2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Virginia

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a public college located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. that is part of the VCCS. There are 13 full 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.

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.

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.

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.