Insights

Best Online Colleges in Virginia - 2026 Comparison | Nexford University

Written by Nexford Staff | Nov 5, 2026, 5:47:55 PM

Virginia is home to some of the most respected colleges and universities in the country, and a growing number of them now bring their business degree programs online. That is great news if you want to earn an online degree while you live in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Roanoke, or anywhere in between and cannot step away from work or family to sit in a classroom.

The tricky part is that every school does "online" its own way. One program lets you log in at midnight after the kids are asleep. Another asks you to join live sessions or visit campus for a weekend. Some charge one rate no matter where you live, while others price you by residency and add fees per credit hour. Two programs that look similar at first glance can end up thousands of dollars apart.

To make your search for the best online business degree a little easier, we compared six options side by side: five universities in Virginia offering online business programs, plus Nexford University, a fully online US university that welcomes learners from every state and country. Every competitor figure comes from the school's own official pages, and each one is numbered so you can check it in the references at the end.

There is no single top online college for everyone. What suits a military spouse in Norfolk may not suit a federal contractor in Fairfax. Our goal is to show you how each program works, what it really costs, and who it serves best. Let us find the right fit for you.

 

What We Compared and Why It Matters

A good online degree should fit your budget, your calendar, and your career plans all at once. Here is what we looked at for each school:

  • What You Will Actually Pay: A per-credit rate is only the starting point. We also noted program fees, technology and service fees, and how residency changes the price, so you can spot the truly affordable online options.
  • How the Program Is Delivered: Some degree programs are offered online from start to finish, while others are hybrid or include a required campus visit. We describe each format only as the school itself describes it.
  • When You Can Start and How Fast You Can Go: Frequent start dates and shorter courses help busy adults keep moving. Long waits between terms can slow you down.
  • Accreditation: We checked who accredits each university and its business programs, and we kept accreditation separate from memberships and rankings.
  • Room to Grow Your Career: Specializations, transfer credit, and practical coursework all shape how quickly a degree pays off at work.

Does it matter to you who runs the school? Many people looking for the best nonprofit colleges offering online degrees want to know this up front. Old Dominion, George Mason, and William & Mary are public universities, while Liberty and Regent are private nonprofits.

It also helps to get a second opinion beyond what each school says about itself. The U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard is a free tool where you can look up cost, graduation, and earnings data for each college or university it covers. It is an easy way to see how programs meet your goals before you commit.

A Quick Note on Accreditation

Accreditation is an independent check that a university or program meets quality standards. In the US, it usually comes in two layers, and knowing the difference makes comparisons much clearer.

Institutional accreditation applies to the whole university. The Virginia schools in this guide are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional accreditor for much of the southern United States. If you have looked at schools in other states, you may have seen colleges accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), another regional accreditor that covers a different group of states. Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which the U.S. Department of Education lists as a recognized accrediting agency and which is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). DEAC specializes in institutions that teach at a distance.

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific business programs. In this guide you will see three names. AACSB International is the most widely known and is held by Old Dominion, George Mason, and William & Mary. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits the business programs at Liberty and Regent. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accredits the MBA at Nexford's School of Business and Innovation.

Please note that membership in an organization is not the same as accreditation by it. We only call a program accredited where the institution says it is.

What this means for you: All six are accredited colleges offering online degree programs, so each one is a legitimate path to a business degree. For most roles, your skills and experience will speak loudest. If a particular employer, licensing board, or doctoral program asks for SACSCOC or AACSB by name, though, confirm that requirement before you apply.

1. Nexford University: Best for Budget-Friendly Online MBA and BBA Degrees With Monthly Starts

What Makes Nexford Stand Out

Nexford University was built as an online university from day one, so its programs are designed around working adults rather than a campus timetable. You can start on the 1st of any month, fit your studies around your week, and pay monthly for graduate programs or per course for the bachelor's degree.

For a Virginia professional juggling a commute, a career, and a family, that setup removes a lot of friction. There is no waiting until fall to begin, no residency surcharge, and no paying for a full semester you only half use. When work gets quiet, you can take on more courses. When life gets busy, you can slow down.

