Best Colleges in Virginia

The University of Virginia offers over 300 courses completely online, spanning nine schools and colleges and 18 degree programs. This public institution offers distance learners helpful orientations, an online health and wellness center, 24/7 technical support, and personalized academic success resources. All online students at UVA pay in-state tuition rates. Prospective learners can apply by submitting an online application and fee, official transcripts, and recommendations. All applicants can apply for the 2021-2022 school year under a test-optional policy. The University of Virginia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Over 37,000 students attend George Mason University each year, completing studies in more than 200 programs. GMU's offerings include over 50 online and hybrid programs designed and taught by the same instructors and professors as on-campus classes. Available areas of study for online learners include business and management, education, engineering and technology, health, and science and math. The university also hosts online adult degree completion programs. Application materials for aspiring first-year students include official high school transcripts, optional SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and an optional personal statement. George Mason University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A small, private school located in Lexington, Washington and Lee University currently serves under 2,000 students annually. Its small size allows the university to maintain a low 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The ninth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, W&L currently offers 36 undergraduate majors and 37 undergraduate minors. Additionally, the institution offers graduate studies through its Graduate School of Law. First-year application requirements include the Common Application and the Questbridge application, official transcripts, two teacher recommendations, one guidance or college counselor recommendation, and self-reported standardized test scores. Washington and Lee University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Chartered in 1693, William & Mary operates as the nation's second-oldest institution of higher learning and was the first institution to gain university status. In total, W&M offers more than 45 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate and professional degree programs. W&M offers online education through multiple avenues, including the Raymond A. Mason School of Business and the William & Mary School of Education. The undergraduate application process requires aspiring learners to submit an online application, official transcripts, and a $75 application fee. William & Mary is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1839 as the first state-sponsored military college in the nation, VMI educates about 1,700 students annually. The 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio provides intimate learning for undergraduate studies. Students at VMI can pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in the arts and humanities, engineering, information and social sciences, life sciences, or natural sciences. Core curriculum requirements cover topics like written and oral communication, civilization and culture, and leadership. Applicants must complete an online or mail-in application form and submit supporting documentation, such as a guidance counselor or school administrator recommendation, a personal statement, official high school transcripts, and a $40 application fee. Virginia Military Institute is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Virginia Tech offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and about 170 master's and doctoral programs. Students can also pursue nine online master's degrees and 19 certificates online. Operating as an approved SARA institution through the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, Virginia Tech is recognized to provide quality distance education to online learners. First-year applicants interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree use an online portal to submit an online application, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Virginia Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Richmond offers over 60 undergraduate programs of study across five schools and colleges. Students can also pursue master's degree and graduate certificates in areas related to business and education. The school educates over 4,000 learners annually, and the average undergraduate class size is 16 students. UR incorporates a holistic admissions process designed to take a big-picture look at each applicant. Aspiring students submit an online application, an essay response, official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, standardized test scores, and optional supplemental documentation. The University of Richmond is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Christopher Newport University achieved university status in 1992 — it operated as part of the College of William & Mary until 1977. Today, about 5,000 students attend the public university annually. CNU offers programs in four primary areas of study: arts and humanities, business, natural and behavioral sciences, and social sciences. In addition to more than 20 undergraduate departments, the university oversees four master's programs. CNU takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, analyzing everything from GPA and standardized test scores to the rigor of a student's previous coursework and their class rank. Applicants can submit as much or as little amplifying documentation as they see fit. Christopher Newport University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accelerated coursework, online programs, and personalized attention make Averett University an appealing choice for many working professionals. For over 30 years, Averett has offered flexible programs for distance learners. Current online offerings include applied data analytics, business, criminal justice and sociology, education, leadership, and nursing. To apply, prospective students complete an online application, submit official transcripts, and provide a means of identification. Averett also offers a free transfer credit consultation to help individuals determine which of their previously earned credits qualify for different programs. Averett University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.