Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program length, and outcomes for every accredited Virginia LPN program.
Virginia's healthcare employers, from Northern Virginia's hospital networks to rural nursing homes in the Southwest, depend on licensed practical nurses to keep operations running. Across the state, 24 ranked LPN programs offer entryways ranging from public community college certificates with in-state tuition around $5,000 to private diplomas topping $18,000. Several now deliver coursework through hybrid formats that combine online learning with in-person clinical rotations.
That range of price and delivery method reflects the state's varied job market. While the median LPN salary in Virginia is $62,310, pay can swing by $10,000 or more depending on the metro area you work in. Choosing a program near a higher-wage region, or one with strong clinical placement pipelines, can amplify your earning potential from day one.
This affordability-weighted ranking puts net price first, then considers graduation rates, delivery mode, and location to help Virginia students compare practical nursing programs. The schools below are ordered by value, not prestige, so a low-cost program with strong pass rates can outrank a higher-priced name. See the methodology section below for details on how each factor was weighted.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wytheville Community College | Wytheville, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr (est.) | High school dual-enrollment learners in Virginia | |
Wytheville Community College offers a campus-based practical nursing certificate with an estimated net price of $4,622 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 47%. The program operates a selective health professions admission cycle and includes a dual-credit pathway for high school seniors, with classes held at the Crossroads Institute in Galax.
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| #2 | Eastern Shore Community College | Melfa, VA | ~$2,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious rural Virginia residents | |
Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa has one of the lowest net prices in this ranking at $2,495 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 41%. The campus-based certificate is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and has posted strong licensure pass rates, including 100% in 2016.
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| #3 | Southside Virginia Community College | Alberta, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr (est.) | Students preferring hybrid campus online format | |
Southside Virginia Community College offers a hybrid practical nursing certificate with an estimated net price of $5,338 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 42%. The 49-credit cohort-based program starts twice a year at the Alberta and South Boston campuses, with a mix of online coursework and in-person clinicals.
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| #4 | Rappahannock Community College | Glenns, VA | under $5,000/yr (est.) | ||
Rappahannock Community College, with campuses in Glenns and Warsaw, reports an estimated net price of $4,343 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 45%. The campus-based practical nursing certificate features a 3-semester track, requires an entrance exam, and has posted strong licensure and job placement outcomes.
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| #5 | Patrick & Henry Community College | Martinsville, VA | $4,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Patrick & Henry Community College in Martinsville has an estimated net price of $4,102 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 42%. The campus-based certificate requires the ATI TEAS entrance exam and has posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for the past four years.
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| #6 | Paul D Camp Community College | Franklin, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin offers a campus-based practical nursing certificate with an estimated net price of $4,126 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 36%. The selective 3-semester program projects strong regional demand for new LPNs in Hampton Roads.
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| #7 | Southwest Virginia Community College | Cedar Bluff, VA | $6,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Southwest Virginia Community College in Cedar Bluff has an estimated net price of $6,005 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 46%. The campus-based certificate is a 4-semester, 56-credit program that requires entrance testing and includes clinical rotations across regional healthcare facilities.
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| #8 | Virginia Highlands Community College | Abingdon, VA | $5,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon reports an estimated net price of $5,375 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 40%. The campus-based program currently holds conditional approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing, with a low TEAS threshold, no application fee, and G3 scholarship eligibility. Rolling admissions
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| #9 | New River Community College | Dublin, VA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
New River Community College in Dublin has an estimated net price of $6,279 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 50%. The campus-based certificate is a one-year program with individualized clinical mentoring and broad clinical placements in acute care, outpatient, home care, and private practices.
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| #10 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Brightpoint Community College in Chester offers a campus-based practical nursing certificate with an estimated net price of $5,490 for in-state students. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 38%. The program starts in both fall and spring, is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, and accepts military education benefits. Military benefits
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Some nursing school rankings lean on reputation surveys and acceptance rates; ours is built around what matters most to aspiring LPNs in Virginia: the LPN program costs and whether graduates find steady, well-paying work. We prioritize affordability and real-world value, weighting net price and financial aid outcomes heavily so programs that leave students with manageable debt shine brighter.
The cost of an LPN program can vary dramatically across the state, but the sticker price often isn’t the whole story. Our ranking emphasizes the net price, what students pay after grants and scholarships, and also considers how much aid schools typically award. You’ll notice that programs with lower average out-of-pocket costs and stronger financial aid packages rank higher, reflecting a truer measure of accessibility.
To build the ranking, we draw on several public datasets. The College Scorecard provides institution-level metrics such as graduation rates and net price, along with program-level median earnings and debt for practical nursing graduates. IPEDS tuition figures round out the cost picture, and completion data, including on-time graduation rates, comes from program outcome records. These sources let us compare programs using consistent, government-verified numbers rather than marketing claims.
It’s important to know that some figures, like the overall graduation rate and the effective net price, reflect the entire school, not just the LPN cohort. A college might have a strong university-wide completion rate, but your experience in a specific practical nursing diploma could differ. We include institution-wide measures because they offer insight into the learning environment and support systems, but we always weigh them alongside program-specific data where available.