Key Program Details

  • Fully online: No campus visits and no residency requirement. Courses are asynchronous with weekly deadlines, and live sessions are optional. Nexford calls its programs flexibly paced rather than self-paced and suggests planning at least 10 hours of study each week.
  • Twelve start dates a year: New students begin on the 1st of every month.
  • How long it takes: The MBA runs 9 to 18 months, and the BBA typically takes 24 to 48 months. Transfer credit can shorten either path.
  • Real-world projects: Coursework is built around business challenges drawn from companies like Tesla and 3M, so you leave with work samples to share with employers.
  • A coach from the start: Every learner is paired with a Career Success Coach from enrollment onward.
  • Open to everyone: Whether you live in Virginia or halfway around the world, you can earn an online degree here. Tuition is adjusted by country.

Programs Offered

Here is the full lineup of Nexford's online degree programs and certificates, all centered on business and technology:

Key Cost Details

  • How MBA pricing works: A monthly subscription. You pay only for the months you are enrolled, so moving faster brings your total down.
  • MBA tuition for US learners, including Virginia: $450 per month. That works out to about $4,050 if you finish in 9 months, or $8,100 over the full 18 months.
  • MBA tuition outside the US: $275 to $450 per month depending on your country, for a total of roughly $2,475 to $8,100.
  • MS degrees and the MBA in Finance: $470 per month for US learners, using the same monthly model.
  • How BBA pricing works: Pay per course, so you always know the cost of the next course before you take it.
  • BBA tuition: $250 per course for US learners, or $10,000 for all 40 courses. Outside the US, courses cost $120 to $250 each, about $4,800 to $10,000 in total.
  • BAS in Management and AI in Business: $300 per course for US learners, also paid per course.
  • Application fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $25.
  • Extra fees: No textbook fees and no hidden fees to graduate.
  • Ways to pay: Credit or debit card, bank transfer, Venmo, or PayPal, including interest-free pay in 4. Financing is available through Climb Credit, and you can pause your program and your payments if you need a break.
  • Tuition page: Nexford tuition and payment options

Accreditation

Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Nexford's School of Business and Innovation holds IACBE accreditation for its MBA program. For more detail, see Nexford's accreditation page.

Strengths Worth Highlighting

  • The lowest full-program tuition in this guide for both the MBA and the bachelor's degree, based on each school's published rates.
  • The same US price whether you live in Virginia or another state, with no residency premium.
  • A start date every month, so you can begin as soon as you are ready.
  • Practical, project-based courses that build a portfolio as you learn.
  • Specializations in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and e-commerce, plus career coaching from your first month.

Things to Consider

  • Nexford is accredited by DEAC rather than SACSCOC, and its MBA holds IACBE rather than AACSB accreditation. Both are recognized, but if a specific employer or graduate school requires SACSCOC or AACSB, check that first.
  • Study is fully online, so there is no Virginia campus, in-person classroom, or campus social life.
  • Founded in 2019, Nexford is a young institution and does not yet have the large, long-established alumni networks that Virginia's historic universities offer.
  • Programs cover business and technology only. If you have your eye on nursing, engineering, or education programs, a broader university will serve you better.
  • Flexible pacing still comes with weekly deadlines, so you will need steady self-discipline.

Who Should Choose Nexford

Nexford is a top choice for online learners in Virginia who want a recognized US business or tech degree at a fair, predictable price, without waiting for a new semester or paying out-of-state rates. It suits people who would rather finish sooner and spend less, and anyone aiming for roles in AI, analytics, digital marketing, fintech, or global business who wants hands-on projects and a coach in their corner.

Explore Nexford's Programs

2. Old Dominion University: Best for Dual AACSB-Accredited Online MBA and Business Bachelor's Degrees

What Makes It Stand Out

Old Dominion University in Norfolk runs its online programs through ODUGlobal, and its business degrees come from the Strome College of Business. The college holds dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting, which ODU says places it among fewer than 200 business schools with that distinction.

