The 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 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.
