2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Virginia

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a public college located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., which is part of the VCCS. There are 13 fully online degrees and over 300 courses available for remote students, including associate degrees, certificates, and career studies certificates that students may complete 100% online. This includes an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting, an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts - Art History, and a Certificate in Administration of Justice.

All coursework is delivered through the Canvas learning management system (LMS), which allows students to study on flexible schedules with multiple start dates. Enrolled students have access to 24/7 library support, counseling, free online tutoring, and an IT help desk. They also offer transfer assistance and guaranteed admission into certain four-year universities, such as the University of Virginia and George Mason University.

Reynolds Community College, previously known as J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, is a public institution located in the state capital of Richmond, VA. As a member of the VCCS, they offer 22 online programs through the Canvas LMS. Here are some examples of completely online programs with no in-person requirements: Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development, and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management.

While students may complete most programs entirely online, some coursework requires on-campus visits, including some lab work, presentations, or other classroom activities. Some proctored exams may also ask students to visit a Reynolds testing facility, and internships may also require a visit to a community site. Out-of-state students are eligible for acceptance into any one of Reynolds' online programs. Furthermore, all distance learners can access support services, such as academic tutoring, online support staff, and a digital library for research materials.

Brightpoint Community College (BCC), formerly known as John Tyler Community College, is a public institution located in Chester, VA. The school focuses on offering career training and workforce development through nearly 30 online programs. Each program is delivered through Canvas' remote learning software and includes subjects ranging from accounting and business management to health sciences and psychology. Examples include a Career Studies Certificate in Cloud Computing, an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, and an Associate of Science in Information Systems. They also offer a transfer program for students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree. Out-of-state students are also eligible to attend Brightpoint's online programs. Once enrolled, students can take advantage of the school's Help Hub for general assistance, Care Team for personal counseling, and Brightpoint Online Job Board to access work placement or internships.

Tidewater Community College (TCC) is a public community college, and VCCS member, in South Hampton Roads, VA. There are 34 completely online programs to choose from that include career studies certificates as well as a range of other certificates and associate degrees in the arts and sciences. Among the many offerings are an Associate of Applied Science in Event Planning, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, and an Associate of Science in Social Sciences.

For remote students who don't have a career path in mind, they may benefit from one of the more generalized programs, such as the Career Studies Certificate in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. All programs are taken through the Canvas LMS. TCC specializes in flexibility, even offering individual remote courses, such as art and accounting, that distance learners can take without previous experience or committing to a full program. Among the many services — like career services and tutoring support — TCC also includes 24/7 mental health telehealth for all online students.

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC), formerly named Thomas Nelson Community College, is a public institution situated in Hampton, VA. VPCC is a member college of the VCCS, and it offers 18 online degree programs in a variety of fields. Some examples include a Career Studies Certificate in Project Management, a Web Design Specialist Certificate, a Business Management Certificate, and an Associate of Science in Business Administration. Online students are taught by the same instructors as on-campus students and receive many of the same support services, such as online libraries, tutoring, and advising. All coursework is delivered through the Canvas LMS, allowing students to study on a flexible schedule.

Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) is a public institution offering online degree programs at the associate level. Popular online associate degree programs at VWCC are business administration, general studies, and social sciences. Typically, online associate degrees at this college require 60 credit hours, which can take students two years. The acceptance rate at VWCC is 100%, with a 28% graduation rate.

At VWCC, online students complete courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. VWCC’s student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. The community college offers financial aid options, such as scholarships, loans, grants, and Community College Access Program (CCAP). Online student support at VWCC includes academic advising, tutoring, library services, a testing center, financial aid, military services, and disability services. VWCC’s online programs are adult learner-centered, interactive, and dynamic.

New River Community College (NRCC) is a public community college that offers a range of online associate degrees. These degrees are available at NRCC include business administration, general studies, and liberal arts. Online associate degree programs are 61-62 credit hours, which can take two years to complete. The acceptance rate is 100%, with a graduation rate of 25%.