ODU is also refreshingly flexible about format. MBA students can study fully online, on campus, or in a hybrid format and switch between them as their schedules change. Many courses run in accelerated eight-week sessions, so you can keep making progress without long breaks.

Key Program Details

  • MBA: A minimum of 43 credit hours, made up of five business foundations courses, ten core courses, and a capstone experience.
  • MBA pace: Full-time or part-time, with many students finishing in as little as four semesters.
  • MBA admissions: ODU may waive the GMAT or GRE requirement in limited cases, based on your academic history and career experience. You can also take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student before admission.
  • Online B.S. in Business Administration: 120 credit hours, available as a full start-to-finish degree or as a degree completion path that accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
  • Areas and majors: Options include accounting, economics, finance, real estate, risk management and insurance, business analytics, database administration, entrepreneurship, human resources management, and digital marketing.
  • Military-friendly: Military pathway agreements may grant academic credit for service experience and training in several majors.

Key Cost Details

  • Online graduate tuition (2026-2027): $662 per credit hour for students living outside Virginia, and $672 per credit hour for Virginia residents with Virginia domicile, which includes $162 in mandatory auxiliary tuition. [1]
  • MBA program fee: An extra $125 per credit hour on top of standard graduate tuition and other mandatory fees. [2]
  • Online undergraduate tuition (2026-2027): $453 per credit hour for students living outside Virginia and $443 per credit hour for Virginia residents with Virginia domicile. Active-duty military students pay $250 per credit hour. [3]
  • Mandatory online fees: A course technology fee of $30 per credit hour and an innovation fee of $8 per credit hour, plus small general services and ID card fees each term. [1] [3]
  • International learners: ODUGlobal lists one online rate for students living outside Virginia rather than a separate international rate. ODU does not publish a total program cost, so plan using the per-credit rate, the MBA fee, and the term fees together. [1]
  • Fees pages: ODUGlobal Graduate Cost and ODUGlobal Undergraduate Cost

Accreditation

Old Dominion University is accredited by SACSCOC to award baccalaureate, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. [4] The Strome College of Business is accredited by AACSB and holds dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. [2] [5]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

  • Dual AACSB accreditation from a public Virginia university.
  • Close online rates for Virginia residents and out-of-state learners, so living elsewhere costs about the same.
  • Eight-week course sessions and the freedom to switch between online, campus, and hybrid study.
  • Generous transfer credit and military pathways for the bachelor's degree.

Things to Consider

  • The MBA carries a $125 per credit hour program fee on top of the base graduate rate, so factor it into your budget. [2]
  • Students who live in Virginia without Virginia domicile are charged $1,523 per credit hour for graduate courses in 2026-2027, so confirm your residency classification early. [1]
  • Courses follow academic terms, so start dates are tied to the ODU calendar rather than every month.
  • Depending on your background, you may need a GMAT or GRE score unless ODU grants a waiver.

Who Should Choose ODU

ODU is a great fit if you want an AACSB-accredited degree from a public university, with flexible formats and short course sessions. It is especially appealing for military-connected students and for transfer students who want to put their existing credits to work toward a business bachelor's degree.

3. George Mason University: Best for AACSB-Accredited Online Business Degrees, From a BS to an Asynchronous MBA

What Makes It Stand Out

George Mason University is a public university based in Fairfax, and its Costello College of Business offers both an online MBA and an online Bachelor of Science in Business. Both programs are AACSB-accredited and taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.

The Costello Online MBA is designed for working professionals, with asynchronous, part-time courses and no GMAT or GRE requirement. Better still for out-of-state learners, the online MBA has the same tuition rate whether you live in Virginia or not.

Key Program Details

  • Online MBA: 48 credits, made up of 10 required core courses, 1 global selective course, and 5 electives, completed in 16 to 36 months.
  • Format: Part-time and asynchronous, with weekly deliverables and deadlines. An optional one-week residency abroad can satisfy the global course requirement, and a graduate certificate in business analytics can be built into the MBA.
  • Admissions: At least two years of professional work experience, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. No GMAT or GRE is required.
  • Start terms: Fall, spring, or summer, with rolling admissions.
  • Online B.S. in Business: 120 credits, typically completed in four years, with eight concentrations: accounting, business analytics, finance, financial planning and wealth management, management, management information systems, marketing, and operations and supply chain management.

