Best
Value Colleges in Virginia Beach in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Virginia Beach, VA, typically combines business skills with experience. Courses often include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and data analysis. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, operations supervisor, or office manager. Local options include Regent University and Virginia Wesleyan University, which offer business-related study, as well as Tidewater Community College, where students can begin coursework and pursue an associate degree.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Virginia Beach, VA, offers students coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Popular local options include Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Tidewater Community College. Depending on the degree level, graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources specialist, or research assistant. Clinical counseling and psychologist positions generally require advanced degrees and, often, licensure. Programs also build communication, assessment, and critical-thinking skills.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers opportunities at Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Tidewater Community College. Programs cover programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build problem-solving skills through projects and internships. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, web developers, or IT consultants. Coursework may include mathematics and teamwork, preparing students to design applications, manage computing systems, and address challenges.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Virginia Beach prepares students to support individuals, families, and communities. Programs commonly cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised fieldwork. Regent University is a prominent local option for counseling degrees; confirm current campus and program availability. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health or school counselors, marriage and family therapists, substance-use counselors, or community-service specialists, subject to degree level, licensure, state requirements, and practical experience.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Virginia Beach, VA offers pathways from associate to bachelor's degrees, preparing students for patient-centered care. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and clinical rotations. Students build skills in medication administration, communication, and care planning. Options include Tidewater Community College's Virginia Beach campus, ECPI University's Virginia Beach campus, and South University's Virginia Beach campus. Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings.

Best Colleges in Virginia Beach, VA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 17,743.0, compared with 28,250.0 at schools in the top 10%, so students should weigh the higher cost of top-ranked options against their potential benefits.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 60.0% at top-10% schools. Prospective students should compare the aid available at individual institutions with their own financial needs.
• The average acceptance rate is 60.0%. Schools receive an average of 3,606.4 applicants, while top-10% schools average 7,180.4 applicants. The median numbers of male and female applicants are 1,576.0 and 2,232.0, respectively.
• Average test scores are 1,180.0 on the SAT and 27.5 on the ACT; students can consider how their own scores align with these figures when assessing admissions prospects.
• The average number of enrolled students is 2,406.0. Average enrollment is 229.75 men and 310.25 women, figures students may consider alongside the overall campus size.
• The average graduation rate is 42.0%, compared with 68.0% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 34.0% for men and 48.5% for women, so graduation outcomes are an important point of comparison when choosing a college.
• Six institutions offer associate's degrees, five offer bachelor's degrees, five offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree. Students should check that a school offers the degree level and pathway they plan to pursue.
• There are six coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women. Students can use these figures to consider the type of campus environment available in the ranking.
• When selecting a future college, compare total cost and financial aid with admissions selectivity, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. In particular, consider whether a school's graduation record and aid package suit your goals and budget rather than relying on rankings alone.

How much does studying at a college in Virginia Beach, VA cost?

The average total cost of studying for a degree in Virginia Beach, VA, is about $20,489. This gives you a useful starting point as you compare local options, though your actual bill will depend on the school, program, enrollment status, and financial aid. For context, the reported average tuition and fees are $22,163.67, while average room and board are $7,797.33 and books and supplies average $1,210. These figures are separate reported averages, so they do not necessarily add up to the stated total.

• Tuition and fees: $22,163.67
• Room and board: $7,797.33
• Books and supplies: $1,210

In Virginia Beach, compare Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Tidewater Community College; nearby Old Dominion University in Norfolk is another option. Request each school's current cost estimate and review grants, scholarships, commuting, and housing. Comparing options can make your next step feel more manageable - and exciting. Ask about in-state eligibility and transfer credits, too.

How long does it take to finish college in Virginia Beach, VA?

In Virginia Beach, VA, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at Tidewater Community College takes about two. Regent University and Virginia Wesleyan University offer local bachelor's pathways, though your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and whether you attend part time. A master's degree generally adds one or two years. For many students, balancing classes with work or family means spreading courses over more semesters, and that is a normal route - not a setback.

