Colleges and Universities in Virginia Beach, Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide
Virginia Beach, an independent resort city in Virginia, boasts miles of beachfront on the Chesapeake Bay and a diverse economy fueled by tourism, national and international corporations, advanced manufacturing, and locally owned businesses. While the city itself hosts a select number of colleges and universities, the surrounding area expands the educational landscape significantly. This article provides a detailed overview of the higher education options available to students in and around Virginia Beach.
Higher Education Institutions in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers a range of institutions catering to diverse academic interests and career goals.
Regent University
Founded in 1977, Regent University is a private, Christian research university serving over 8,500 students. It offers 132 areas of study spanning from associate to doctoral degrees. Regent University is committed to providing students with the knowledge, character, and skills necessary to make a positive impact on the world. The university emphasizes a supportive environment where faculty and students collaborate to foster success. Regent University also hosts events such as the Executive Leadership Series (ELS), a premier forum for cultivating influential leaders in Hampton Roads. Additionally, the university organizes events like the Royals Open golf tournament to support student-athletes and athletic programs.
Atlantic University
Atlantic University is a special-focus graduate school associated with the Association for Research and Alignment (ARE). It offers master’s degrees in Transpersonal Psychology and Mindful Leadership, catering to students seeking specialized knowledge in these fields.
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution with its largest campus located in Virginia Beach. Serving over 34,000 students, it provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities for those seeking associate degrees and workforce training programs.
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ECPI University
ECPI University is a for-profit institution that offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate degrees. Its focus on career-oriented programs allows students to quickly gain the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce.
South University - Virginia Beach
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees. South University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Located near the heart of the Virginia Beach Town Center, South University strives to provide a supportive and solution-oriented environment for its students. The university is committed to helping graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. In 2023, the university awarded 37 bachelor's degrees, 10 associate degrees and 22 master's degrees.
Satellite Centers
Several prominent Virginia universities maintain satellite centers in Virginia Beach, expanding access to their programs and resources.
University of Virginia (UVA) School of Professional and Continuing Studies
UVA, a public research institution based in Charlottesville, operates its School of Professional and Continuing Studies in Virginia Beach. This center offers a range of programs designed for working professionals and lifelong learners.
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Virginia Tech, another public research institution, maintains the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach. This center focuses on agricultural research and offers graduate programs and professional development opportunities in related fields.
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Colleges and Universities near Virginia Beach
The area surrounding Virginia Beach offers even more educational opportunities, with several notable institutions located within a short drive.
Virginia Wesleyan University
Located on the border of Virginia Beach, partially in Norfolk, Virginia Wesleyan University is a liberal arts institution. In 2023, the university awarded 278 bachelor's degrees and 38 master's degrees.
Old Dominion University (ODU)
Located twenty minutes outside of Virginia Beach, in Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a public research institution offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. In 2023, the university awarded 3,611 bachelor's degrees, 1,100 master's degrees, and 223 doctoral degrees.
Norfolk State University (NSU)
Also located in Norfolk, twenty minutes outside of Virginia Beach, Norfolk State University is a public historically black university serving more than 5,000 students. In 2023, the university awarded 783 bachelor's degrees, 128 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Located in Norfolk, Eastern Virginia Medical School awarded 284 master's degrees and 184 doctoral degrees in 2023.
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Sentara College of Health Sciences
Located near Virginia Beach, Sentara College of Health Sciences awarded 91 bachelor's degrees, 35 associate degrees, and 30 master's degrees in 2023.
Virginia Beach Theological Seminary
Located near Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Theological Seminary awarded 3 master's degrees in 2023.
Franklin University
Located near Virginia Beach, Franklin University awarded 1,429 bachelor's degrees, 88 associate degrees, 616 master's degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees in 2023.
Cost and Accreditation
The average cost of tuition at nonprofit schools near Virginia Beach is $17,527, indicating that a high-quality education is accessible in the region. Prospective students can verify the institutional accreditation of colleges and universities in the Virginia Beach area to ensure the quality and credibility of their chosen institution.
Job Market Outlook in Virginia Beach
In 2024, the Virginia Beach area had approximately 629,701 jobs. While job growth in Virginia Beach from 2023 to 2024 was slightly below the national average at 1.2%, there were still 77,270 job openings in the area, indicating a healthy demand for skilled professionals.
Transportation
Virginia Beach is primarily reliant on vehicles for transportation but also offers bus service and a light rail system. The city is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world, connecting Virginia Beach to Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
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