Online and On-Campus Colleges in VIRGINIA

Not every school can say it was founded by Thomas Jefferson, but the University of Virginia can. It was established in 1819 by the founding father and has grown into one of the country's premier institutions of higher learning.

UVA is a highly selective school that excels at helping students succeed. It is notable for its commitment to providing financial assistance as well as its strong graduation rate. What's more, it provides flexible learning options, including a number of online degrees and online courses, which make it convenient for even adult learners to finish their education.

Within the University of Virginia, there are 11 academic schools as well as the College at Wise, a liberal arts college located in Southwest Virginia. The university's main campus is in Charlottesville.

Better known as Virginia Tech, the next of the best colleges in Virginia offers a hands-on education intended to provide students with practical, problem-solving skills. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is one of the state's most comprehensive accredited universities and a leading research institution.

The nine colleges and graduate school at Virginia Tech offer about 280 degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the school's 34,000 students benefit from small class sizes and a focus on experiential learning. In addition to enrolling civilian students, the institute maintains a Corps of Cadets on-campus.

Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 as an agricultural and mechanical college. It went through several transformations before becoming the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1970. The school's campus is in Blacksburg.

As one of the largest public institutions in the state, it may come as no surprise that George Mason University makes the list of best universities in Virginia. Not only does the school have an impressive catalog of on-campus degree programs, but it also offers a selection of online courses for distance learners.

Mason is another school with ties to a founding father. Its namesake, George Mason, drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights, a document that would serve as a model for the U.S. Bill of Rights. Formed in 1957 with an inaugural class of 17 students, it has grown into a powerhouse school enrolling 34,000 learners from across the globe.

Students can select from degree programs offered in 10 colleges and schools. George Mason University has its main campus in Fairfax.

Among the top schools in Virginia, James Madison University is known for its innovative educational programs. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively with other students and faculty as they develop the strong work ethic and critical thinking skills needed to be successful after graduation.

Founded in 1908, JMU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees through its colleges. For those who prefer distance education, there are online degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. There are also blended programs that include both on-campus and online courses.

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, which is a part of Virginia's picturesque Shenandoah Valley. The school attracts top tier students from across the nation and is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars at the master's degree level.

If you want to study in an urban setting, Virginia Commonwealth University may be a good choice for you. As one of the top colleges in Virginia, the school has its campus in the state capital of Richmond.

VCU is a research institution that boasts of a diverse student body, a school-wide commitment to community service and a tradition of academic excellence. The university is home to 17 colleges and schools, including five health sciences schools. The VCU Medical Center is a top-rated hospital in the state.

Virginia Commonwealth University's strong health sciences program is likely linked to its history. The university was formed in 1838 as the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney. While it has expanded its course catalog over the years, it remains a top pick for those planning a career in health care who are looking for health care degrees.

Chartered in 1693, the College of William and Mary is the second-oldest college in the country. As one of the "Public Ivies," it prides itself on providing a world-class education that has been cultivated through 300 years of higher learning experience.

Despite the prestige suggested by its long tenure, William and Mary is one of the more affordable accredited schools in the state for low-income students. It has strong retention and graduation rates, and statistically, its alumni don't seem to be saddled with the same amount of student loan debt incurred by students at other institutions.

The College of William and Mary gets its name from King William III and Queen Mary II of England, who established the institution. It has its main campus in Williamsburg.

Based in a city of the same name, Hampton University is one of the best universities in Virginia and also one of the top historically black universities in the world. It prides itself on providing its community of learners with an experience steeped in tradition.

Hampton U was founded in 1868, and its campus is home to the Emancipation Oak, which is where the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves was read for the first time in the South. Over the years, the school has received visits from such dignitaries as President Barack Obama, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and poet Maya Angelou.

However, Hampton University is more than a place where history has been made. Today's students have access to a number of excellent academic programs spanning 10 colleges and schools.

Old Dominion University takes its name from Virginia's state nickname and educates its students in the state's second-largest city. In addition to its main campus in Norfolk, there are three extended campuses located elsewhere. Being one of the top colleges in Virginia, ODU offers flexible learning options including both campus-based and online degree programs.

Overall, nearly 25,000 students enroll at Old Dominion University each year, with almost a quarter of those being affiliated with the military. As a research institution, the university features state-of-the-art facilities and contributes more than $2.5 billion to the Virginia economy each year.

Students have their choice of approximately 250 undergraduate and graduate programs. These degrees are offered across nine accredited colleges and schools and cover such popular fields as business, education and the liberal arts.

Affordability of tuition and fees is part of what makes Radford University one of the best schools in Virginia. The institution was founded in 1910 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. Since then, it has evolved to offer comprehensive degree programs as one of 15 public Virginia universities.

In addition to being an affordable education choice, Radford University is known for its sustainability initiatives, innovative use of technology and collaboration between students and faculty. Nearly 9,500 students are enrolled in the university, and almost a third of its incoming freshman come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Radford has six academic colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Most classes are taught by professors who have completed the highest level of education offered in their field.

For more than 110,000 students, Liberty University is the institution of choice. The school was founded by Rev. Jerry Falwell in 1971 as the Lynchburg Baptist College. It has since grown to offer hundreds of on-campus and online degree programs and describes itself as the largest Christian university in the world.

Liberty University includes 17 colleges and schools that cover both the liberal arts and specialized fields such as law, aviation and theology. Its online division includes approximately 200 programs with many fully online degree options available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The school has student body that represents all 50 states as well as more than 80 countries, and most students receive financial aid. Liberty University has its campus in Lynchburg.