10 Best Colleges in Norfolk
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Norfolk, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Norfolk.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Norfolk graduates reach $41,631 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $5,714 to $18,484.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionCentral School of Practical Nursing
Annual Tuition
$7,152
Early Salary
$59,399
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Tidewater Tech-Trades
Annual Tuition
$16,337
Early Salary
$31,657
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Norfolk State University
Annual Tuition
$9,910
Early Salary
$44,666
Acceptance Matrix
87.5%
Old Dominion University
Annual Tuition
$12,262
Early Salary
$54,914
Acceptance Matrix
90.5%
Fortis College-Norfolk
Annual Tuition
$14,083
Early Salary
$32,754
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Tidewater Community College
Annual Tuition
$5,714
Early Salary
$38,349
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Centura College-Norfolk
Annual Tuition
$16,637
Early Salary
$25,930
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk
Annual Tuition
$16,757
Early Salary
$44,173
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
ECPI University-Culinary Institute of Virginia
Annual Tuition
$18,484
Early Salary
$42,837
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Norfolk
01
Academic Diversity
Norfolk offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Central School of Practical Nursing, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Tidewater Tech-Trades and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Norfolk can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Norfolk graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Central School of Practical Nursing lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $59,399. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Norfolk has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Oakwood, Alberta, Wytheville to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Virginia landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Norfolk
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Norfolk, VA
Selecting a college in Norfolk provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 10 institutions within or near the city limits of Norfolk, Virginia. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Norfolk cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Norfolk area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Virginia.
Our data for Norfolk, VA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Virginia.