UUÖ±²¥

Search Programs

2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Virginia

By Jordan Beliles • Updated 8/8/2024

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

AD

Virginia’s online community colleges are designed to meet the needs of the modern workforce, providing career-relevant skills with programs that typically take less than two years to complete. They often include services such as virtual tutoring and career counseling, providing you with the support needed for the next step in your career.

Key Takeaways:

  • Schools featured in our best Salary Scores category all have median earnings above $51,000.
  • Tuition costs for community colleges in Virginia only go as high as $11,000.
  • The school with the best online enrollment hosts 1,144 students.

Our selection of colleges by state follows a rigorous evaluation framework designed to empower you with informed choices based on your unique preferences. Unlike traditional rankings, our methodology spotlights schools that excel in different aspects without assigning a numerical rank.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

AD

Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Best by Salary Score

Salary Score is a metric to compare institutions based on alumni salaries four years after graduation. By identifying which schools produce top-earning graduates across majors, we can present schools with the best bang for your buck. Salary Scores are also represented as letter grades. The online community college with the highest earnings in Virginia has a median graduate salary above $51,000.

Northern Virginia Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $51,150

Why We Like Them:

NOVA stands out for its high graduate salary of $51,150, indicating favorable work opportunities post-graduation. NOVA also boasts significant online enrollment, with 14,133 students participating in online studies, placing it in the top 2% among institutions with the most online learners. This extensive digital presence speaks to NOVA's ability to deliver quality education at scale, which is ideal for working adults. NOVA offers online associate degrees with majors such as accounting, business administration, and cybersecurity, ensuring wide educational opportunities. You can also pursue certificates in fields like early childhood development, accounting, and cybersecurity.

Best by Affordability

Affordability is a key component for many online students. That's why we've manually reviewed all of Virginia's online community colleges that offer in-state tuition costs for all students. We found that the most affordable schools in Virginia have tuition costs below $10,600.

Brightpoint Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $8,532

Why We Like Them:

JTCC earns its place due to its incredibly affordable tuition of $8,532, ranking it among the top 4% of schools in terms of cost-effectiveness. This affordability is even more impressive when combined with its significant online presence. When comparing JTCC's online enrollment of 2,591 students with other institutions, it stands in the top 18%, demonstrating a robust virtual community. For those interested in fields such as business administration or computer support, JTCC offers fully online degrees and certificates, making quality education accessible and flexible. All courses are delivered entirely online without any campus requirements.

New River Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,056

Why We Like Them:

NRCC is considered highly affordable among community colleges in Virginia thanks to its annual tuition of $10,056, placing it in the top 17% for low tuition costs. The vast majority of NRCC students receive financial aid packages, covering 92% of enrollees, signaling a strong commitment to making higher education financially accessible. NRCC offers a variety of online associate degree programs, including business administration, education, and general studies, all of which can be completed entirely online. This flexibility allows you to achieve your academic goals without compromising on other life responsibilities, such as work or family obligations.

Reynolds Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,179

Why We Like Them:

Reynolds stands out due to its budget-friendly tuition rate of $10,179, placing it among the top 22% of affordable online colleges. This financial accessibility is complemented by its impressive online presence, with 2,219 students currently enrolled in remote programs, situating Reynolds in the top 21% for online enrollment. From associate degrees to certificates, Reynolds offers various online transfer programs, including an Associate of Science in Business Administration and Associate of Science in Health Sciences, ensuring education pathways that meet the demands of a growing market. If you want to set a foundation for a more advanced degree, a general studies pathway is also available.

Central Virginia Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,560

Why We Like Them:

CVCC offers tuition at just $10,560, making it a highly cost-effective choice for your education. Coupled with the fact that every student receives financial aid, placing it in the top 18% nationally for this metric, ensures that CVCC is both accessible and supportive financially. CVCC's slate of online degrees includes specialized programs in administration of justice, business administration, cybersecurity, and education. This variety ensures that you can find a program that matches your career aspirations and educational needs, while still gaining strong foundational knowledge to pursue an advanced degree down the line. What's more, online courses are taken on your schedule.