At NRCC, online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. NRCC’s student-to-faculty ratio is 28:1. NRCC offers financial aid such as scholarships, payment plans, veterans benefits, and tuition assistance programs. Online student resources include disability services, proctored testing, an online library, and an academic success center. NRCC offers a wide variety of online undergraduate programs to help students pursue further education or start their careers.

ECPI University Online (ECPI) is a private, for-profit that has online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. The university’s featured online bachelor’s programs include mechanical engineering technology, cybersecurity, and healthcare administration. ECPI’s online undergraduate degrees can be between 70-124 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 2.5 years for some full-time students. ECPI’s acceptance rate is 82%, with a graduation rate of 54%.

At ECPI, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. ECPI’s student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. Financial assistance at ECPI includes scholarships, veterans and military benefits, and an employer partnership program. The university’s online student support includes career services, military and veterans services, and an online library. ECPI gives online students the opportunity to graduate faster compared to other colleges and universities.

Laurel Ridge Community College, formerly known as Lord Fairfax Community College, is a public institution that offers online degrees at the associate level. Popular associate degrees at Laurel Ridge include general studies, liberal arts, and health information management. Online associate degrees at this community college range between 60-62 credit hours, lasting two years. Laurel Ridge accepts 100% of applicants, with 30% graduating.

Laurel Ridge facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The student-to-faculty ratio at Laurel Ridge is 25:1. Financial aid includes grants, loans, merit-based programs, military and veteran programs, and scholarships. Online student support at Laurel Ridge includes career services, advising, financial aid, enrollment services, tutoring, academic support, IT help, disability services, and military and veterans services. Laurel Ridge aims to prepare online students to successfully transfer four-year degrees after graduation.

Rappahannock Community College (RCC) is a public community college offering online associate degree programs. Popular online associate degrees at RCC include business administration, criminal justice, and health STEM. Prospective students can expect these programs to be 60-62 credit hours, which can take about four years with a full class schedule. RCC’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a 28% graduation rate.

RCC’s online students complete courses that are delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. In addition to small class sizes, RCC offers various types of financial aid for online students, including grants and scholarships, and programs for military members and veterans. Virtual student support at RCC includes a laptop loaner program, disability services, advising, tutoring, technology support, and counseling. RCC also provides students with a multitude of ways to complete their online degrees, such as fully online, hybrid, interactive video, and shared services online courses.

Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) is a public institution offering several online degrees at the associate level. Popular online associate’s degree programs at CVCC include administrative management technology, business administration, and education. CVCC’s online associate’s degrees typically range from 61-68 credit hours, so prospective students can expect to spend two years completing their degree. The college accepts 100% of students, with 26% graduating.

CVCC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Canvas. The college’s student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. CVCC works with online students to help them apply for financial aid like grants, loans, and scholarships. Online students can access career services, military and veterans services, IT support, tutoring, testing centers, accessibility services, and an online library. CVCC gives online students flexibility in completing their degrees by offering various distance learning formats.

At Southwest Virginia Community College, a public institution, prospective students can pursue online associate degrees. Examples of online associate degrees include accounting, business administration, and early childhood development. Credit hours for online associate degrees at Southwest can range from 62-65 credit hours, lasting two years. Southwest accepts 100% of applicants, with 32% graduating.

Southwest’s online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The community college’s student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Potential financial aid opportunities for online students include scholarships, tuition assistance programs, payment plans, and emergency loans. Online students at Southwest can access tutoring and library resources. Southwest delivers flexible online distance education to fit each student’s needs.

At American National University (ANU) — a private, for-profit institution — future students can pursue several online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Some of the online undergraduate degrees offered at ANU include business administration, cybersecurity, and network administration. Online undergraduate degree programs range from 96-180 credit hours, which can take 2-4 years to finish these degrees. The acceptance rate is 100%, with a 33% graduation rate.

ANU’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously through the learning management system, Canvas. The university’s student-to-faculty ratio is 40:1. Online students at ANU may be eligible for financial aid like grants, loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Online students can access career services, financial aid, an online library, disability services, and tutoring. ANU offers a holistic educational experience for distance learners by offering multiple course delivery options and several resources they can utilize to support their education.