For students looking to earn an online education from a nonprofit college or university located in Virginia, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for online universities and colleges located within the state. These programs have all been selected based upon their average tuition price, as well as the amount and type of programs available.
Ranking the Top Online Colleges in VA
#1. Hampton University
A private historically black university, Hampton University was founded in 1868. Originally named the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial school, Hampton University was founded on the grounds of a former plantation. Following the end of the Civil War, the people of Elizabeth City Country were eager to begin construction on school’s that would help to serve the black community. As part of this plan, the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School was established to serve this community. The school was later renamed to the Hampton Institute after expanding its curriculum beyond its initial offerings. Following its founding, the school began to shift towards the goal of becoming a normal school. It was decided that the school would be adapted in order to help train teachers in the Virginia area in order to educate eager students. Over the years the school’s name was changed from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute to Hampton Institue and finally to Hampton University. Today, Hampton University enrolls a student body of approximately 4,600 students.
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Home of the Pirates, Hampton University maintains a large selection of academic programs for students to choose from. Currently, students at Hampton University can choose to enroll in fifty different Bachelor’s programs, over twenty-five Master’s programs and seven doctoral programs. Of these programs, Hampton University offers many of them online. This offering of online programs has earned Hampton University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Hampton University is a public university.
Accreditation: Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $300/credit
Click here for a list of Hampton University’s online programs.
#2. Bluefield College
Founded by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Bluefield College is a small Christian college. Located in Bluefield, Virginia, Bluefield College was established in 1922 with the motto “God, Country, Light”. After receiving donations of land and money from members of the Baptist Church in Bluefield, the Baptist General Association of Virginia began work on the construction of the brand new school. The school was to provide Baptist students with the opportunity to receive a higher education that also provided them with a religious perspective. Originally a junior college, Bluefield College quickly grew to expand its curriculum. With the addition of undergraduate programs, Bluefield College was able to attract more students into its ranks. This phase of reinvention began in 1975. It was at this point that a whole new selection of undergraduate programs including Bachelor’s degrees was made available for students to enroll in. This helped lead Bluefield College into the 21st century. Today, Bluefield College enrolls a modest student body of approximately 1,000 students.
Home of the Rams, Bluefield College has organized an impressive catalog of academic programs for its students. Currently, students at Bluefield College can enroll in twenty-two different undergraduate programs. Bluefield College is committed to offering many of these programs online helping the school to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Bluefield College is a private institution.
Accreditation: Bluefield College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $365/credit
Click here for a list of Bluefield College’s online programs.
#3. Regent University
A private Christian Research University, Regent University was founded in 1977. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University was originally named the Christian Broadcasting Network University. Founded by Pat Robertson, the school was originally created in order to help train students who were interested in working in fields related to ministry or broadcast. With the motto “Christian Leadership to Change the World”, Regent University has always incorporated Christian values into the culture of its university. While a primarily Christian university, the school is interdenominational and welcome of all students. Regent University has not only made a name for itself based upon the quality of its academic programs but also for its commitment to distance education. From its earliest history, Regent University has committed itself to the inclusion of non-traditional formats of education. Whether it be adult learning, night school or distance education, Regent University has worked to facilitate the education of those looking for alternatives to the traditional campus format. Today, Regent University enrolls a student body of over 8,600 students.
Students at Regent University are offered a massive selection of academic programs at the university. Currently, Regent University is offering students 132 different areas of study across its undergraduate and graduate level programs. Regent University offers a large selection of these programs to students entirely online. This commitment to online education has earned Regent University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Regent University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $425/credit
Click here for a list of Regent University’s online programs.
#4. Liberty University
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is a private Christian research university. Founded in 1971, Liberty University was established by Jerry Falwell. Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Jerry Falwell wanted to create an institution of higher learning that would serve people of the Baptist faith. In 1971, Jerry Falwell established Liberty University as the Lynchburg Baptist College. Operating under this name for the next six years, it was decided in 1977 that the school was to be renamed to Liberty Baptist College. This name stuck around for the next eight years until the school was finally named Liberty University in 1985. From the outset, Liberty University focused on providing students with a wide range of academic programs all grounded in Baptist teachings and ideology. While affiliated with the Baptist Church, Liberty University is welcoming of people from all denominations. In 1985, Liberty University began a primitive version of its distance education program by sending students lessons via mail on VHS tapes. This eventually grew into Liberty University’s large online catalog of degrees. Today, Liberty University is home to a student body of over 110,000 students.