Laurel Ridge Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,560

Why We Like Them:

Laurel Ridge distinguishes itself with a tuition rate of $10,560, making it a great option for budget-minded students who are focused on minimizing upfront expenses. Over 1,300 learners study online at Lauren Ridge, placing it in the top 30% of schools for this metric. The school offers online transfer programs to over 30 4-year institutions, enhancing your flexibility and long-term educational planning. These transfer programs are facilitated by faculty specially trained in best practices for online education, ensuring a high-quality learning experience. All coursework is accredited and faculty are specifically trained to teach in an online learning environment.

Southwest Virginia Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,560

Why We Like Them:

SWCC offers a pocket-friendly tuition of $10,560, situating it among the most affordable online schools in the country. Combining this with the fact that 95% of you receive financial aid, SWCC demonstrates a commitment to educational accessibility regardless of students' financial situation. SWCC offers online associate degrees in accounting, business administration, information technology, law enforcement, geographic information systems, mental health, science, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice, providing versatile options to cater to diverse careers. This wide range ensures that you can find a program aligning with your unique goals.

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,590

Why We Like Them:

PVCC stands out for its affordable tuition of $10,590, securing a spot among the most affordability institutions in America. This is a significant consideration for those seeking budget-friendly options in higher education. Another aspect we highly value is their sizable financial aid support, with 99% of students receiving aid, reflecting PVCC's commitment to accessible online learning. PVCC hosts nearly 1,000 online learners taking more than 100 online and hybrid courses. Several programs are entirely online, including business administration, general studies, and liberal arts. This variety makes PVCC a versatile option for pursuing distance education.

Tidewater Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,620

Why We Like Them:

Tidewater is noted for affordability with a tuition of $10,620, making it a solid choice for cost-conscious learners. If we look at the military enrollment compared to other colleges, Tidewater stands out in the top 4% for supporting GI Bill students, highlighting their dedication to serving military personnel. The significant online enrollment of 6,406 students further underscores its healthy virtual learning environment, placing it among the top 6% of schools with the highest number of online students. Tidewater offers several online programs, including associate degrees and certificates in fields like accounting, computer science, event planning, and nursing.

Virginia Peninsula Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,620

Why We Like Them:

VPCC offers a tuition cost of $10,620, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious students. Furthermore, the college ensures that 100% of its students receive financial aid, placing it among the top 20% of schools in this category. If you compare VPCC’s online enrollment with other universities, it stands out in the top 23% for the highest number of students studying online, with 2,012 online learners. VPCC also supports a notable military enrollment of 678 servicemembers. Online majors are available in child development, human services, fire science technology, architectural technology, business administration, cybersecurity, and health science, among others.

Honorable Mention

In our Honorable Mention category, we highlight a diverse range of schools with benefits that don't fit neatly into one single category. For example, one online school in Virginia might have a high military enrollment, while another might have a favorable student-to-faculty ratio. 

ECPI University Online

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 6,006

Why We Like Them:

Known for its impressive online enrollment of 6,006 students, ECPI shows its capacity to handle large-scale distance learning effectively. If we were to compare ECPI's online enrollment to other universities, it would place among the top 6% with the highest number of online learners. ECPI is a particular favorite of military students, with 4,191 military enrollees, putting it in the top 1% of schools for this category. ECPI offers online programs across various levels, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as healthcare, information technology, and criminal justice. These offerings demonstrate ECPI's ability to provide to support students with different career interests.

What Students Say:

"ECPI University is a great school and a very professional organization. They have done so much to help me in my education... The student support services is more than outstanding. When I need assistance, I can email them and have a response within 24 hours. The instructors are very helpful and have hours set aside each week for chats. They respond within 12 hours even outside of those hours. The support I received from ECPI University is above and beyond."