When it comes to return on investment, program-level outcomes give a more targeted signal. The College Scorecard now includes median earnings and median debt specifically for practical nursing graduates at many Virginia schools. These numbers show what LPN alumni actually earn one year after completing the program and how much they borrowed, offering a sharper picture of whether a particular training track pays off. By blending institution-wide context with program-specific ROI, our ranking gives you a practical starting point for comparing LPN programs.
The table below compares in-state and out-of-state tuition alongside the estimated net price for LPN programs across Virginia. Net price reflects the average annual out-of-pocket cost after grants and scholarships for full-time, first-time degree-seeking students, offering a clearer picture of what you might actually pay.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Shore Community College | $5,082 | $11,520 | $2,495 |
| Patrick & Henry Community College | $5,002 | $11,440 | $4,102 |
| Paul D Camp Community College | $5,012 | $11,450 | $4,126 |
| Rappahannock Community College | $5,102 | $11,540 | $4,343 |
| Wytheville Community College | $5,007 | $11,445 | $4,622 |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | $5,022 | $11,460 | $4,861 |
| Virginia Western Community College | $5,400 | $11,838 | $4,966 |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | $5,280 | $11,718 | $5,168 |
| Southside Virginia Community College | $5,007 | $11,445 | $5,338 |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | $5,022 | $11,460 | $5,375 |
| Brightpoint Community College | $5,082 | $11,520 | $5,490 |
| Germanna Community College | $5,257 | $11,648 | $5,541 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | $5,072 | $11,510 | $5,963 |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | $5,075 | $11,513 | $6,005 |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | $5,072 | $11,510 | $6,013 |
| New River Community College | $4,979 | $11,417 | $6,279 |
| Mountain Empire Community College | $5,007 | $11,445 | $8,852 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $5,891 | $12,409 | $9,919 |
| Tidewater Community College | $5,588 | $12,296 | $11,762 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach | $18,489 | $18,489 | $12,038 |
| ECPI University | $18,484 | $18,484 | $22,965 |
| Galen Health Institutes-Richmond | $16,364 | $16,364 | $23,843 |
| Fortis College-Norfolk | $14,801 | $14,801 | $24,764 |
| Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing | N/A | N/A | $35,726 |
The true value of an LPN program emerges when you compare what graduates actually pay out-of-pocket with what they earn later. While program-specific debt figures aren’t published, net price, tuition and fees minus grants and scholarships, shows the true cost after aid. At Virginia’s top-value program, Rappahannock Community College, that outlay is dwarfed by the typical earnings return.
Hybrid LPN programs blend online didactic coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. In Virginia, this means you can complete lectures, readings, and many assignments from home while still attending campus or healthcare facilities for hands-on skill practice. The structure is designed to offer flexibility without sacrificing the supervised training that state licensure demands.
The Virginia Board of Nursing requires practical nursing students to complete a set number of clinical hours under direct supervision. Because skills like wound care, medication administration, and patient assessment must be demonstrated in person, no LPN program, here or nationally, is entirely online. When schools advertise "hybrid" or "online" LPN options, the online portion covers only the theoretical component. All clinical and lab work still happens on-site.
Several community colleges and private schools in Virginia offer hybrid practical nursing programs. Here’s what the format looks like at three of them.
Other programs, like Standard College in Falls Church and Eastern Virginia Career College, also describe their delivery as hybrid, though official data sometimes classifies them differently. Regardless of label, the pattern is consistent: theory via internet, practice in a physical setting.
Not all hybrid programs are alike. Contact admissions to clarify:
Public vs Private: Admission requirements vary significantly between Virginia's community college programs and private career schools. While public options often have competitive, points-based selection, private schools may use a rolling admissions model that accepts qualified applicants on a first-come basis. Understanding these contrasts helps you target the right programs and avoid surprises.
Most LPN programs in Virginia set a minimum cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, though some public colleges calculate a separate "pre-nursing" GPA from core prerequisite courses. Entrance exams are standard but not identical: Virginia community colleges like Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Tidewater Community College typically require the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), while programs such as Centura College may use the HESI A2. Composite scores in the 60th to 70th percentile are common thresholds, but high-demand programs at Southside Virginia Community College or Lord Fairfax Community College may expect even stronger results. Check each school's nursing page for the exact exam name and cutoff score.
Before applying, you will likely need to complete LPN prerequisites, including high school or college-level courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical math. Some programs also require English composition, psychology, or computer applications. For instance, Virginia Community College System (VCCS) schools often mandate that anatomy and physiology be taken within five years of the application date. Private schools like Fortis College may integrate these prerequisites into the LPN curriculum itself, shortening the timeline for career changers. Always confirm whether prerequisite courses need to be finished before applying or before the program start.