Key Cost Details

  • Online MBA tuition (2026-2027): $1,194 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. [6]
  • Distance learning fee: $35 per credit hour for the online MBA. The online MBA is not charged the Mandatory Student Fee. [6]
  • MBA application fee: $75. [7]
  • Undergraduate tuition (2026-2027): $448 per credit hour in-state and $1,489.50 per credit hour out-of-state for fewer than 12 credits, or a flat $5,376 in-state and $17,874 out-of-state for 12 to 15 credits. [6]
  • Undergraduate Mandatory Student Fee: $169 per credit hour, or $2,028 at the flat 12 to 15 credit rate. GMU's 2026-2027 schedule does not list a separate rate for the online B.S. in Business, so confirm which charges apply to you. [6]
  • International learners: The online MBA rate is the same for everyone, while undergraduate tuition depends on residency classification. [6]
  • Fees page: GMU Student Accounts Tuition and Fees

Accreditation

George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and the Costello College of Business and its MBA degree programs are accredited by AACSB. [7] The online B.S. in Business is also listed as AACSB-accredited. [8]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

  • An AACSB-accredited online MBA taught by the same faculty as the campus program.
  • One online MBA rate for in-state and out-of-state students alike.
  • No GMAT or GRE requirement and a fully asynchronous format.
  • Eight undergraduate concentrations, from business analytics to financial planning.

Things to Consider

  • At $1,194 per credit hour across 48 credits, plus a $35 per credit hour distance learning fee, the online MBA sits at the higher end of this comparison. [6]
  • Out-of-state undergraduates pay $1,489.50 per credit hour, which is much higher than the in-state rate of $448. [6]
  • You need at least two years of professional work experience to apply to the MBA.
  • The MBA is designed as a part-time program, so the fastest path still takes about 16 months.

Who Should Choose George Mason

George Mason makes the most sense for working professionals, especially around Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., who want an AACSB-accredited MBA on an asynchronous schedule at one rate wherever they live. It is also a strong pick if you live in the state and want to earn your business bachelor's degree in Virginia from a large public university with plenty of concentrations.

4. Liberty University: Best for Transfer-Friendly Online MBA and BSBA Programs With Frequent Starts

What Makes It Stand Out

Liberty University in Lynchburg describes itself as a private, nonprofit Christian university, and it offers more than 600 online degrees. Its online business degrees run in eight-week courses with no set login times, and you can start at several points throughout the year.

Liberty is also very transfer-friendly. You can bring in up to half of the MBA and up to three-quarters of the online business administration bachelor's degree, which can shorten your path considerably. Undergraduate students get electronic textbooks at no extra cost.

Key Program Details

  • Online MBA: Most tracks are 45 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two years. A 36-credit-hour track can be completed in about 1.5 years.
  • MBA specializations: Options span areas such as finance, international business, project management, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership.
  • Format: 100% online, mostly in eight-week courses, with eight start dates a year. Some courses follow a full-semester schedule.
  • Transfer credit: Up to 50% of the MBA and up to 75% of the bachelor's degree.
  • Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Data Analysis: The degree name Liberty confers on students enrolling now. It is a practical, skills-focused business degree, with specializations including human resource management, strategic business planning, operations management, and economics.
  • Faith-based approach: Liberty's business programs teach from a Christian worldview.

