Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024

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Find the best online associate degrees in Virginia ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Virginia

Sort by:
  1. Liberty University
  2. Hampton University
  3. Regent University
  4. Northern Virginia Community College
  5. Tidewater Community College
  6. Virginia Peninsula Community College
  7. Virginia Western Community College
  8. Piedmont Virginia Community College
  9. Virginia Highlands Community College
  10. New River Community College
  1. Hampton University
  2. Liberty University
  3. Regent University
  4. Northern Virginia Community College
  5. Tidewater Community College
  6. Brightpoint Community College
  7. Piedmont Virginia Community College
  8. Virginia Highlands Community College
  9. Virginia Western Community College
  10. Central Virginia Community College
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Hampton University 74%
  3. Regent University 32%
  1. New River Community College 28 to 1
  2. Northern Virginia Community College 28 to 1
  3. Virginia Western Community College 23 to 1
  4. Wytheville Community College 23 to 1
  5. Rappahannock Community College 22 to 1
  6. Brightpoint Community College 22 to 1
  7. Regent University 21 to 1
  8. Virginia Peninsula Community College 21 to 1
  9. Tidewater Community College 20 to 1
  10. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College 20 to 1
  1. Hampton University $29,162
  2. Liberty University $22,511
  3. Regent University $19,680
  4. Northern Virginia Community College $5,412
  5. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College $4,743
  6. Tidewater Community College $4,680
  7. Virginia Western Community College $4,680
  8. Virginia Peninsula Community College $4,680
  9. Piedmont Virginia Community College $4,650
  10. Brightpoint Community College $4,650
  1. Regent University $16,028
  2. Hampton University $13,099
  3. Liberty University $7,893
  1. Brightpoint Community College
  2. Paul D. Camp Community College
  3. Wytheville Community College
  4. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
  5. Rappahannock Community College
  6. Central Virginia Community College
  7. Southwest Virginia Community College
  8. New River Community College
  9. Virginia Highlands Community College
  10. Piedmont Virginia Community College
  1. Wytheville Community College
  2. Virginia Peninsula Community College
  3. Rappahannock Community College
  4. Southwest Virginia Community College
  5. New River Community College
  6. Paul D. Camp Community College
  7. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
  8. Central Virginia Community College
  9. Virginia Western Community College
  10. Virginia Highlands Community College
  1. Regent University 32%
  2. Hampton University 74%
  3. Liberty University 99%
  1. Hampton University 13 to 1
  2. Virginia Highlands Community College 17 to 1
  3. Central Virginia Community College 18 to 1
  4. Liberty University 18 to 1
  5. Paul D. Camp Community College 19 to 1
  6. Piedmont Virginia Community College 19 to 1
  7. Southwest Virginia Community College 19 to 1
  8. Tidewater Community College 20 to 1
  9. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College 20 to 1
  10. Regent University 21 to 1
  1. Wytheville Community College $4,620
  2. Central Virginia Community College $4,620
  3. New River Community College $4,620
  4. Paul D. Camp Community College $4,620
  5. Virginia Highlands Community College $4,620
  6. Rappahannock Community College $4,620
  7. Southwest Virginia Community College $4,620
  8. Piedmont Virginia Community College $4,650
  9. Brightpoint Community College $4,650
  10. Tidewater Community College $4,680
  1. Liberty University $7,893
  2. Hampton University $13,099
  3. Regent University $16,028

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Virginia

Liberty University, a private Christian school in Lynchburg, is the largest school in Virginia, serving over 60,000 students. The largest public university, Virginia Tech, has a student population of about half that but offers many in-person degree programs as well as eight master’s programs and 19 certificate programs online. Students who attend Virginia Tech can pursue fields like engineering, criminal justice, education, and business.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The majority of Virginia’s universities and colleges could be considered small schools, serving populations of less than 5,000 students. Included on this list are public schools, like Christopher Newport University in Newport News, and private schools, like Hampton University, a historically black university in Hampton. Though most of its higher education institutes charge tuition fees above the national average, Virginia offers several loan forgiveness programs for qualifying attorneys and medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmaceutical professionals.

