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Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia

30 Schools Ranked
$7,358 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,965 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 30 schools in Virginia to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
574 Total Awards
$17,479 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,838 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named ECPI University the most popular school in Virginia for nursing students working on their associate degree. ECPI University is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 574 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $17,479 to cover tuition and fees at ECPI University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,838 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ECPI University. In fact, around 44% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#2

Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia
176 Total Awards
$17,308 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,884 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia list. Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 176 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach, expect to pay an average of $17,308 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $27,884 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#3

Germanna Community College

Locust Grove, Virginia
133 Total Awards
$4,913 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,120 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Germanna Community College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Locust Grove, Virginia, the medium-sized public school awarded 133 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,913 in tuition and fees if they attend Germanna Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,916. On average, associate degree students take out $17,120 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Germanna Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

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#4

Reynolds Community College

Richmond, Virginia
113 Total Awards
$3,998 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,545 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Reynolds Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia list. Reynolds Community College is located in Richmond, Virginia and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 113 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Reynolds Community College is $3,998. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,800. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,545 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Reynolds Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 78% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#5

John Tyler Community College

Chester, Virginia
111 Total Awards
$4,800 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,926 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means John Tyler Community College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. John Tyler Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Chester, Virginia. It awarded 111 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Virginia who attend John Tyler Community College full time pay an average of $4,800 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,803. Associate Degree recipients from John Tyler Community College accumulate an average of $17,926 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at John Tyler Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full John Tyler Community College Report

#6

Lord Fairfax Community College

Middletown, Virginia
106 Total Awards
$4,739 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,743 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Lord Fairfax Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Middletown, Virginia, the medium-sized public school handed out 106 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,739 in tuition and fees if they attend Lord Fairfax Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,742. On average, associate degree students take out $13,743 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Lord Fairfax Community College. In fact, around 60% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Lord Fairfax Community College Report

#7

Centra College of Nursing

Lynchburg, Virginia
103 Total Awards
$14,340 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,398 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Centra College of Nursing did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 103 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Centra College of Nursing is $14,340. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $24,398 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Centra College of Nursing does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 4% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#8

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia
97 Total Awards
$5,565 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,116 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Northern Virginia Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Northern Virginia Community College is a large public school located in Annandale, Virginia that handed out 97 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $5,565 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northern Virginia Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,648. Associate Degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College accumulate an average of $17,116 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Online courses are available at Northern Virginia Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Northern Virginia Community College

#9

Riverside College of Health Careers

Newport News, Virginia
85 Total Awards
$12,920 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,166 Avg Student Debt

Riverside College of Health Careers ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia list. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Newport News, Virginia, and it awarded 85 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Riverside College of Health Careers is $12,920. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Riverside College of Health Careers accumulate an average of $28,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Riverside College of Health Careers does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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80 Total Awards
$4,710 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,003 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Virginia Highlands Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. VHCC is a public institution located in Abingdon, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 80 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Virginia who attend VHCC full time pay an average of $4,710 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,713. On average, associate degree students take out $11,003 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at VHCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Virginia Highlands Community College Report

#11

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Charlottesville, Virginia
75 Total Awards
$4,790 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,693 Avg Student Debt

Piedmont Virginia Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. This small public school is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and it awarded 75 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,790 in tuition and fees if they attend PVCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,793. Associate Degree recipients from PVCC accumulate an average of $15,693 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at PVCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 71% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#12

Rappahannock Community College

Glenns, Virginia
71 Total Awards
$4,820 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,807 Avg Student Debt

Rappahannock Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. This small public school is located in Glenns, Virginia, and it awarded 71 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,820 in tuition and fees if they attend RCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,823. On average, associate degree students take out $11,807 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at RCC. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Rappahannock Community College Report

#13

Thomas Nelson Community College

Hampton, Virginia
68 Total Awards
$4,806 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,613 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Nelson Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia list. Located in Hampton, Virginia, the medium-sized public school handed out 68 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $4,806 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend TNCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,809. Associate Degree recipients from TNCC accumulate an average of $16,613 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 96% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since TNCC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 77% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Thomas Nelson Community College