Key Cost Details

  • Online graduate tuition (2026-2027): $600 per credit hour full-time and $665 per credit hour part-time. [9]
  • Military graduate rate: $310 per credit hour for eligible service members, veterans, spouses, and Department of Defense employees. [9]
  • Online undergraduate tuition (2026-2027): $410 per credit hour full-time and $475 per credit hour part-time, with a military rate of $250 per credit hour. [10]
  • Technology fee: $349 per semester, waived for actively serving military members and their spouses. [11]
  • Books and materials: Electronic textbooks are included for undergraduate courses. Liberty estimates that online graduate students spend $716 on textbooks and online content for 2026-2027. [10] [11]
  • Application fee: $0. [11]
  • International learners: Liberty publishes one set of online rates and does not list a separate international rate. [11]
  • Fees page: Liberty Online Tuition and Fees

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC to award associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees, and its MBA is accredited by ACBSP. [9] Its online bachelor's in business administration is also accredited by ACBSP. [10]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

  • Eight start dates a year and eight-week courses with no set login times.
  • Some of the most generous transfer credit policies in this guide.
  • Discounted military rates at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
  • Free electronic textbooks for undergraduate courses and no application fee.

Things to Consider

  • Part-time study costs more per credit hour: $665 for graduate courses and $475 for undergraduate courses. [9] [10]
  • The $349 per semester technology fee applies on top of tuition unless you qualify for the military waiver. [11]
  • Business programs hold ACBSP rather than AACSB accreditation.
  • Courses include a Christian worldview, which many students value, but it is worth knowing in advance.

Who Should Choose Liberty

Liberty works well for adults with prior college credit who want to transfer as much as possible, military-connected students who can use the discounted rates, and anyone who appreciates a faith-based perspective and wants plenty of chances to start.

5. Regent University: Best for Christ-Centered Online MBA and Business Bachelor's Programs

What Makes It Stand Out

Regent University in Virginia Beach describes itself as a Christ-centered, military-friendly, and transfer-friendly university. It offers an ACBSP-accredited MBA and a B.S. in Business, both available online or on campus.

The online MBA is easy to get into and easy to customize. There is no GMAT or GRE requirement, courses run in eight-week sessions, and you can choose a concentration or build an individualized plan around your career goals.

Key Program Details

  • MBA: 42 credit hours with a specialization, or 36 credit hours on the accelerated generalist track.
  • MBA pace: Full-time students take two courses each eight-week session and can finish in 16 months. Part-time students take one course per session.
  • MBA concentrations: Options range from healthcare management to marketing, with accounting among the choices, or you can design an individualized plan.
  • Transfer credit: Up to 49% of a graduate degree.
  • Online B.S. in Business: 120 or more credit hours, with a choice of nine concentrations and eight-week course sessions.

Key Cost Details

  • Online MBA tuition (2026-2027): $695 per credit hour, compared with $845 per credit hour on campus. [12]
  • Online undergraduate tuition (2026-2027): $415 per credit hour for full-time students (12 or more credit hours per semester) and $470 per credit hour for part-time students (3 to 11 credit hours). [13]
  • University Services Fee: $750 per semester for online students. [12] [13]
  • International learners: Regent's program pages list one online rate and do not show a separate international rate, so check with admissions if you live outside the US. [12]
  • Fees page: Regent University Tuition and Aid

Accreditation

Regent University is accredited by SACSCOC to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. [14] Its MBA program is accredited by ACBSP, [12] and its B.S. in Business is also ACBSP-accredited. [13]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

  • An affordable online MBA rate that is lower than Regent's on-campus rate.
  • No GMAT or GRE requirement.
  • A 36-credit accelerated option for students who want a faster, generalist MBA.
  • Room to customize, from set concentrations to an individualized plan.

Things to Consider

  • Online students pay a $750 University Services Fee each semester in addition to tuition. [12]
  • Part-time undergraduates pay $470 per credit hour, compared with $415 for full-time students. [13]
  • Business programs carry ACBSP rather than AACSB accreditation.
  • Courses are taught from a Christian worldview, so make sure that fits what you want from your degree.

Who Should Choose Regent

Regent is a good match if you want a customizable online MBA or business bachelor's degree without standardized tests, at a moderate per-credit rate. It is also a natural choice if you value a Christ-centered education and like having the option to study online or on campus in Virginia Beach.

6. William & Mary: Best for a Prestigious AACSB Online MBA (Graduate Programs Only)

What Makes It Stand Out

William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business offers an AACSB-accredited Online MBA built for working professionals. Courses run 7.5 weeks each, there is no GMAT or GRE requirement, and you can choose from nine specializations.

