🆓 Virginia's G3 Scholarship — Free Tuition for Eligible Students
Virginia's Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back (G3) initiative provides free tuition and fees at eligible Virginia community colleges for students pursuing high-demand fields including practical nursing. Piedmont Virginia Community College specifically highlights G3 as a financial support option for its LPN program. Combined with a Pell Grant, many Virginia students can complete their LPN education at zero out-of-pocket cost. Check eligibility at vccs.edu/g3.
Virginia's community college system — affordable LPN pathways statewide with hybrid options
Virginia's 23-campus community college system (VCCS) provides LPN education at some of the most affordable per-credit rates in the mid-Atlantic region. Programs range from Piedmont Virginia CC's 37-credit hybrid program at $169.05/credit to Virginia Western CC's comprehensive program at $175.20/credit. Several programs offer hybrid formats combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals — making Virginia's community colleges one of the most working-mom-friendly LPN training options in the region.
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Virginia
All programs below are approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Virginia community colleges offer the most affordable pathways at $163–$175/credit for in-state students. Programs run 12–18 months.
- In-state rate$169.05/credit
- Credits37 credit hours
- FormatHybrid — online + in-person labs/clinicals
- Clinical hours402+ contact hours
- G3 ScholarshipMay cover full tuition and fees
- In-state rate$175.20/credit
- All-in cost~$12,165 (tuition + books + fees)
- LocationRoanoke — western Virginia
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- AidPell Grant eligible
- In-state rate$175.20/credit
- CampusesFredericksburg and Culpeper
- LocationI-95 corridor — between DC and Richmond
- AidPell Grant + G3 eligible
- BridgeRN pathway available
- In-state rate~$163.40/credit
- Credits66 credit hours — associate degree
- Duration~2 years
- LocationNorfolk — Hampton Roads market
- AidPell Grant eligible
- LocationRichmond — Virginia's largest city
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- BridgeRN pathway available
- AidPell Grant + G3 eligible
- NoteStrong Richmond clinical network
- Total program~$21,533 in tuition fees
- LocationAnnandale — DC metro market
- DC salary access~$58,200/yr in Arlington area
- BridgeStrong RN pathway
- AidPell Grant + G3 eligible
⚠️ Tuition based on 2024–2025 IPEDS data and published per-credit rates. Always verify current costs directly with schools. G3 eligibility requirements change — confirm at vccs.edu/g3 before enrolling.
Find LPN Classes Near You in Virginia
Enter your zip code to see accredited programs near you.
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
LPN Salary in Virginia — Northern Virginia Is the Hidden Prize
Virginia's statewide LPN median is $53,040/year per BLS May 2024 — below the national median. However, the Arlington metro area (Northern Virginia, near Washington D.C.) pays LPNs approximately $58,200/year — significantly above the state average. Virginia employs approximately 17,060 LPNs with 5% projected growth through 2032. Virginia's cost of living varies dramatically — rural VA is well below national average while Northern VA near DC is significantly above.
| City / Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Arlington / Northern Virginia | ~$58,200 | ~$27.98 | DC proximity — highest VA LPN salaries |
| 🥈 Virginia Beach / Norfolk | ~$54,000–$57,000 | ~$25.96–$27.40 | Hampton Roads — military healthcare demand |
| 🥉 Richmond Metro | ~$53,000–$56,000 | ~$25.48–$26.92 | State capital — VCU Health + HCA market |
| Roanoke / Charlottesville | ~$50,000–$54,000 | ~$24.04–$25.96 | Western VA — lower COL, solid demand |
| Statewide Median (BLS) | ~$53,040 | ~$25.50 | BLS May 2024 |
| VA Cost of Living (rural) | ~90–95 | vs. 100 national avg | Rural VA — 5–10% below national average |
Financial Aid & Free Money for Virginia LPN Students
Virginia has the G3 Scholarship — a potentially free tuition program specifically for high-demand careers including nursing — that no Virginia LPN student should overlook.
Virginia's G3 initiative provides free tuition and fees at eligible Virginia community colleges for students pursuing high-demand workforce fields — including practical nursing. Piedmont Virginia CC and other VCCS schools participate. Combined with a Pell Grant, many VA students pay nothing out of pocket. Check eligibility at vccs.edu/g3 immediately.
At community college per-credit rates of $163–$175, a Pell Grant covers a large portion or all of LPN tuition for eligible students. File FAFSA at studentaid.gov first — your foundation before applying for G3 or any other aid.
Virginia's need-based state grant for eligible Virginia residents attending approved Virginia institutions. Apply through your school's financial aid office. VGAP + G3 + Pell together can eliminate all LPN tuition costs for qualifying students at VCCS schools.
