The College Consensus ranking of the Best Online Colleges in Virginia combines the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create a unique college meta-ranking. This approach offers a comprehensive and holistic perspective missing from other college rankings. Visit our about page for information on which rankings and review sites were included in this year’s consensus rankings.
The Best Online Colleges & Universities in Virginia category is limited to schools in Virginia offering at least three fully-online degree programs at any level. Schools that did not qualify for a Consensus Score were ranked by their Student Review score.
Wondering how to pay for your college degree? Check out our list of the Top Virginia Scholarships.
Online Learning in Virginia
Virginia has a wealth of high-paying professional careers, thanks to proximity to Washington, DC, but it is also a state with many different people and places, from rural and mountainous areas to major cities. Anyone who struggles to attend class in a traditional setting benefits from online degrees in Virginia. Difficulties with the traditional classroom can stem from circumstance, convenience, or learning differences. Online college degrees are a good route for many people who have trouble with a traditional school setting. This includes many groups of Virginia residents.
Adults who work full-time jobs, parents of young children, people who live in rural communities, and people who have a disability that prevents them from attending a traditional class all can benefit from online classes. Online college is a great option for anyone who prefers to learn on their own schedule. Nontraditional classes are also a good fit for people who struggle to stay focused in a traditional classroom environment. Virginia residents aren’t the only ones getting on board with Virginia online degrees. The Virginia Plan For Higher Education, created in 2014, works to make it easier for nontraditional students to earn a college degree.
What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Virginia?
Like in a traditional college setting, you can earn any type of degree when you begin online degree programs in Virginia. Associates degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even graduate degrees are all possible with online classes. An associates degree takes two years of study in a traditional college classroom. The same is true when you earn the degree with one of the many Virginia online degree programs.
25 Highest Paying Online Associates Degrees
25 Highest Paying Online Bachelors Degrees
25 Highest Paying Online Masters Degrees
25 Highest Paying Online Doctoral Degrees
A bachelor’s degree takes four years, whether it’s earned online or in a traditional classroom. Many students who take classes online at the bachelor’s level appreciate the discussion boards created by professors. This allows students to learn from one another, like at a traditional school. A master’s degree requires two years of study after a bachelor’s degree, and can be earned with online bachelor degree programs in Virginia. Online programs are an option for people pursuing a doctorate level degree, or a Ph.D. Some master’s and doctorate programs require internships. An internship allows students to practice job skills in real-time. Internship students communicate with a professor, who will serve as an advisor, in the online classroom environment. With doctoral programs that require a thesis, students may have to defend their thesis in-person to a panel of experts.
How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Virginia?
If you’re looking for the cheapest online college in Virginia, you’re not alone. Many students feel held back from pursuing higher education due to cost. Luckily, there are many options for inexpensive classes. Online community colleges in Virginia are a great option for lower cost education. Community college offers two years of college classes, as opposed to the four year programs of study at traditional colleges. Community colleges are much less expensive than four year universities. For students who want to get an associate’s degree, community college is a smart choice. These institutions can also be a smart choice for students who want to get their bachelor’s or graduate degrees as well. Many students who want to save money start out at a community college, earning their first two years of credits. These credits can then transfer to a four year institution. The degree students get from the four year institution is the same, even though half of the credits came from a different school.
It’s also important to look at public colleges, as they are often less expensive than private institutions. Students find that the quality of education is the same. Public institutions receive funding from the state, whereas private institutions are privately funded. Both types of colleges can provide scholarships. Financial aid from the state is greater for students attending a public institution. Consult with your employer about college class reimbursement. Many employers will pay for you to take college classes. Some employers have requirements in order for you to get reimbursed. These may include maintaining a certain GPA or agreeing to work for for a certain number of years after you graduate.
Are There Online Public Universities in Virginia?
When you’re looking for Virginia online colleges, you’ve got many options among the state’s public online institutions. In the past, the only way to get a college degree was to commit years of study (and a lot of money) to a college. Now, things are different. Virginia educational institutions recognize that today’s college student is anything but typical. Colleges now cater to busy parents, people who work full time, and other nontraditional students. People of all ages, all family situations, and all economic levels are interested in furthering their education. Online college gives more people a fair shot at getting a degree. Virginia online colleges understand that while some students may not be able to attend classes in the traditional sense, they still should be able to have a chance to increase their education.
Related Rankings:
Best Colleges & Universities in Virginia
Best Online Colleges & Universities