Virginia is perhaps most famous for its rich history - but the state is also home to many unique museums and famous landmarks. For example, those who love the classics can visit the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond. Those who harbor romantic dreams of espionage and intrigue might visit the CIA Museum in McLean. And, if you like your attractions random, you could check out Virginia’s 300-yard-long natural tunnel or its 29-ton spinning granite ball. While you’re here, you might consider attending one of the 78 colleges located in the state.

Learn more about Virginia’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s many colleges and universities.


What are Virginia’s Colleges & Universities?

Virginia’s Best Overall

What is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be earned at state community colleges, vocational schools, and most accredited colleges and universities.

What will I study with an associate degree?

The associate degree provides an introductory level college education. You will usually take an array of liberal arts or humanities courses along with introductory level courses in a specific subject area. Most associate degree programs are available to both on campus students and online students.

Why get an associate degree?

There are several good reasons to get an associate degree. An associate degree is an affordable and accessible way to get a college education while improving your earning potential. The associate degree is popular both among students looking for entry-level work in their field, and for those who are already working.

The online degree is particularly popular at the associate level because so many students must balance work responsibilities and studies. Online courses and complete online programs make it possible for students to earn associate credits and degrees without disrupting daily work responsibilities.

The associate is also a far more affordable and accessible alternative to earning a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree takes about half as long to earn as a bachelor’s degree. Associate students need 60 credits to graduate, versus the 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. And many state community colleges offer low tuition rates.

Can I get a job with an associate degree?

You can get an entry-level job in your field with an associate degree. Many students will use the associate degree as a way to get relevant job training before entering the job market. In fact, many associates will pursue entry level work in their field while earning a bachelor’s degree through online education.

Should I get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree?

You may want to get an associate degree first to save money, or improve your admission chances, before getting a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree is a popular stepping stone for students who will seek a bachelor’s degree. When you earn an associate degree from an accredited state community college, you can usually transfer your credits toward your bachelor’s degree program.

Can I get an online degree at the associate level?

You can definitely get an online degree at the associate level. A growing number of online colleges offer high-quality associate-level online courses and complete online programs. Online students will typically take the same courses and curricula as on campus students.

Are associate degrees from online colleges respected?

Online degrees at the associate level are respected as long as these online degrees come from accredited community colleges or two-year schools. Regional accreditation is important when it comes to online colleges. If you plan to go into a bachelor’s degree program at a regionally accredited school, you must earn your online degree from a regionally accredited associate degree program.

If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.

Best Online Associate Degree Programs in Virginia
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Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2023

  1. #1

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Business
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Education (Non-Licensure)
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in STEM Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Apologetics
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Creative Writing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in History
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Military History
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Medical Office Assistant
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Psychology - Christian Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University

    Cost of Degree: $29,162
    Expenses: $16,886
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $19,680
    Expenses: $11,182
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in History
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    69K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Virginia Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,565
    Starting Salary: $47,200

    Online Associate Degrees

    AAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60-61
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Information Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 61-63
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Social Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts

    Concentrations

    • Art History
    • Communication Studies
    • English
    • International Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 60-63
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in General Studies

    Concentrations

    • Health Science
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Science

    Concentrations

    • Math Specialization
    • Required Credits: 61-64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tidewater Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,561
    Starting Salary: $35,300

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Hospitality Management

    Concentrations

      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Quality Assurance
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Accounting
      • Required Credits: 67
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Management
      • Required Credits: 67
      • Completion time: 1 year
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship
      • Required Credits: 67
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Computer Science
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Technical Studies
      • Required Credits: 60-61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Fire Science Technology
      • Required Credits: 24
      • Completion time: 1 year
      • Format: Online
      AS in Criminal Justice

      Concentrations

      • Forensic Science
      • Homeland Security
      • Public Law
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Social Sciences
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Industrial Supervision
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Industrial Technology
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Industrial Maintenance Technology
      • Required Credits: 67
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      31%

      Student body

      9K

      Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Peninsula Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,806
      Starting Salary: $33,200

      Online Associate Degrees

      AS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Management
      • Required Credits: 64
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Technical Supervision
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Information Systems Technology
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Fire Science Technology
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Human Services
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Health Sciences
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Computer Science
      • Required Credits: 60-63
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      33%

      Student body

      8K

      Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Western Community College

      Cost of Degree: $5,103
      Starting Salary: $33,800

      Online Associate Degrees

      AS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Management
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Information Systems Technology

