Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Virginia (2026)

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Virginia Liberal Arts At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Liberal Arts Salary$84,867
Salary OutlookVirginia offers competitive wages for liberal arts 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 liberal arts degree in Virginia offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Virginia offers competitive wages for liberal arts 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 top-ranked national program, Virginia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Liberal Arts Schools in Virginia

The following schools offer accredited online liberal arts 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.

#1

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA BOC Score 81.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 28

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA BOC Score 80.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 24

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA BOC Score 77.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA BOC Score 59.7
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 86%
Graduation rate 73%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$16,828
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$31,178
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Liberal Arts 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)
Public Relations Specialist$80,380
Management Analyst$117,580
Technical Writer$93,600
News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist$62,140
Editor$80,590
Training and Development Specialist$77,690
Human Resources Specialist$82,090

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


Why Pursue an Online Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts programs in Virginia accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Virginia, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Liberal Arts pay in Virginia compare to other states?

Virginia offers competitive wages for liberal arts 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 liberal arts 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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