With much of its academic offerings provided to students online, Liberty University maintains a large catalog of academic programming for its students. Students at Liberty University can choose from over 550 different academic programs offered at the school. Of these programs, 289 of them are offered to students entirely online. With this massive catalog of online programs, Liberty University has earned its place among the top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Liberty University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $455/credit
Click here for a list of Liberty University’s online programs.
#5. Mary Baldwin University
Established in 1842, Mary Baldwin University is a private liberal arts college. Located in Staunton, Virginia, Mary Baldwin University was established as the Augusta Female Seminary. Founded by Rufus William Bailey, the Augusta Female Seminary provided women in Staunton, Virginia with the opportunity to gain a higher education. Among the first class of students was a student named Mary Julia Baldwin. In 1895, the school was renamed to Mary Baldwin Seminary in honor of Mary Julia Baldwin. The school’s name was changed again in 1923 to Mary Baldwin College. It was at this point in the school’s history that full four-year degree programs were offered to students at the school. In 1963, Mary Baldwin College began admitting their first black students. Over the coming decades, Mary Baldwin College would increase its academic offerings. As more and more students attended the school, Mary Baldwin College was able to continue expanding its academic offerings. In 2015, the school was officially renamed to Mary Baldwin University. Today, the school enrolls a student body of approximately 1,700 students.
Home of the Fighting Squirrels, Mary Baldwin University offers its student body a large selection of academic programs. Students at Mary Baldwin University are able to choose from over thirty different undergraduate majors as well as dozens of graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. With this dedication to online learning, Mary Baldwin University has earned a place among the top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Mary Baldwin University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Mary Baldwin University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $460/credit
Click here for a list of Mary Baldwin University’s online programs.
#6. University of Lynchburg
A private college, the University of Lynchburg was founded in 1903. Established by Dr. Josephus Hopwood, the University of Lynchburg was originally known as the Virginia Christian College. Operated in affiliation with the Christian Church, the Virginia Christian College provide students with a higher education with a Christian perspective. Dr. Josephus Hopwood initially worked for Milligan College in Tennessee but decided that he wanted to take his experience to Virginia in order to help found the new school. After securing funding and using it to purchase the Westover Hotel, Dr. Josephus Hopwood was ready to open Virginia Christian College. Operating as the Virginia Christian College for sixteen years, the school was renamed to Lynchburg College in 1919. This name change was chosen as it reflected that more than just Virginians were enrolled at the school. After continuing to grow and add more programs to its academic offerings, Lynchburg College was renamed once again to the University of Lynchburg. The University of Lynchburg is now home to a student body known as the Hornets which is made up of over 2,800 students.
Students at the University of Lynchburg are able to enroll in many different academic programs offered at the institution. As of this writing, the University of Lynchburg offers nearly forty different undergraduate degrees as well as nearly a dozen different graduate programs. Of these programs, the University of Lynchburg offers many of them entirely online. By offering these programs entirely online the University of Lynchburg has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia.
Accreditation: University of Lynchburg is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $525/credit
Click here for a list of University of Lynchburg’s online programs.
#7. Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Founded in 1982, Jefferson College of Health Sciences is a private health sciences college located in Roanoke, Virginia. While established in 1982, Jefferson College of Health Sciences has a history that stretches back way into the early 1900s. In 1907, Dr. Hugh Trout Sr. founded a small medical facility in the city of Roanoke, Virginia known as Jefferson Hospital. At the time, the area was experiencing a shortage of qualified nurses that could work in the facilities. In order to grow the number of qualified professionals, Dr. Hugh Trout Sr. established the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing. At this same time, Dr. James Newton Lewis and Dr. Sparrell Simmons Gale both founded a nearby hospital and a school of nursing to operate alongside it. Decades later in 1965, a new community hospital was constructed and it was decided that the two different nursing schools would be consolidated into one school known as the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley School of Nursing. A few years later the school was remade into the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley College of Health Sciences. Now known as the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, the school now enrolls a student body of over 1,000 students.