All accredited LPN schools in Virginia require a criminal background check and drug screening before clinical placements begin. The Virginia Board of Nursing also reviews criminal histories during the licensure process, so any prior convictions should be discussed with the program director early. Immunization requirements are another hurdle: expect to show proof of hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, TDAP, and a recent TB test. COVID-19 and annual flu shots may be mandated by clinical sites, not just the school. Centura College and Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing, for example, publish detailed immunization checklists on their websites.
Community college programs often use a competitive ranking system that awards points for grades, test scores, healthcare experience, or residency. NOVA, for example, uses a numerical ranking that admits the highest-scoring applicants each cycle. In contrast, private programs such as ECPI University or Bryant & Stratton College may accept students who meet a minimum threshold, with multiple start dates throughout the year. This flexibility can be a relief if you need to start quickly, but LPN tuition is typically higher. Weigh the cost against the admission certainty when building your shortlist.
Because requirements shift annually, the Virginia Community College System website (vccs.edu) is the best starting point for finding all member colleges with practical nursing programs. Then, drill into each college's nursing department page for the most recent criteria. For private schools, consult the program-specific admission sections. When in doubt, call or email the nursing admissions office directly: they can clarify whether your GPA is competitive, which version of the entrance exam they use, and any upcoming changes to prerequisite lists.
The path to LPN licensure in Virginia involves completing an approved practical nursing program, passing the national exam, and applying through the Virginia Board of Nursing. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of fees and requirements.
Licensed practical nurses in Virginia earn a median annual salary of $62,310, with top earners reaching $72,800. For comparison, registered nurses in the state earn a median of $88,820, while nursing instructors earn $78,850.
| Occupation | Total Employment | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 16,710 | $62,310 | $56,240 | $72,800 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,950 | $78,850 | $63,940 | $95,950 |
| Registered Nurses | 77,420 | $88,820 | $77,650 | $100,920 |
While LPN pay in Virginia can vary, some metropolitan areas stand out for offering wages well above average. The following table ranks these locations by median annual salary, using the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA | 390 | $63,630 | $58,610 | $72,620 |
| Richmond, VA | 2,720 | $62,590 | $57,630 | $71,060 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 3,380 | $62,130 | $55,790 | $70,490 |
| Roanoke, VA | 990 | $61,510 | $52,030 | $67,920 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | 290 | $61,360 | $51,760 | $69,000 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 300 | $58,760 | $50,060 | $64,950 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 330 | $58,650 | $50,910 | $63,220 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 560 | $58,360 | $48,660 | $63,510 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 470 | $54,350 | $49,530 | $61,580 |
The LPN license provides a fast route into nursing, but many practitioners see it as a launchpad rather than a final destination. In Virginia, structured pathways let you leverage your clinical experience to climb the career ladder without starting over. Whether you aim to become an RN, increase pay through specialized certifications, or come from a CNA background, the state’s education system offers clear next steps that reward the time you’ve already invested.
For LPNs ready to earn an RN credential, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) coordinates a network of bridge programs that grant advanced placement. Most programs run about 12 months full-time and lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, which qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Admission is selective and typically requires a current unencumbered Virginia LPN license, a passing score on an entrance exam like the Kaplan, and completion of prerequisite courses that often include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, English composition, and psychology or sociology.
Specific examples illustrate the pattern. Piedmont Virginia Community College’s LPN-to-RN Bridge Program awards 15 credits for your prior license and includes prerequisites like BIO 150 and PHI 220. Blue Ridge Community College requires BIO 142 and a Kaplan exam, with a February application deadline for its 12-month bridge. Southwest Virginia Community College’s transition program also spans 12 months and awards the AAS in nursing, while Brightpoint Community College offers a similar specialization. Because these builds take roughly two to three years total when combined with your initial LPN training, the path from entry to RN is significantly faster than starting a traditional associate degree program from scratch.
If returning to school full-time isn’t immediate, targeted certifications can raise your earning potential and expand your clinical scope. In Virginia, LPNs can pursue credentials in IV therapy, gerontology, or wound care through short courses or employer-sponsored training. These certifications don’t require the same time or financial commitment as a degree, yet they often lead to wage increases and more autonomous roles in long-term care, home health, and acute care settings. They also strengthen your application if you later decide to enter a bridge program.
For readers coming from the other direction, prior work as a certified nursing assistant can accelerate entry into an LPN program. Many Virginia schools recognize CNA clinical hours and may waive introductory prerequisites or give preference in competitive admissions. That familiarity with patient care also eases the transition into the more complex responsibilities of practical nursing, making the CNA-to-LPN route a natural ladder step.
Starting as an LPN in Virginia isn’t a ceiling; it’s a deliberate entry point with a clear return on investment. Affordable bridge programs and stackable certifications mean you can begin earning quickly and keep advancing without dead ends.
Here are quick answers to the questions aspiring LPNs in Virginia ask most often. Find details on program length, online options, costs, TEAS requirements, and how LPN and RN roles differ under Virginia law.
The Virginia schools below sit outside the ranked top 10 and are grouped by region so you can start with programs near you. Each entry notes the delivery format, in-state tuition where published, and the college's average net price after aid. Several are community college certificates tied to state workforce funding, and a few private options run shorter or part-time schedules.