HCA Virginia (Richmond) and VCU Health System sometimes sponsor nursing training for employees in exchange for a work commitment. Contact nursing recruitment directly at your preferred Virginia health system — Inova Health (Northern VA), Sentara Healthcare (Hampton Roads), and Carilion Clinic (Roanoke) may also have programs.
If you work in healthcare at major Virginia employers like Inova Health System, Sentara Healthcare, VCU Health, or HCA Virginia, ask HR about tuition reimbursement before enrolling. Virginia's major health systems actively support nursing workforce development.
Virginia has one of the largest military populations of any state — with major bases including Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Naval Station Norfolk, and Quantico. Veterans and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover full LPN tuition at VA community colleges plus a monthly housing allowance.
Virginia WIOA programs help displaced workers, single parents, and low-income adults enter high-demand healthcare careers. Contact your local Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) American Job Center for current training grant programs.
Rural Virginia — particularly in the Southwest, Southside, and Eastern Shore regions — has many federally designated Healthcare Provider Shortage Areas. LPNs working in these communities may qualify for HRSA loan repayment of $30,000+ over 2 years of rural service.
Smart Tips for Virginia Moms Considering an LPN Career
Here's what experienced Virginia nursing students wish they had known before starting their LPN journey.
- 🌿 Check G3 eligibility FIRST — before anything elseVirginia's G3 Scholarship can cover full tuition and fees at eligible VCCS schools for qualifying students in high-demand fields including nursing. This should be your absolute first step before looking at any other funding. Check eligibility at vccs.edu/g3 — if you qualify, your LPN education may cost you nothing at a Virginia community college.
- 🏛️ Northern Virginia = DC salary without DC rentNorthern Virginia LPNs in the Arlington/Fairfax area earn $58,200/year — accessing Washington D.C.'s premium healthcare market. While NVCC costs more than other VA programs (~$21,533), the salary premium of $5,000+ above the statewide average can justify the cost difference quickly. If you can afford to live in Northern Virginia, target this market.
- 💻 Hybrid programs are Virginia's secret advantageVirginia has more hybrid LPN programs than most states. Piedmont Virginia CC's 37-credit hybrid program lets you complete online coursework at your own pace while doing clinicals in-person. This format is specifically designed for working adults and parents — making it one of the most accessible LPN pathways in the mid-Atlantic region.
- 🪖 Military spouse? Virginia has unique advantagesWith Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Belvoir, Quantico, and numerous other military installations, Virginia has one of the country's highest concentrations of military families. Military spouses may qualify for MyCAA scholarships (up to $4,000) for LPN programs. Active duty service members can use Tuition Assistance. VA community colleges near bases are very military-family-friendly.
- 🌊 Hampton Roads military healthcare demand is strongThe Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Chesapeake area has persistent LPN demand driven by the large military population, their families, and the civilian community. Tidewater Community College's program (lowest per-credit rate at ~$163.40) positions graduates directly in this market. Hampton Roads is one of the most stable LPN employment markets in Virginia.
- 🎓 VCU is Virginia's top LPN-to-RN bridge pathVirginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond has one of the strongest nursing programs in the state — and its location in Richmond puts graduates in strong employment. Virginia RNs earn significantly more than LPNs. Planning your LPN-to-RN path from day one at a Richmond-area program gives you the clearest bridge to VCU's nursing program.
LPN to RN in Virginia — Should You Skip Straight to RN?
LPN first, or go straight to RN?
Virginia's statewide LPN median of $53,040/year is below the national average — but the G3 Scholarship can make LPN education completely free at Virginia community colleges, dramatically lowering the financial risk. Northern Virginia near DC pays $58,200/year. If you need income quickly, Virginia's strong healthcare market — with 17,060 LPNs employed statewide — ensures consistent demand.
If time and money are not immediate barriers, going directly to an ADN or BSN program may be worth considering. Virginia RNs earn significantly more — particularly in Northern Virginia near DC. VCU, University of Virginia, and VCCS schools offer strong pathways. Mountain Empire CC even has a part-time hybrid LPN-to-RN evening/weekend program. Our sister site covers all Virginia LPN-to-RN options.
Explore LPN to RN Programs in Virginia →Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions
Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in Virginia. Our sister site offers 50 free practice questions covering pharmacology, patient care, ethics, and more.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Frequently Asked Questions — LPN Programs in Virginia
What is Virginia's G3 Scholarship and who qualifies?
What is the cheapest LPN program in Virginia?
How much do LPNs earn in Virginia?
Is Virginia part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Ready to Find LPN Programs Near You?
Enter your zip code and compare accredited LPN programs in Virginia.
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.