Students at Jefferson College of Health Sciences are able to enroll in a large selection of academic programs for students interested in the health sciences. Currently, Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers over fifteen programs at it school some of which are also made available online. By offering some of these programs online, Jefferson College of Health Sciences has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Jefferson College of Health Sciences is a private institution.
Accreditation: Jefferson College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $765/credit
Click here for a list of Jefferson College of Health Sciences’ online programs.
#8. Longwood University
Located in Farmville, Virginia, Longwood University is a public liberal arts university. Originally known as the Farmville Female Seminary Association, Longwood University was established in 1839. Founded with the motto “We Teach to Enlighten”, the Farmville Female Seminary Association was established by a Methodist minister named Solomon Lea. Having taught at Randolph-Macon College, Solomon Lea took his experience to his newly founded seminary. In 1884, the school was reinvented as the State Female Normal School. Led by Dr. William Henry Ruffner, the idea was to transform the institution into a teacher training facility. Through this change, the school was able to attract more students into its curriculum and provide them with the training and education needed to become teachers within the state of Virginia. As more students flocked to the school, the State Female Normal School began to slowly expand its curriculum beyond the confines of teacher training. In 1949, the school was renamed to Longwood College after the nearby estate that was purchased to help flesh out the school’s campus. In 2002, the school was renamed to Longwood University after expanding its academic offerings. Today, Longwood University enrolls a student body of over 5,000 students.
Home of the Lancers, Longwood University now offers students a large selection of academic degree programs from which to enroll in. As of this moment, Longwood University offers over 100 different undergraduate programs as well as dozens of graduate degree programs. Longwood University offers a large portion of these programs to students entirely online, as well. By offering these programs online, Longwood University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Longwood University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Longwood University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $785/credit
Click here for a list of Longwood University’s online programs.
#9. James Madison University
Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, James Madison University is a public research university. Founded on the motto “Knowledge is Liberty”, James Madison University was originally operated as a women’s college. Known as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg, this initial institution was designed to train women to enter into the workforce as teachers or work in some form of industry. By 1914, it was decided that the school’s name would change from the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg to the State Normal School for Women at Harrisonburg. Offering only junior college-level educations at first, the school soon added Bachelor’s programs to its curriculum just two years after this name change. In 1924, the school underwent a restructuring and was renamed to State Teachers College at Harrisonburg. This name change soon prompted another name change fourteen years later to Madison College. This name was selected to honor the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. James Madison also owned a nearby estate. The school’s name was changed once again in 1976 to James Madison University. Home of the Dukes, James Madison University now enrolls over 22,600 students.
James Madison University maintains a large selection of academic programs for students to enroll in. At this moment, James Madison University offers over 110 different academic programs across its undergraduate and graduate program offerings. James Madison University offers many of these programs entirely online. This commitment to online education has earned James Madison University a spot among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. James Madison University is a public institution.
Accreditation: James Madison University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $788/credit
Click here for a list of James Madison University’s online programs.
#10. Radford University
A public university, Radford University was established in 1910. Originally named the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford, Radford University was initially established in order to provide women in Radford and nearby areas the opportunity to get an education as a teacher or in some field of industry. This focus was narrowed in 1924 when the school was renamed to the State Teachers College at Radford. Now refocused to primarily work to provide educations to teachers who would then work to serve the Appalachian area, the State Teachers College at Radford attracted students from across Virginia. During the 1940s, the state of Virginia began to work towards consolidating some of the academic institutions within the region. In 1943, the State Teachers College at Radford was consolidated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. However, this merger was dissolved in 1964. Once again its own independent institution, the State Teachers College at Radford was renamed to Radford College. Gaining university status in 1979, the school’s name was changed again to Radford University. Radford University is now home to a student population of 9,400 students known as the Highlanders.
Students at Radford University are now able to choose from a wide-ranging selection of academic programs offered at the school. Currently, Radford University offers 108 different degree programs across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Radford University is also committed to online learning by offering many of its programs to students entirely online. This dedication to online learning has helped Radford University to rank among our top online colleges in Virginia. Radford University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $814/credit
Click here for a list of Radford University’s online programs.