The program includes one required residency weekend on the historic campus in Williamsburg, which gives online students a chance to meet classmates and faculty in person. William & Mary's online business offerings are graduate-level only, so it is not an option if you need an online bachelor's degree.

Key Program Details

  • Online MBA: 49 credits, made up of 12 courses plus one weekend residency.
  • Course length: 7.5 weeks per course.
  • Specializations: Nine options across four disciplines. You complete 8 credits in your specialization, or 8 credits of electives if you skip one.
  • Residency: Weekends are held twice a year in Williamsburg. You must attend one, and you are welcome to attend more.
  • Admissions: No GMAT or GRE scores required.
  • Undergraduate option: William & Mary does not list an online bachelor's degree in business among its Mason School online programs.

Key Cost Details

  • Online MBA tuition (2026-2027): $1,468 per credit hour for 49 credit hours. [15]
  • Residency fee: $650, plus $1,468 for one tuition credit. [15]
  • Graduation fee: A one-time, non-refundable $150, charged after you file a notice of candidacy for graduation. [15]
  • Not included: Textbooks and other fees are not included in the tuition rate. [15]
  • International learners: The Online MBA is priced per credit hour, and the tuition page does not list a separate in-state, out-of-state, or international rate. [15]
  • Fees page: William & Mary Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Accreditation

William & Mary is accredited by SACSCOC to award baccalaureate, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. [16] Its Online MBA is described as an AACSB-accredited degree. [17]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

  • A well-known name and an AACSB-accredited Online MBA from the Mason School of Business.
  • No GMAT or GRE requirement.
  • Nine specializations to tailor the degree to your goals.
  • A residency weekend that adds in-person networking to an online program.

Things to Consider

  • At $1,468 per credit hour for 49 credits, plus the residency and graduation fees, this is the highest per-credit MBA rate in this guide. [15]
  • You need to travel to Williamsburg for at least one residency weekend.
  • There is no online bachelor's option, so it only suits learners who already hold a degree.

Who Should Choose William & Mary

William & Mary is best for experienced professionals who want a highly respected, AACSB-accredited MBA, are comfortable investing more for it, and would enjoy a weekend of in-person networking in Williamsburg.

Best Online Colleges in Virginia - Quick Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the degree programs in Virginia we covered stack up against Nexford, all in one place. Rates are per credit hour unless noted and come from each school's published 2026-2027 figures, cited in the sections above. Always confirm the latest numbers before applying.

School MBA pricing Bachelor's pricing Format and pace Accreditation
Nexford University $450 per month (US); about $4,050 to $8,100 total. $275 to $450 per month outside the US $250 per course (US); $10,000 total for 40 courses Fully online, monthly starts, MBA in 9 to 18 months DEAC; IACBE for the MBA
Old Dominion University $662 outside Virginia; $672 Virginia residents; plus $125 MBA program fee; 43+ credits $453 outside Virginia; $443 Virginia residents Online, campus, or hybrid; 8-week sessions SACSCOC; AACSB (business and accounting)
George Mason University $1,194 for all students, plus $35 distance learning fee; 48 credits $448 in-state; $1,489.50 out-of-state, plus $169 Mandatory Student Fee Asynchronous, part-time MBA in 16 to 36 months SACSCOC; AACSB
Liberty University $600 full-time; $665 part-time; $310 military $410 full-time; $475 part-time; $250 military 100% online, 8-week courses, 8 starts a year SACSCOC; ACBSP
Regent University $695 online; plus $750 per semester services fee $415 full-time; $470 part-time online Online or campus, 8-week sessions, MBA in 16 months full-time SACSCOC; ACBSP
William & Mary $1,468; 49 credits; plus residency and graduation fees No online bachelor's in business Online with one required weekend residency; 7.5-week courses SACSCOC; AACSB

How to Choose the Right Online College for You

Whether you choose Nexford or a school in Virginia, each option here can move your career forward. The best pick comes down to your budget, your schedule, and the kind of credential you want, so here is a simple way to narrow your list.

