Have you been searching for affordable online colleges in Virginia? Well, Affordable Schools is here to help. We’ve ranked the 10 cheapest online universities for finishing an accredited degree on a tight budget.
Colonized by the British in 1607, Virginia has a historic higher education landscape. Virginia’s College of William and Mary, the oldest public U.S. institution, educated four Declaration of Independence signers. Hampden-Sydney College became the first privately chartered university in the South in 1775. Four decades later, the University of Virginia was founded by Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. The “Mother of States” now has 71 public and private colleges for its 8.51 million people. Liberty University is the biggest with nearly 110,000 learners enrolled online. The Institute for the Psychological Sciences is the smallest with only 160 post-grads. From Alexandria to Norfolk, Virginia offers unparalleled college opportunities to suit any student’s needs.
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Virginia is the seventh-best state for education. Virginians have achieved an above-average high school graduation rate of 86.7 percent. Advancing into post-secondary schooling can be a financial challenge though. Forbes warned Virginia has the 10th highest college tuition nationwide. The average annual Virginia in-state tuition is $15,600. Actual figures can increase dramatically at some private colleges too. For instance, Washington & Lee University currently charges $53,730 per year! It’s no surprise why Virginia students graduate with a median debt of $30,363. Lack of financial resources shouldn’t hold you back from your degree dreams though. Affordable online Virginia schools are available to reduce your out-of-pocket costs in professional programs.
Methodology
First, Affordable Schools accessed the National Center for Education Statistics database to locate cheap Virginia online colleges. We conducted an advanced search for four-year public and private VA institutions with undergraduate distance education degrees. Our initial pool included 28 colleges with at least one degree 100 percent online. Next, our researchers visited the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website to verify regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Then, we sorted the remaining Virginia options based on average in-state tuition. We used the College Navigator’s latest 2018-19 data for annual full-time undergrad attendance costs. We listed the schools in descending order and kept the 10 cheapest. Finally, we profiled each affordable Virginia online college that costs less than $18,000 per year below.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Virginia Colleges
10. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $17,653
Presented a 2019 ASEE Bronze Diversity Recognition Award, the University of Virginia is a flagship public, land-grant AAU member that’s endowed for $6.9 billion under President James E. Ryan to employ 3,200 full-time faculty teaching 24,360 Cavaliers from 147 countries. Twelve UVA schools boast an average 89 percent graduation rate online, on its 1,682-acre Jeffersonian campus, and in the College at Wise. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Virginia ninth for online teaching and 30th for online engineering degrees. Money magazine crowned UVA the 10th best value. Times Higher Education placed Virginia 107th overall globally. The University of Virginia kicks off our website’s top 10 affordable colleges online with $17,653 annual in-state tuition. Founded in 1915, the School of Continuing & Professional Studies now logs 2,272 learners into Canvas for 190+ engaging online courses. Online UVA students select from eight undergrad and 24 graduate SACS-accredited programs, including the:
- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Management
- Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis
- Undergraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management
- Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
- Master of Education in Administration and Supervision
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Global Executive Master of Business Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Procurement and Contracts Management
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing
9. ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $17,479
Granted the 2019 Campus Management Excellence Award in Vision & Innovation, ECPI University is a private, for-profit NSA Center of Excellence that awards $9 million in financial aid to affordably enroll 13,487 (13,142 undergraduate) non-traditional learners from 50 states at an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The East Coast Polytechnic Institute splits into six SACS-accredited colleges available online and on 19 campuses from Roanoke to Orlando for 53 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ECPI 200th for online bachelor’s degrees. Military Times named ECPI University the #1 best for vets school. On Niche, ECPI boasts America’s eighth best technology and 107th top criminal justice programs. ECPI University is our ninth best cheap Virginia online college with $17,479 average in-state pricing. Since 2005, ECPI Online has developed 200+ accelerated, five-week courses to finish degrees up to 18 months earlier. Online students benefit from year-round scheduling in 27 undergrad and nine post-grad majors, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Crime and Intelligence Analysis
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Business Administration in Management
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Master of Science in Human Resources Management
8. Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $14,493