Billy, Graduated

Virginia Western Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 1,412

Why We Like Them:

VWCC has secured its place on our list in part due to its significant online enrollment of 1,412 students, placing it among the top 30% of colleges for the highest number of students studying online. This statistic reflects the VWCC's capability to accommodate a large number of distance learners without sacrificing quality. Another important aspect to note is the variety of online degree programs offered. VWCC provides fully online programs in multiple disciplines including business administration, information technology, and liberal arts. Furthermore, the health professions field is represented with online certificates in computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.

American National University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 1,144

Why We Like Them:

ANU has solid online enrollment numbers, with 1,144 students engaged in online studies. This places ANU among the top 34% of institutions across the nation with the most online learners, underscoring the accessibility and appeal of its online programs. Complementing this is an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, which ensures you receive support throughout your studies. This is particularly important for students studying remotely who require personalized attention from their professors. Business, healthcare, and information technology programs are available online. These courses include video lectures and online discussions to provide you with a complete learning experience.

What Students Say:

"American National University’s courses through Zoom let me meet other students and professors weekly. The professors were knowledgeable and supportive, helping me understand difficult information...It’s affordable and great for online face-to-face interaction."

Anonymous, Graduated 2020

Rappahannock Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 693

Why We Like Them:

RCC earns its place with a considerable online enrollment of 693 students. As an online learner, you're all but guaranteed financial support; 100% of its students receive financial aid, placing it among the top 18% for this metric. This commitment to accessibility is further underscored by its list of completely online programs. You can pursue online associate of arts and sciences degrees with specializations in business administration, criminal justice, health, and more. Additionally, a variety of certificate programs are offered, such as accounting and cybersecurity. If you're an aspiring nurse, you'll be pleased to see that RCC offers a pre-BSN specialization.

Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs

Charlene Zeigler, Graduated 2025

I would definitely recommend UMA to anyone that's wants to go to school, they are very flexible with scheduling, online is really easy to do, especially if you have kids and a full time job. Amazing staff and instructors. I'm so happy with UMA. 2025.

Review Date: 4/15/2024

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Charlene Zeigler, Graduated 2025

Brea, Graduated 2025

As a mother of 9, I absolutely appreciate the support from the administration. I feel like they genuinely care about my education. My instructors have all been amazing and encouraging! I love it here and thinking about coming back to UMA after I graduate next year!

Review Date: 4/2/2024

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Brea, Graduated 2025

Ashley T. Quijano, Graduated 2024

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

The guidance through registration was exceptional. The online material was user-friendly and the tasks were listed clearly to keep track of submitted and missing assignments. The instructors were accessible and responsive. Most of the instructions made every effort to establish and open line of approachable and clear communication by posting videos of themselves clarifying projects and assignments. I am sure first time students either on-campus or online would be impressed by the supportive registration... Read More

Review Date: 10/28/2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Ashley T. Quijano, Graduated 2024

Mackensie, Graduated 2024

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

I would recommend this college to somebody else because they’re a non- judgmental environment, very good with communication, and very patience and willing to help at any time no matter the time. I had a great time with this college and wouldn’t have wanted anywhere else!

Review Date: 5/24/2024

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Mackensie, Graduated 2024

NewGrad, Graduated 2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall I am really happy with my experience with Purdue University Global. To start off with the positives, all of the online classes made it extremely easy for me to balance working full time on top of going to school. Even on the weeks that I worked 40+ hours I found it manageable to keep up with my school work without falling behind. As an individual who is not working in the IT field yet, the hands on learning activities and virtual environments really helped me to learn the skills that we were... Read More