      Concentrations

      • Cybersecurity and Network Administration Specialization
      • Database and Program Developer Specialization
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 16
      • Completion time: 1 year
      • Format: Online
      AS in Social Sciences
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      32%

      Student body

      7K

      Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont Virginia Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,790
      Starting Salary: $33,500

      Online Associate Degrees

      AS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 62
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 63
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: 63
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      44%

      Student body

      3K

      Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Highlands Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,725
      Starting Salary: $28,600

      Online Associate Degrees

      AA/AS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 14 months
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      47%

      Student body

      5K

      Career Outlook for degree at New River Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,697
      Starting Salary: $35,700

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Accounting
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Administrative Support Technology

      Concentrations

      • Medical Administrative Support
      • Paralegal Administrative Support
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in Education
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in Science
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      44%

      Student body

      3K

      Career Outlook for degree at Southwest Virginia Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,733
      Starting Salary: $30,000

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Agribusiness

      Concentrations

      • General Studies
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Accounting
      • Required Credits: 62
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Accounting
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Administration of Justice
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Information Systems Technology
      • Required Credits: 69
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Early Childhood Development
      • Required Credits: 62
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Appalachian Studies

      Concentrations

      • General Studies
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 68
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Pre-Medical

      Concentrations

      • Science Specialization
      • Required Credits: 65-68
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Psychology

      Concentrations

      • General Studies
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Substance Abuse
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Mental Health
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Science
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Electrical Electronics
      • Required Credits: 68
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      28%

      Student body

      5K

      Career Outlook for degree at Central Virginia Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,853
      Starting Salary: $30,300

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Business Administration

      Concentrations

      • General
      • IT Specialization
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Management

      Concentrations

      • Human Resource Specialization
      • Marketing Specialization
      • Required Credits: 64
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Administrative Management Technology

      Concentrations

      • Medical Office Specialization
      • Office Accounting Specialization
      • Required Credits: 67
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Administration of Justice
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Education
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      45%

      Student body

      3K

      Career Outlook for degree at Rappahannock Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,820
      Starting Salary: $30,900

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Business Management
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Administration of Justice
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Criminal Justice
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Teacher Education (PreK-8)
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Health-STEM
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Pre-BSN Specialization
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Psychology/Social Work
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Pre-Engineering
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Sustainable Science
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      26%

      Student body

      11K

      Career Outlook for degree at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,998
      Starting Salary: $34,400

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Management
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS-T in Business Administration
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Early Childhood Development
      • Required Credits: 65
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA-T in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS-T in Social Sciences
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Health Information Management
      • Required Credits: 64
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS-T in Science
      • Required Credits: 61-66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      45%

      Student body

      3K

      Career Outlook for degree at Wytheville Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,725
      Starting Salary: $30,100

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Business Management and Leadership
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Administrative Support Technology: Legal Assistant
      • Required Credits: 66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in Science
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA/AS in Science: Computer Science
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      27%

      Student body

      2K

      Career Outlook for degree at Paul D. Camp Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,730
      Starting Salary: $27,400

      Online Associate Degrees

      AAS in Administration of Justice
      • Required Credits: None Reported
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
      AAS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: None Reported
      • Format: Online
    • Tuition + fees

      $5K

      Graduation

      32%

      Student body

      11K

      Career Outlook for degree at Brightpoint Community College

      Cost of Degree: $4,800
      Starting Salary: $36,800

      Online Associate Degrees

      AS in Business Administration

      Concentrations

      • General
      • Paralegal Studies
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Business Management
      • Required Credits: 61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Accounting
      • Required Credits: 64
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Information Systems
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Information Technology
      • Required Credits: 65-66
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AAS in Criminal Justice
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA in Secondary Teacher Education

      Concentrations

      • English/History
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Teacher Education Secondary Mathematics
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Teacher Education
      • Required Credits: 60-61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in General Studies
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AA in Liberal Arts
      • Required Credits: 60-62
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Health Sciences
      • Required Credits: 60-61
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online
      AS in Psychology
      • Required Credits: 60
      • Completion time: 2 years
      • Format: Online

    Virginia is just one of many states offering excellent online associate’s degrees. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in Michigan, Oregon, Missouri, and more!

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    Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

    If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

    No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

    If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

    In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

    Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

    Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

    As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

    In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

    Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

    If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

    While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

    The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

    Resources for Online College-Bound Students

    Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

    Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here