#11. Marymount University
Located in Arlington County, Virginia, Marymount University is a Catholic university. Founded in 1950, Marymount University was established with the motto “Direct Us by Thy Light”. Founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Marymount University was originally known as Marymount College. Operating as a two-year women’s college, students enrolled at Marymount College were able to earn a junior college-level education through the new institution. Located on the former estate of Admiral Presley Marion Rixey, Marymount College continued to operate as a junior college for the next twenty-three years. In 1973, Marymount College then added four-year degree programs into its curriculum. The addition of these programs helped Marymount College attract more students into its academic programs. As more students entered the school, the demand for different types of academic experiences expanded. By 1979, Marymount College was ready to add graduate degree programs into its curriculum. This prompted the school to change its name to Marymount University and the school also became coeducational in that same year. Today, Marymount University is home to a student body of over 3,300 students.
Home of the Saints, Marymount University maintains a large selection of academic programs for its student body. Currently, students at Marymount University are able to choose from nearly 100 different programs of study across the schools undergraduate and graduate offerings. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Marymount University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Marymount University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Marymount University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $860/credit
Click here for a list of Marymount University’s online programs.
#12. Virginia State University
Located in Petersburg, Virginia, Virginia State University is a historically black public university. Founded in 1882, Virginia State University was named the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. Created by a bill sponsored by Delegate Alfred W. Harris, a black attorney who wanted to establish a college for black students in Virginia. However, an ensuing legal battle resulted in the charter of the school being modified to the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute which removed the school’s college program. However, in 1920, the school was given the land-grant program for black students from the nearby Hampton Institute. This change in designation allowed the school to restore its college program. Restoring its college program, the school was renamed to Virginia State College for Negroes in 1930. In 1944, the Virginia State College for Negroes added an additional branch in Norfolk which was eventually spun off into its own institution now known as Norfolk State College. In 1946, the school was renamed to Virginia State College and then renamed once more to Virginia State University in 1979. Home of the Trojans, Virginia State University currently enrolls a student body of over 7,100 students.
Students at Virginia State University are afforded the opportunity to enroll in a large selection of academic programs offered at the school Currently, Virginia State University offers hundreds of programs across its undergraduate and graduate offerings. Alongside these programs, Virginia State University maintains a robust catalog of online degree programs. Because of this dedication to online education, Virginia State University has earned its place among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia.
Accreditation: Virginia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $876/credit
Click here for a list of Virginia State University’s online programs.
#13. Shenandoah University
A private comprehensive university, Shenandoah University was founded in 1875. Established with the motto “Curiosity Required”, Shenandoah University was originally known as the Shenandoah Seminary. Founded in Dayton, Virginia, the Shenandoah Seminary was established by Dr. Abraham Funkhouser and Professor Jay Fries. In the very early years, the Shenandoah Seminary acted solely as a bible school and taught the students about religion. In 1924, the curriculum of the Shenandoah Seminary shifted to that of a junior college prompting the school to be renamed to Shenandoah College. Now offering four-year degree programs to its students, Shenandoah College quickly began to attract more and more students into its student body. With the addition of more students into its programs, Shenandoah College began to add more academic programs to meet the needs of their students. In 1991, the school was given university status and began offering students graduate-level degree programs to enroll in. Home of the Hornets, Shenandoah University now enrolls a student body of approximately 2,100 students.
Shenandoah University affords its students a wide selection of academic programs from which to choose from. Currently, Shenandoah University offers a total of ninety different academic programs across its undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate offerings. Shenandoah offers a great deal of these programs to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Shenandoah University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Shenandoah University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Shenandoah University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $910/credit
Click here for a list of Shenandoah University’s online programs.
#14. Norfolk State University
Established in 1935, Norfolk State University is a historically black university. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University was originally established as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University. Originally an extension campus of the nearby Virginia State University, the Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University soon grew to become very popular among the people that lived in Norfolk and its surrounding areas. Quickly, the Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University grew to become much more than just an extension of Virginia State University. By 1942, it was determined that the Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University should be made independent of Virginia State University. Named Norfolk Polytechnic College, the new school was now fully independent of Virginia State University. However, this was not longlived. Two years later the school was made part of Virginia State College. This decision was reversed in 1969 and the school was renamed to Norfolk State College. Ten years later, Norfolk State College was granted university status and was renamed to Norfolk State University. Today, Norfolk State University enrolls a student body of approximately 5,300 students.
