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Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia

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2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia

51 Schools Ranked
$42,883 Average Earnings
$23,319 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 51 schools in Virginia to see which online programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
24,308 Total Awards
$40,489 Average Earnings
$30,497 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Liberty University to be the most popular school for students in Virginia. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 24,308 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,497 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $420, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Liberty University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,489 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Liberty University Report

#2

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia
8,894 Total Awards
$37,967 Average Earnings
$16,809 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northern Virginia Community College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Annandale, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 8,894 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,809 in student loans.After graduating from Northern Virginia Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,967 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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#3

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
5,429 Total Awards
$46,278 Average Earnings
$26,724 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Old Dominion University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Old Dominion University is a large public school located in Norfolk, Virginia that handed out 5,429 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,724 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $199. During the early years of their career, Old Dominion graduates make an average of $46,278 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#4

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
4,403 Total Awards
$41,263 Average Earnings
$28,707 Avg Student Debt

The programs at ECPI University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the fairly large private for-profit school handed out 4,403 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,707 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $125 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ECPI University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,263 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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#5

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
10,774 Total Awards
$56,435 Average Earnings
$22,883 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend George Mason University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, the large public school awarded 10,774 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,883 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $355. During the early years of their career, GMU graduates make an average of $56,435 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Full George Mason University Report

#6

Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, Virginia
3,312 Total Awards
$33,302 Average Earnings
$17,518 Avg Student Debt

Tidewater Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Tidewater Community College is a fairly large public school located in Norfolk, Virginia that handed out 3,312 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,518 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Tidewater Community College graduates make an average of $33,302 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

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#7

John Tyler Community College

Chester, Virginia
1,607 Total Awards
$34,207 Average Earnings
$17,478 Avg Student Debt

John Tyler Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. John Tyler Community College is a public institution located in Chester, Virginia. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,607 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from John Tyler Community College accumulate an average of $17,478 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from John Tyler Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,207 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#8

Strayer University - Virginia

Arlington, Virginia
1,291 Total Awards
$52,529 Average Earnings
$38,671 Avg Student Debt

Strayer University - Virginia came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia ranking. Strayer University - Virginia is a small private for-profit school situated in Arlington, Virginia. It awarded 1,291 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $38,671 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $121, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Strayer University - Virginia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,529 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#9

Germanna Community College

Locust Grove, Virginia
1,992 Total Awards
$33,592 Average Earnings
$15,696 Avg Student Debt

Germanna Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Germanna Community College is a public institution located in Locust Grove, Virginia. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,992 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,696 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Germanna Community College graduates make an average of $33,592 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Germanna Community College Report

#10

Reynolds Community College

Richmond, Virginia
1,423 Total Awards
$35,589 Average Earnings
$19,598 Avg Student Debt

Reynolds Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. Reynolds Community College is located in Richmond, Virginia and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,423 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,598 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Reynolds Community College graduates make an average of $35,589 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Full Reynolds Community College Report

928 Total Awards
$29,091 Average Earnings
$10,264 Avg Student Debt

Southside Virginia Community College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Located in Alberta, Virginia, the small public school awarded 928 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Southside Virginia Community College accumulate an average of $10,264 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Southside Virginia Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,091 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southside Virginia Community College

#12

Lord Fairfax Community College

Middletown, Virginia
1,569 Total Awards
$30,686 Average Earnings
$15,242 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Lord Fairfax Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Lord Fairfax Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Middletown, Virginia. It awarded 1,569 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lord Fairfax Community College accumulate an average of $15,242 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Lord Fairfax Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,686 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia
7,933 Total Awards
$47,786 Average Earnings
$25,106 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia ranking. Located in Richmond, Virginia, the large public school awarded 7,933 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,106 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $227 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, VCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,786 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Virginia Commonwealth University Report

#14

New River Community College

Dublin, Virginia
772 Total Awards
$36,956 Average Earnings
$15,397 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, New River Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This small public school is located in Dublin, Virginia, and it awarded 772 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NRCC accumulate an average of $15,397 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from NRCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,956 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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#15

Central Virginia Community College

Lynchburg, Virginia
1,207 Total Awards
$30,954 Average Earnings
$13,985 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Central Virginia Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Central Virginia Community College is located in Lynchburg, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,207 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $13,985 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Central Virginia Community College graduates make an average of $30,954 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Central Virginia Community College

534 Total Awards
$60,399 Average Earnings
$21,870 Avg Student Debt

University of Management and Technology ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Located in Arlington, Virginia, the small private for-profit school awarded 534 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,870 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from University of Management and Technology, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,399 during the early years of their career. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Management and Technology Report

#17

Southwest Virginia Community College

Richlands, Virginia
643 Total Awards
$27,976 Average Earnings
$9,720 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Virginia Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia ranking. Southwest Virginia is a public institution located in Richlands, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 643 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,720 in student loans.After graduating from Southwest Virginia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,976 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southwest Virginia Community College Report

#18

University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, Virginia
991 Total Awards
$40,538 Average Earnings
$23,311 Avg Student Debt

University of Lynchburg came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, and it awarded 991 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lynchburg accumulate an average of $23,311 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Lynchburg graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,538 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Lynchburg Report

#19

Patrick Henry Community College

Martinsville, Virginia
702 Total Awards
$36,396 Average Earnings
$11,044 Avg Student Debt

Patrick Henry Community College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. This small public school is located in Martinsville, Virginia, and it awarded 702 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Patrick Henry accumulate an average of $11,044 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Patrick Henry graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,396 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#20

Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, Virginia
849 Total Awards
$32,424 Average Earnings
$10,313 Avg Student Debt

Mountain Empire Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. This small public school is located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and it awarded 849 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $10,313 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, MECC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,424 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Mountain Empire Community College

#21

American National University

Salem, Virginia
250 Total Awards
$26,107 Average Earnings
$28,733 Avg Student Debt

American National University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. Salem, Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 250 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,733 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, American National University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,107 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Full American National University Report

#22

Rappahannock Community College

Glenns, Virginia
746 Total Awards
$27,624 Average Earnings
$12,071 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Rappahannock Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Glenns, Virginia, the small public school awarded 746 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,071 in student loans. During the early years of their career, RCC graduates make an average of $27,624 annually. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Rappahannock Community College Report

#23

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
8,698 Total Awards
$58,809 Average Earnings
$18,266 Avg Student Debt

University of Virginia - Main Campus ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. University of Virginia is a public institution located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,698 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,266 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $383 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from University of Virginia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,809 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read More…

#24

Advanced Technology Institute

Virginia Beach, Virginia
302 Total Awards
$33,070 Average Earnings
$14,930 Avg Student Debt

Advanced Technology Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the very small private for-profit school handed out 302 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from ATI accumulate an average of $14,930 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $138, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ATI graduates make an average of $33,070 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 8% were women.

Read More…

#25

Richard Bland College of William and Mary

South Prince George, Virginia
194 Total Awards
$21,038 Average Earnings
$12,382 Avg Student Debt

Richard Bland College of William and Mary ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Virginia list. RBC is a public institution located in South Prince George, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 194 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,382 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $129, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, RBC graduates make an average of $21,038 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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