Online Colleges in Virginia

Virginia is home to several notable sectors – federal agencies in the north, with the headquarters of the Department of Defense and CIA; agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley; and, with more than 170 colleges and universities located throughout the state, higher education. Notable public schools include the state’s largest, George Mason University, with more than 32,000 students; the University of Virginia; the College of William & Mary; Virginia Commonwealth University; and James Madison University. There are also 23 community colleges in Virginia serving more than 260,000 students and nearly 130 private institutions in the state, including the University of Richmond and Washington and Lee University.

For students interested in distance learning, there are both public and private online colleges in Virginia. Through the Electronic Campus of Virginia, you can peruse the offerings across the state, searching by school and subject. Because distance learning can require more self-discipline taking a course on your own time, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia advises applicants to consult a course instructor before enrolling. We also recommend ensuring that programs you apply to are accredited.