Norfolk State University maintains a large college of academic programs from which students can choose to enroll in. As of today, Norfolk State University offers two doctorate programs, fifteen Master’s programs, and thirty-six different undergraduate degrees. From these degrees, Norfolk State University offers a large selection of them entirely online. Norfolk State University is a public institution and one of our top online colleges in VA.
Accreditation: Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $939/credit
Click here for a list of Norfolk State University’s online programs.
#15. Old Dominion University
Established in 1930, Old Dominion University is a public research university. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University was originally named the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. While officially established in 1930, plans for the new division were underway as early as the 1910s. Wanting to expand the College of William and Mary, Norfolk was one of the first locations that were considered for the college’s expansion. Known as “The Division”, the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary steadily grew in popularity. Growing in popularity. Through the 1940s, admission rates increased at the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary and it was quickly becoming apparent that the school was becoming much larger than just an expansion campus. In 1962, the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary gained its independence after the William and Mary system of schools was dissolved by the state. Renamed to Old Dominion College, the school continued to attract students and grow its reputation in academia. In 1969, the school was renamed to its current name: Old Dominion University. Today, Old Dominion University is home to a student body of 25,000 students known as the Monarchs.
Students at Old Dominion University are able to choose from a large selection of academic programs offered at the institution. At this moment in time, Old Dominion University has over seventy different Bachelor’s degrees, sixty Master’s degrees, and over thirty doctoral programs for students to choose from. A large selection of these programs is also offered to students entirely online. Old Dominion University is a public institution and one of our top online colleges in Virginia.
Accreditation: Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $982/credit
Click here for a list of Old Dominion University’s online programs.
#16. Eastern Mennonite University
Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Eastern Mennonite University is a private university. Established in 1917, Eastern Mennonite University was founded on the motto of “Preparing students to serve and lead globally”. Founded by members of the Mennonite Church, Eastern Mennonite University. At the time, the members of the Mennonite Church felt that the area did not have enough options for higher learning that served students who were interested in an education that also incorporated teachings of the Mennonite faith. Through the founding of Eastern Mennonite University, the members of the Mennonite Church were on their way to helping students gain an education. Originally focusing on biblical studies and other religious studies, Eastern Mennonite University slowly began to expand the programs offered to students. With the expansion of its academic programs came a rise in student enrollment which in turn helped fuel the addition of more academic programming. While the school was founded on the Mennonite faith, Eastern Mennonite University is currently welcoming of all denominations of people. Today, Eastern Mennonite University enrolls a student body of over 1,600 students.
Home of the Royals, Eastern Mennonite University offers a large number of academic programs for its student body. Currently, students at Eastern Mennonite University are able to choose from over thirty different undergraduate programs as well as dozens of graduate programs. A great deal of these programs is also made available to students entirely online helping Eastern Mennonite University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Eastern Mennonite University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Eastern Mennonite University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $1,021/credit
Click here for a list of Eastern Mennonite University’s online programs.
#17. Virginia Commonwealth University
A public research university, Virginia Commonwealth University was first founded in 1968. Established with the motto “Make it real”, Virginia Commonwealth University was officially created through the merger of the Richmond Professional Institute and Medical College of Virginia. While the entity that is officially Virginia Commonwealth University was founded in 1968, Virginia Commonwealth University’s earliest history dates all the way back to the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College. Over the course of the 19th century, the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney Colley made a name for itself among medical institutions of higher learning. Eventually receiving its own charter from the state of Virginia, the school was spun off onto its own as the Medical College of Virginia. Far newer, the Richmond Professional Institute was founded in 1917 in order to help prepare students for the world of business and industry. It was soon acquired by The College of William & Mary but was then spun off again in 1939. It was the consolidation of these two different entities that brought about the creation of what is known as Virginia Commonwealth University. Today, the student body at Virginia Commonwealth University are known as the Rams and top out at over 31,000 students.