Choose Nexford if:

  • You want to begin on the 1st of any month and set a pace that fits your life.
  • You prefer predictable pricing, with a monthly subscription for the MBA and per-course tuition for the BBA.
  • You want the lowest full-program tuition in this guide, plus career coaching and project-based learning from the start.

Explore Nexford's Programs

Choose Old Dominion if:

  • You want a dual AACSB-accredited degree from a Virginia public university.
  • You like eight-week sessions and the option to switch between online, hybrid, and campus study.

Choose George Mason if:

  • You want an asynchronous AACSB MBA with one rate whether or not you live in Virginia.
  • You have at least two years of work experience and prefer not to take the GMAT or GRE.

Choose Liberty if:

  • You have prior credits to transfer and want frequent start dates.
  • You are military-connected or value a faith-based education.

Choose Regent if:

  • You want a customizable online MBA without standardized tests.
  • A Christ-centered university with online and Virginia Beach options appeals to you.

Choose William & Mary if:

  • You want a prestigious AACSB MBA brand and can invest at a premium level.
  • You would enjoy a weekend of in-person networking in Williamsburg.

Ready to Get Started?

If Nexford sounds like your kind of program, the next step is quick:

  • Apply for $25: A single, one-time application fee gets your application moving.
  • Pick your start month: Classes begin on the 1st of every month.
  • Get answers first: Speak with an admissions advisor about programs, transfer credit, and costs.

Start Your Application

Want to look around a bit more? See all Nexford programs or check tuition details to plan a degree around your time and your budget.

The best time to start building your future is now, not next semester.

Disclaimer

Last updated: October 2026

This article was researched and fact-checked in October 2026 using official university websites. Competitor tuition and fees reflect each institution's published 2026-2027 rates at the time of writing. Nexford totals are calculated from Nexford's published monthly and per-course rates. Tuition, fees, residency rules, program formats, and accreditation details can change, so please confirm current information with each school's official website and admissions office before you enroll.

References

Old Dominion University

[1] Online Graduate Cost: 2026-2027 Tuition Rates. Old Dominion University (ODUGlobal). https://online.odu.edu/cost/graduate-cost

[2] Online Master of Business Administration. Old Dominion University (ODUGlobal). https://online.odu.edu/academics/programs/business-administration-mba

[3] Online Undergraduate Cost: 2026-2027 Tuition Rates. Old Dominion University (ODUGlobal). https://online.odu.edu/cost/undergraduate-cost

[4] Accreditation. Old Dominion University (ODUGlobal). https://online.odu.edu/about-us/accreditation

[5] Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Old Dominion University (ODUGlobal). https://online.odu.edu/academics/programs/business-administration

George Mason University

[6] 2026-2027 Academic Year Tuition and Fees, Per Credit Hour Rates. George Mason University. https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/AY26-27_Tuition_and_Fee_Rates_Per_Credit.pdf

[7] Master of Business Administration (MBA), Online. George Mason University (Mason Online). https://masononline.gmu.edu/programs/mba-online/

[8] Business (BS), Online. George Mason University (Mason Online). https://masononline.gmu.edu/programs/business-bs/

Liberty University

[9] Online Master of Business Administration (MBA). Liberty University. https://www.liberty.edu/online/business/masters/mba/

[10] Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Liberty University. https://www.liberty.edu/online/business/bachelors/business-administration/

[11] Online Tuition and Fees. Liberty University. https://www.liberty.edu/online/tuition-and-fees/

Regent University

[12] MBA: Master of Business Administration. Regent University. https://www.regent.edu/program/mba-master-of-business-administration/

[13] B.S. in Business. Regent University. https://www.regent.edu/program/bs-in-business/

[14] Accreditation. Regent University. https://www.regent.edu/online/about/accreditation/

William & Mary

[15] Online Tuition and Financial Aid. William & Mary, Raymond A. Mason School of Business. https://online.mason.wm.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid

[16] Accreditation at William & Mary. William & Mary. https://www.wm.edu/offices/iae/accreditation/

[17] Online MBA for Working Professionals. William & Mary, Raymond A. Mason School of Business. https://online.mason.wm.edu/mba