Graduation figures offer a snapshot: the average graduation rate is 42%, compared with 68% among the top 10% of schools; averages are 38.5% for men and 44.67% for women. These figures show finishing takes persistence, but local options can help you move faster. Ask about summer terms, accelerated classes, transfer credits, and credit-by-exam. Credits from prior study or exams may shorten coursework and make an earlier finish achievable.

Salary

College graduates in Virginia Beach can use $43,555 in median alumni earnings as a broad benchmark; graduates of top-10% schools have median alumni earnings of $54,440.50. These figures are not guaranteed starting salaries, but they offer a helpful sense of the earning potential a degree may support.

Your results can vary with your field, experience, and employer. Students at local options such as Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Tidewater Community College can explore programs suited to their goals and build skills for the region's job market. It's encouraging to know that choosing a program aligned with your interests can help you work toward stronger career opportunities and earnings over time.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Virginia Beach?

A practical count is three: Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and ECPI University have a significant presence in Virginia Beach. The total can vary depending on whether you include colleges, branch campuses, or institutions based elsewhere. For a local student, checking the specific campus and programs is more useful than relying on a broad citywide count.

What is the largest university in Virginia Beach?

Regent University is generally identified as Virginia Beach's largest university by overall enrollment. Its enrollment includes students studying online, so that figure does not necessarily show how many students are on campus. Regent offers a broad range of programs, while the best fit for you will depend on your intended field, learning format, and campus experience.

How many universities are there in Virginia Beach?

Using the same definition as above - universities with a substantial presence in the city - the answer is three. A wider count of postsecondary options would also include community colleges and specialized colleges, which are not necessarily universities. If you are comparing local choices, confirming each institution's current Virginia Beach campus offerings can help narrow your search.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Virginia Beach, VA Ranking in 2026-2027

Advanced Technology Institute offers career-focused technical education for students seeking practical preparation in Virginia Beach, VA. Its 415 enrolled students create a smaller-school setting, and the 79% graduation rate is the strongest among these five schools. The acceptance rate is 54%. The total study cost is $13,848, the lowest listed, while median alumni salary is $42,963. For local students, its Virginia Beach location can make commuting and exploring hands-on career pathways convenient; compare programs, schedules, and financial aid before enrolling.

Regent University is a Christian university offering study across a range of fields. Its 10,657 enrolled students make it the largest school in this group, while 57% graduate and 38% are admitted. The listed total study cost is $19,950, and median alumni salary is $44,147. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent gives students access to campus life without leaving the area. Review majors, campus services, and aid options to see whether its size and faith-based environment suit your goals.

Virginia Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts institution in Virginia Beach, VA, offering a close-knit campus environment and undergraduate learning across multiple disciplines. It enrolls 1,978 students; 42% graduate, and its 73% acceptance rate is the highest among the five schools. The listed total study cost is $36,550, the largest figure here, while median alumni salary is $40,858. Nearby residents can study locally and participate in campus activities. Compare academic offerings, scholarships, and net price carefully when evaluating affordability.

ECPI University is a career-oriented institution known for accelerated, hands-on programs in areas such as technology, business, and health sciences. The Virginia Beach campus offers local students a way to pursue job-focused study close to home. It enrolls 556 students, with a 42% graduation rate and 75% acceptance rate. Total study cost is listed at $17,424, and median alumni salary is $55,652, the highest among these five schools. Prospective students should carefully confirm program schedules, accreditation, and financial aid details.

South University-Virginia Beach is a private university campus serving students who want career-oriented higher education in the local area. It enrolls 258 students, making it one of the smaller schools in this comparison. Its graduation rate is 8%, while acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The listed total study cost is $17,100, and median alumni salary is $53,229. For Virginia Beach, VA residents, studying nearby may reduce travel demands. Ask admissions about program availability, student support, outcomes, and aid before making a decision.