65 Total Awards
$30,701 Avg Student Debt

Standard Healthcare Services - College of Nursing did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Falls Church, Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 65 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,701 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Standard College of Nursing is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

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#15

Wytheville Community College

Wytheville, Virginia
62 Total Awards
$4,725 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,925 Avg Student Debt

Wytheville Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. WCC is a small public school situated in Wytheville, Virginia. It awarded 62 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $4,725 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend WCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,728. Associate Degree recipients from WCC accumulate an average of $11,925 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Wytheville Community College

#16

New River Community College

Dublin, Virginia
57 Total Awards
$4,697 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,949 Avg Student Debt

New River Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Dublin, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 57 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,697 in tuition and fees if they attend NRCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,699. Associate Degree recipients from NRCC accumulate an average of $15,949 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since NRCC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 63% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full New River Community College Report

#17

Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, Virginia
54 Total Awards
$4,710 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,145 Avg Student Debt

Mountain Empire Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. MECC is located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 54 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,710 in tuition and fees if they attend MECC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,713. Associate Degree recipients from MECC accumulate an average of $10,145 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

MECC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Mountain Empire Community College Report

51 Total Awards
$5,355 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,663 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Western Community College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Virginia Western Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Roanoke, Virginia. It awarded 51 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $5,355 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Virginia Western Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,358. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,663 in student loans. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Virginia Western Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 66% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#19

Southwest Virginia Community College

Richlands, Virginia
50 Total Awards
$4,703 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,768 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Virginia Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia ranking. Southwest Virginia is a small public school situated in Richlands, Virginia. It awarded 50 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $4,703 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Southwest Virginia. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,706. Associate Degree recipients from Southwest Virginia accumulate an average of $9,768 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Southwest Virginia does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Southwest Virginia Community College Report

#20

Blue Ridge Community College

Weyers Cave, Virginia
48 Total Awards
$5,364 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,218 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Blue Ridge Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Blue Ridge Community College is a small public school located in Weyers Cave, Virginia that handed out 48 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $5,364 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend BRCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,367. On average, associate degree students take out $16,218 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at BRCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 90% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Blue Ridge Community College

#21

Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, Virginia
47 Total Awards
$5,561 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,057 Avg Student Debt

Tidewater Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Tidewater Community College is a public institution located in Norfolk, Virginia. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 47 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Tidewater Community College is $5,561. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,564. Associate Degree recipients from Tidewater Community College accumulate an average of $18,057 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Tidewater Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 96% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Tidewater Community College Report

#22

Eastern Virginia Career College

Fredericksburg, Virginia
46 Total Awards
$25,187 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Virginia Career College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the very small private for-profit school awarded 46 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $25,187 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern Virginia Career College Report

44 Total Awards
$4,695 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,671 Avg Student Debt

Southside Virginia Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Alberta, Virginia, the small public school awarded 44 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,695 in tuition and fees if they attend Southside Virginia Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,698. Associate Degree recipients from Southside Virginia Community College accumulate an average of $9,671 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southside Virginia Community College. In 2019-2020 about 59% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#24

Fortis College - Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia
43 Total Awards
$16,305 Average Tuition & Fees

Fortis College - Norfolk did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Fortis College - Norfolk is a very small private for-profit school situated in Norfolk, Virginia. It awarded 43 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Fortis College - Norfolk does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $16,305. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Fortis College - Norfolk does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Fortis College - Norfolk Report

#25

Southside College of Health Sciences

Colonial Heights, Virginia
42 Total Awards
$7,920 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,780 Avg Student Debt

Southside College of Health Sciences ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Virginia list. Colonial Heights, Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 42 students in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Southside College of Health Sciences, expect to pay an average of $7,920 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,780 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Read full report on Southside College of Health Sciences

View Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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