfolk State University (NSU): $450 (in-state), $973 (out-of-state).
  • Top Online Colleges: George Mason University, ODU, Mary Baldwin University, and Radford University.
  • Free Tuition for Community College: Available for qualifying students through the \"Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back\" program.
  • Financial Aid Options: Scholarships, grants, and federal student loans can help fund your degree.

Top Affordable Online Colleges in Virginia

1. Old Dominion University (ODU)

  • Cost Per Credit: $393 (in-state) | $426 (out-of-state).
  • Programs: 120+ degrees, including business, computer engineering, and healthcare.
  • Highlights:
  • Flat tuition rate for online learners regardless of residency.
  • Military Discount: Active-duty service members pay $250/credit.
  • Extensive scholarship opportunities.

2. George Mason University

  • Cost Per Credit: $1,582-$1,741 (out-of-state).
  • Programs: 50+ online programs in health, business, social sciences, and engineering.
  • Highlights:
  • Flexible 2-year degree-completion programs.
  • Comprehensive financial aid options, including scholarships.

3. Mary Baldwin University (MBU)

  • Cost Per Credit: $460 (flat rate).
  • Programs: Criminal justice, social work, nursing, health administration.
  • Highlights:
  • Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
  • 95% of students receive financial aid.
  • Flexible interdisciplinary studies programs.

4. Radford University

  • Cost Per Credit: $280-$520.
  • Programs:
  • Bachelor's degrees: Business, public health, emergency services, healthcare administration.
  • RN-to-BSN: Complete in 10 months for registered nurses.
  • Highlights:
  • Designed for first-year and degree completers.
  • Hybrid options available.
  • Scholarships and grants for transfer and freshman students.

Cost of Online College in Virginia

| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Fees |
|------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) | $13,931/year |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) | $36,193/year |
| Private, Four-Year | $23,220/year |

Tip: Community colleges in Virginia offer free tuition for qualifying students through the \"Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back\" program.


How to Pay for Online College in Virginia

  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to access federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

  • Apply for Scholarships and Grants

  • Start with scholarships and grants to avoid taking on debt.
  • Examples:

  • Use Income and Savings

  • Work part-time or use personal savings to reduce loan dependency.

  • Take Out Student Loans

  • Prioritize federal loans over private loans for lower interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and potential loan forgiveness.

FAQs About Online Colleges in Virginia

  • What is the cheapest online college in Virginia?
  • Old Dominion University (ODU): $393/credit (in-state) | $426/credit (out-of-state).
  • Norfolk State University (NSU): $450/credit (in-state) | $973/credit (out-of-state).

  • Is community college free in Virginia?

  • Yes, qualifying students can attend community colleges for free through the \"Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back\" program.

  • Does UVA offer online degrees?

  • Yes, the University of Virginia offers 297 online courses and degrees, including programs in health sciences management and interdisciplinary studies.

  • How much does online college cost in Virginia?

  • In-State: ~$13,931/year
  • Out-of-State: ~$36,193/year

  • Is online college cheaper than on-campus?

  • Often, yes! Online programs may offer lower tuition rates and waive out-of-state fees, plus you save on commuting and relocation costs.

Summing it up

Virginia offers affordable, flexible online college options through ODU, George Mason, Mary Baldwin University, and others. With free community college programs, scholarships like VTAG, and military discounts, earning an online degree in Virginia is a cost-effective choice for students across the country.


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