Review Date: 12/8/2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

NewGrad, Graduated 2022

Fatuma Mohamed, Graduated 2022

I have had exceptional experience so far at UMA. Currently taking Healthcare Management online and I love it. I have a sense of joy everytime I log into Puma den (student portal) to work on my class activities. Joining UMA has been one of the best decisions I made in my life thus far, and the support I got from day one when I was enquiring about the program has been beyond remarkable. From the first call talking to Leo, to financial, student advisors and instructors, is mind blowing. They oftenly... Read More

Review Date: 9/27/2020

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Fatuma Mohamed, Graduated 2022

Kayla Oliver, Graduated 2020

I love how the instructors and advisors email and call you back when needed. The staff are always there to help me and not just with school but if I need to talk about anything. Thank you for making my online schooling easier and staying with me every step of the way.

Review Date: 3/16/2020

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Kayla Oliver, Graduated 2020

Tristina Cole, Graduated 2019

Attended: Purdue Global

A true review of a school would emphasize on the curriculum and the process in which it teaches, not the financial aspects of it. How is the school to blame for example, for a person needing to be hospitalized and feeling that she is deserving of something that the school does not agree with? Or perhaps a financial aid situation or money due? This is ridiculous! This is a for-profit program so perhaps it would have been better to seek a degree from a state funded school if your issues are financial-based.... Read More

Review Date: 10/1/2018

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Tristina Cole, Graduated 2019

A Reilly, Graduated 2017

Attended: Broward College

I love BC Online. I have taken numerous classes online I have never had an issue. The professors have been very responsive. I just Graduated with my AA now I am working towards my Bachelors Degree. I work full time so its hard for me to find time to go to school but with BC online I am able to work towards my goals.

Review Date: 3/13/2018

Attended: Broward College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

A Reilly, Graduated 2017

Lynne Epps, Graduated 2013

Attended: Penn Foster Career School

it was good and great classes. This school helped me get my C.D.A. kin under 3 months. Teachers were always available when needed. the classes worked on my time an everything was mailed out on time.  The best part is the other students were always willing to help and ask when needing help.

Review Date: 2/18/2017

Attended: Penn Foster Career School

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Lynne Epps, Graduated 2013

Anonymous, Graduated 2012

Attended: Ashworth College

One must be a totally independent learner. Which in my case, allowed me to work at an aggressive pace allowing me to graduate in under a year with my A.S. in Psychology. Upon graduation, I enrolled directly into the B.S. in Early Childhood Education. I have nine classes remaining, but have decided further my nursing education at this time. On the downside. You have to stay on top of student services if you want to progress quickly. It can take multiple calls and emails to the registrar for answers... Read More

Review Date: 12/17/2012

Attended: Ashworth College

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Anonymous, Graduated 2012

Anonymous, Graduated 2012

Attended: American InterContinental University

I'm 21 and have my bachelors. This school was very convenient for me compared to community colleges I previously attended. The classes are helpful to your desired career choice. They don't take long at all 5 weeks no test or quizzes you interact with other students and teachers in every class. It's just like being at a campus but much easier and faster you have all your assignments for the length of the class so if I want u can complete them all at once. This requires much individual effort if u... Read More

The only thing I didn't like was sometimes the group projects could be a little hectic trying to get everyone on the same schedule. They have their own library and even tutoring you can enroll in. I had a great experience and not only that while my peers whom I graduated high school with are still in school on campus I am a whole 2 years ahead of them.

Review Date: 12/2/2012

Attended: American InterContinental University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Anonymous, Graduated 2012

Cassondra Solesbee, Graduated 2011

Attended: North Central Texas College

I was able to complete all of my pharmacy schoo pre-requisites at North Central Texas College. I am currently in my P1 year of Pharmacy School at Creighton University and I feel that all of my course work completed at NCTC has helped me to get where I am and it gave me the foundation of knowledge needed to be successful.

