Best Journalism Schools in Virginia: Online Programs (2026)

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Virginia Journalism At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Journalism Salary$74,370
Salary OutlookVirginia offers competitive wages for journalism professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyVirginia Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online journalism degree in Virginia offers a flexible path into journalism careers. Virginia offers competitive wages for journalism professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Virginia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Journalism Schools in Virginia

The following schools offer accredited online journalism programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Virginia.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score โ€” U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
76.4 BOC Score
Graduation rate 86%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $76,178
Avg net price $31,309/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 92%
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Radford University

Radford, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
60.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 60%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,739
Avg net price $14,578/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 74%
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Hampton University

Hampton, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
55.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 55%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,159
Avg net price $25,319/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 24

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA
  • 4 year
74.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $94,810
Avg net price $23,781/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 96%
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Journalism professionals in Virginia experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Virginia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Virginia)
News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist$62,140
Editor$80,590
Public Relations Specialist$80,380

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Journalism Degree in Virginia?

Choosing a program in Virginia can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Virginia offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Virginia economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online journalism programs in Virginia accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Journalism pay in Virginia compare to other states?

Virginia offers competitive wages for journalism professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Virginia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for journalism in Virginia?

The Virginia Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Virginia. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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