The Commonwealth of Virginia has led the way in education since the 1693 founding of The College of William and Mary, the second-oldest college in the United States. The state hosts more than 75 two- and four-year colleges and universities, along with online schools catering to students who receive their education at home, work or anywhere they have Internet access. With a diverse economy built on health care, finance, education and consulting industries, Virginia offers a chance to plug into some of the nation's most powerful employers.
Living and working in Virginia
The state is home to a strong service and consulting sector that serves nearby Washington D.C., a dominant maritime and recreational economy in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and an agricultural industry where tobacco plays an important role. Virginia employs college graduates in fields such as technology, education, science, business and health care, in addition to many more.
The cost of living in Virginia ranks 23 in the nation, with housing at 94.8 percent of the U.S. average and health care at the national average. These rankings are for the second quarter of 2011, based on data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
Virginia higher education information
The Commonwealth of Virginia has led the way in education since the 1693 founding of The College of William and Mary, the second-oldest college in the United States. The state hosts more than 75 two- and four-year colleges and universities, along with online schools catering to students who receive their education at home, work or anywhere they have Internet access. With a diverse economy built on health care, finance, education and consulting industries, Virginia offers a chance to plug into some of the nation's most powerful employers.
Living and working in Virginia
The state is home to a strong service and consulting sector that serves nearby Washington D.C., a dominant maritime and recreational economy in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and an agricultural industry where tobacco plays an important role. Virginia employs college graduates in fields such as technology, education, science, business and health care, in addition to many more.
The cost of living in Virginia ranks 23 in the nation, with housing at 94.8 percent of the U.S. average and health care at the national average. These rankings are for the second quarter of 2011, based on data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
Virginia higher education information
In Virginia, residents and employers hold a post-secondary degree in high regard. The U.S. Census reported that 33.4 percent of Virginians over the age of 25 held a four-year degree or higher in 2009, which was 6 percent higher than the national average.
Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce predicts that between 2008 and 2018, 389,000 new jobs will be created in Virginia for those who have completed their post-secondary education, with less than half that number for high school grads or dropouts. Some 64 percent of all new jobs in Virginia by 2018 are likely to require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree.
Growing careers in Virginia
The U.S. Department of Labor has identified key careers in Virginia promising rapid growth between 2008 and 2018. These examples are shown with 2010 salary data for Virginia from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Biomedical engineers: 88 percent projected job growth. Minimum education requirement: bachelor's degree. Mean annual wage: $80,960
- Home health aides: 80 percent increase. Minimum education requirement: post-secondary training. Mean annual wage: $19,530
- Computer software engineers for systems software: 42 percent increase. Minimum education requirement: bachelor's degree. Mean annual wage: $107,490
Choosing Virginia online schools and degrees
The increased need for newly minted degree holders in Virginia comes at a time when education institutions are pressed for resources. Nearly 40 public colleges and universities are located in Virginia, along with numerous private institutions and community colleges. Private technical colleges and vocational schools also draw a large number of high school graduates to their degree and certification programs.
With recent cuts in education spending by the Commonwealth of Virginia, students may find it more expensive and more competitive than ever to enroll in campus-based programs.
In the face of high costs and a premium on classroom availability, Virginia online degree programs present an option for new or continuing students. E-learning programs start throughout the school year and provide flexible hours for busy working students or students with families. You may want to see what Virginia online schools have to offer.