Review Date: 9/3/2014

Attended: North Central Texas College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Cassondra Solesbee, Graduated 2011

Ella, Graduated

Attended: Penn Foster Career School

Hey! I started with Penn Foster a few months ago. I really like it. Penn Foster provides great course outlines and study guides as well as text books. On the other hand, the instructors are horrible at communicating. I will call them seeking guidance, they say they will call me back right after they get off the phone with someone else and it never happens. The instructors do not follow through on their part. They do not get the job done. That is very critical with education- having great communication... Read More

I am disappointed in Penn Foster. I am also disappointed in some of the people who make bad comments about other students' reviews. Saying things like, "Everyone who comes on here to complain has poor writing skills!"

People use this site to complain when they have bad experiences or when they believe that their concerns have gone unnoticed. When the school fails to do its job, student will feel like they have been screwed over. Some times we do not ALL have these bad experiences. Every person experiences different situations.When a person is very upset, it is way easier for them to make stupid mistakes in their writing and speaking. So, people who make rude comments about other reviews are just showing their own ignorance as well. This is so much fun for me, seriously.

I am so bored right now and honestly have nothing better to do at the moment. I do really like Penn Foster, but the school really has its problems! Then again, it's not a perfect school. There will always be problems everywhere you go.

Review Date: 4/1/2013

Attended: Penn Foster Career School

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Ella, Graduated

Enrique Mancilla, Graduated 2023

Attended: UEI College

my time at UEI was great! I was determined to learn the material and understand the modules as they came and went. My instructor(s) were nothing but amazing throughout the school year and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I loved the program, but one thing i wish that could change, is the flow of the chapters. The modules, in my opinion, feel scattered. If 2 modules go hand-in-hand, i would feel it’s very beneficial to everyone who is teaching and/or learning the modules.

Review Date: 2/13/2023

Attended: UEI College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Enrique Mancilla, Graduated 2023

LEZayasJr, Graduated 2019

Attended: The College of Health Care Professions Online

I moved to Texas in 2018 and after years of working in the retail sector, I needed a career that would not become obsolete in a matter of years. A path that would develop alongside my personal evolution and provide me the opportunity to achieve success and to feel proud of my accomplishments. I decided on a career in health care and that's when I reached out to CHCP and requested a tour of the campus. I was greeted by the smiling faces of Ms. Helen, the front office administrative asst., and Ms.... Read More

Review Date: 6/5/2022

Attended: The College of Health Care Professions Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

LEZayasJr, Graduated 2019

Courtney Williams, Graduated 2018

Attended: Northwest Mississippi Community College

This administrators and faculty was wonderful. Quiet and clean campus. I really enjoyed my time here. I took online and on campus classes. Classes are small and you get that chance to get to know your professors. I would definitely recommend this school.

Review Date: 5/3/2018

Attended: Northwest Mississippi Community College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Courtney Williams, Graduated 2018

Roe327, Graduated 2016

Attended: Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk offers a great variety of classes for working adults. There are many evening, weekend and online classes to choose from. The online classes can be very difficult, however, you can really gain a lot from them if you put the effort in.

Review Date: 8/5/2014

Attended: Suffolk County Community College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Roe327, Graduated 2016

Brittany, Graduated 2016

Attended: Keiser University

Excellent school, small classes, great teachers with helpful learning techniques. Very satisfied and can't wait to start my program on sonographer! They are so helpful so happy I took the chance with T this school. Love the atmosphere friendly staff :)

Review Date: 5/22/2016

Attended: Keiser University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Brittany, Graduated 2016

Shervelia Pendergrass, Graduated 2015

Attended: Austin Community College District

Austin College Community has the best radiology program in austin, all the instructors are accessible, the clinical sites are full of ACC students, which they find for you and have one ofthe highest graduation and registry exam pass rate. I recommend ACC to anyone interested in Radiology.

Review Date: 8/13/2014

Attended: Austin Community College District

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Shervelia Pendergrass, Graduated 2015

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

AD

ADVERTISEMENT

Start Your UUÖ±²¥ Search:

Review schools that align with your career aspirations.