Bestowed the 2018 IIE Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, doctoral-granting APLU member of the Atlantic 10 that’s endowed for $2.0 billion to employ 23,401 staff and educate 31,076 Rams from 101 nations. VCU has selective 77 percent acceptance into 17 SACS-accredited colleges accessed online, on its 90.6-acre Monroe Park campus, and at eight extension centers. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Virginia Commonwealth third for online education and 48th for online engineering programs. Forbes named VCU the 155th top research institution. Washington Monthly crowned VCU the 134th best university. Virginia Commonwealth University is the AS Staff’s eighth best affordable Virginia online college with $14,493 in-state costs. On Blackboard, Online@VCU currently offers 400+ Web courses each 16-week semester with Adult Learning Resource Center services. Online students pursue three bachelor’s and 18 graduate degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion
- Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
- Master of Science in Addiction Studies
- Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
- Master of Science in Digital Sociology
- Master of Education in K-12 Reading Specialist
- Master of Business Administration in Corporate Finance
- Master of Education in Administration and Supervision
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Related Sciences
7. Strayer University
Herndon, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $13,380
Home to the 2019 Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education President’s Award winner, Strayer University is a private, for-profit OLC member valued at $634 million that’s led by President Brian W. Jones to enroll 52,253 pupils at a 24:1 student-faculty ratio. Strayer has nine SACS-accredited academic divisions available online and face-to-face at 76 campuses in 15 states with a 48 percent average retention rate. On Niche, Strayer boasts America’s 220th best college location. College Factual placed Strayer 53rd for location diversity and 287th for business value. The Princeton Review placed Strayer in the top 25 online MBA programs. Strayer University stands seventh among Affordable Schools’ best cheap Virginia online colleges with a $13,380 price. Launched in 1996, the Online College provides 11-week virtual “Military Friendly” courses quarterly with personalized coaching. Financial aid like the $4,000 Alumni Scholarship helps finish 11 bachelor’s and 11 master’s degrees online, including the:
- Associate in Arts in Information Systems
- Associate in Arts in Acquisition and Contract Management
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism
- Master of Health Services Administration
- Master of Human Resource Management
- Master of Business Administration in Digital Entrepreneurship
- Master of Education in Instructional Technology
- Jack Welch Executive Master of Business Administration
6. George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $12,462
Chosen for a 2015 Online Learning Consortium Effective Practices Award, George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public, research-based SURA member that’s endowed for $84.9 million to instruct 36,297 Patriots from 122 countries with an average 3.66 GPA. George Mason operates 11 schools with a 17:1 student-faculty online, on its 953-acre Fairfax campus, and across four satellites for 66.9 percent graduation. The U.S. News & World Report named GMU 24th for online technology and 39th for online business degrees. The Wall Street Journal placed Mason 184th overall. On Niche, GMU boasts America’s 77th most diversity and 99th top public education. Our ranking positions George Mason University sixth among affordable online Virginia schools with average in-state costs of $12,462. Directed by Dr. Stephen Nodine, the Office of Digital Learning utilizes Blackboard to deliver 300+ seven- or 15-week online courses. Online GMU students can complete 10 undergrad and 33 post-grad degrees, including the:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology and Innovation
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Game Design
- Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
- Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
- Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
- Master of Education in Transformative Teaching
- Master of Laws in Global Antitrust and Economics
- Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
5. James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $12,016
Given the 2019 State Authorization Network SANsational Innovations Award, James Madison University is a selective public, coed SCHEV member that’s endowed for $103.9 million to employ 1,575 faculty inspiring 21,808 Dukes from 43 nations with a median SAT range of 1160-1320. James Madison runs nine SACS-accredited colleges online and on its 148-building Shenandoah Valley campus near Massanutten Mountain with 96 percent student satisfaction. The U.S. News & World Report ranked JMU 30th for online nursing and 34th for online MBA programs. Times Higher Education labeled Madison the 279th top college. Money magazine declared JMU the 57th best value. James Madison University starts this list’s top five affordable online schools with a $12,016 in-state rate. Based in Maury Hall, the Online Learning Council provides 75+ virtual courses on Canvas in eight- or 16-week formats with Quality Matters certification. Madison Online students can pursue five undergrad and nine post-grad options, such as the:
- Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Undergraduate Certificate
- Master of Education in Education Technology
- Master of Science in Information Security
- Master of Education in Mathematics
- Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology
- Cyber Intelligence Graduate Certificate
- Higher Education Assessment Specialist Graduate Certificate
- K-12 Gifted Education Endorsement Graduate Certificate
4. Averett University
Danville, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $11,520
Honored with the 2019 Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award, Averett University is a private, nonprofit Baptist CCCU member that’s endowed for $25.8 million to serve 1,879 Cougars from 20 countries at a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The “College of Distinction” has selective 61 percent acceptance into three SACS-accredited divisions online, on its 19-acre Danville campus, and at 14 GPS locations. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Averett the South’s 15th best college and seventh top social mobility performer. On Niche, AU has the 226th most student diversity nationwide. Washington Monthly named Averett the 176th best baccalaureate institution. Averett University finished fourth among our affordable Virginia colleges online with $11,520 average tuition. For 25 years, the School of Graduate & Professional Studies has offered the IDEAL Program for six- or 12-week adult courses on Canvas. Online AU learners choose from six bachelor’s and 11 master’s tracks like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Master of Accountancy
- Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Business Administration in Marketing
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Master of Education in Special Education K-12
3. Radford University
Radford, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $11,210
Selected for a 2018 CASE District III Circle of Excellence Award, Radford University is a public, coed doctoral-granting Big South Conference member that’s endowed for $56.7 million under President Brian Hemphill to teach 11,870 Highlanders from 41 states and 50 nations with 74 percent retention. Radford is divided into seven SACS-accredited colleges with an average class size of 31 online and on its 204-acre New River Valley campus in southwest Virginia. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Radford 222nd for online graduate education. On Niche, Radford has America’s 71st best criminal justice degrees. Sierra magazine named Radford the 152nd coolest school. Radford University is Affordable Schools’ third best low-cost online Virginia college with $11,210 yearly tuition in-state. Since 2008, Radford Online has had NC-SARA approval to deliver 15-week Desire2Learn courses with 24/7 Technology Assistance Center help. Online Highlanders can earn six bachelor’s and 19 graduate credentials, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Computer and CyberScience
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership
- Master of Fine Arts in Art Design Thinking
- Master of Science in Mathematics Education
- Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics
- Doctor of Health Sciences
2. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $10,560
Conferred the 2015 UPCEA Julius Nolte Award for Continuing Education Leadership, Old Dominion University is a dynamic public, sea-grant CUMU member that’s endowed for $238.1 million to instruct 19,372 undergrad and 4,804 post-grad Monarchs from 89 countries. Hampton Roads’ 17th largest employer has eight SACS-accredited colleges accessible online, on its 251-acre Norfolk campus, and three extended centers for 94 percent job placement success. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Old Dominion 45th for online MBA and 53rd for online nursing education. Forbes declared ODU the 190th top public school. Niche picked ODU as America’s 120th best big college. Old Dominion University is our second best cheap online Virginia school with in-state tuition averaging $10,560 per year. On LEO, Old Dominion Online offers live and self-driven courses each 12- or 16-week semester with free Microsoft Office 365 software. Online ODU students choose from 31 bachelor’s and 52 post-grad degrees, including the:
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing
- Master of Library and Information Studies
- Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery
- Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology
- Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and Policy
- Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership
1. Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA
Average In-State Tuition: $9,490
Designated a 2018 OLC Distance Learning Innovation Award finalist, Norfolk State University is a public, historically Black TMCF member in the Virginia High-Tech Partnership that’s endowed for $24.8 million to enroll 4,507 full-time and 697 part-time Spartans from 16 countries for 73 percent retention. Eight NSU colleges maintain a 17:1 student-faculty ratio online and on its 134-acre Hampton Roads campus near the Chesapeake Bay. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Norfolk State the 42nd best HBCU and 58th top social mobility performer. On Niche, NSU features America’s 75th best Greek life. Washington Monthly deemed NSU the 179th top master’s institution. Norfolk State University is the AS Staff’s #1 most affordable online Virginia college with a $9,490 in-state price. Certified by Quality Matters, the Office of Extended Learning gives 24/7 access to seven- or 15-week online courses on Blackboard. Online NSU learners select from eight undergrad and five post-grad pathways like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Upper Level RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Information Management
- Master of Arts in Urban Education
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Arts in Pre-Elementary Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education
The Council for Virginia’s Future reported that the “Old Dominion” ranks sixth nationwide for college attainment. Currently, 37.6 percent of Virginians over age 24 have a bachelor’s or advanced degree. The four-year graduation rate for Virginia bachelor’s students is 65.7 percent. That’s excellent news considering how vital baccalaureates are in Virginia’s $538 billion economy. The Lumina Foundation found that two-thirds of quality jobs now require education beyond 12th grade. Bachelor’s degrees provide an average lifetime value of $2.8 million. Graduate degrees reap even bigger median lifetime earnings of $3.64 million! Virginia has several financial aid programs to help students afford college and find higher-paying employment. For example, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant gifts up to $3,400 annually to full-time, in-state students at nonprofit institutions. The Guaranteed Assistance Program supports Virginians with a minimum 2.5 GPA, 980 SAT, or 19 ACT mark. Other options include the Commonwealth Award, Two-Year College Transfer Grant, Military Survivors & Dependents Grant, Horatio Alger Scholarship, and Granville Meade Scholarship. Choosing a low-cost online college in Virginia will also reduce tuition and cut out campus expenses.
AS Staff
December 2019
This concludes our list of the 10 most affordable online colleges in Virginia for 2020.
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