Students at Virginia Commonwealth University can enroll from a large catalog of academic programs maintained by the institution. Across Virginia Commonwealth University’s programs, students can choose to enroll in over 210 different degree programs including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degree programs. A large selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution and one of our top online colleges in VA.
Accreditation: Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $1,059/credit
Click here for a list of Virginia Commonwealth University’s online programs.
#18. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
Known more commonly as Virginia Tech, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University was founded on the motto “That I May Serve”. A public research university, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University was founded in 1872. Originally known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical School, the school was created through the collection of funding through the federal land-grant act known as the Morrill Act. Using this money to purchase the Preston and Olin Institute and the nearby Solitude Farm, the state of Virginia was ready to begin founding Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Operating as a junior college for its early history, the curriculum at the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College was reorganized into a traditional four-year degree program while also adding graduate options for students. This change came about in 1896 alongside a name change to Virginia Agriculutral and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. An admittedly long name, the students at the school almost immediately dropped the “Agricultural and Mechanical College” portion in their own communications. In 1944, the school was officially renamed to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Today, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is located in Blacksburg, Virginia and enrolls a student body of over 32,000 students.
Home of the Hokies, students at Virginia Polytechnic and State University are able to select from a large catalog of degree programs offered to students at the institution. Currently, students at Virginia Polytechnic and State University are able to enroll in over 225 different degree programs across the schools undergraduate and graduate degrees. Virginia Polytechnic and State University offer a selection of these programs entirely online to students placing the school among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. Virginia Polytechnic and State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $1,178/credit
Click here for a list of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State’s online programs.
#19. George Mason University
Originally a branch of the University of Virginia, George Mason University is now a public research university. Located in Fairfax County, George Mason University was founded with the motto “Freedom and Learning” in 1949. Wanting to branch out and create a new branch in Northern Virginia, the University of Virginia began looking for potential sites to locate a new extension campus. After searching for a few months, the University of Virginia selected a series of buildings in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Prince William. These buildings were purchased and became the Northern University Center of the University of Virginia. In 1956, the Virginia General Assembly redefined this extension center as a University College and the Northern Virginia Branch of the University of Virginia. However, the school proved to be quite popular very quickly. As more and more students were attracted to the programs at the University College it became clear that the school would become too large to be part of another university. In 1966, the school was renamed to George Mason College and was made a degree-granting institution. Six years later, the school was made independent of the University of Virginia and renamed to George Mason University. Today, George Mason University enrolls a student body of over 35,000 students.
Students at George Mason University are given the opportunity to choose from a massive selection of academic degree programs offered to students at the university. At the present moment, students at George Mason University are offered hundreds of options across the schools undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degree options. George Mason University also maintains a robust selection of academic programs that are made available entirely online. George Mason University is a public institution and one of our top online colleges in VA.
Accreditation: George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $1,355/credit
Click here for a list of George Mason University’s online programs.
#20. University of Virginia
The flagship of the Commonwealth of Virginia System, the University of Virginia is a public research university. Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia was established by former President and author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. While established in 1819, President Thomas Jefferson made his intentions clear to found a new university in Virginia in a series of correspondence sent to his friend Charles Willson Peale in 1802. It called for the creation of a new university that was separate from the religious trappings of the College of William and Mary that would be a place for people from across the country to come and “drink of the cup of knowledge”. The school’s campus was also to be constructed in a way that at the center of the campus would reside the school’s library both symbolically and literally placing the school’s wealth of knowledge at the center of the university. Proving quite popular and groundbreaking for the history of education in America, the University of Virginia went on to lead an extensive history of academic excellence. Today, the University of Virginia is the now an elected member of the Association of American Universities and is also classified as having Very High Research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.
Now home to a student body of over 24,000 students, the University of Virginia offers a large selection of academic programs for students at the institution to choose from. As of today, the University of Virginia is now offering over 120 different undergraduate programs as well as a large selection of graduate and postgraduate degrees. The University of Virginia also offers a great deal of these programs to students entirely online. Through this online offering, the University of Virginia has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Virginia. University of Virginia is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $1,394/credit
Click here for a list of University of Virginia’s online programs.
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