15 Best Colleges in Virginia Beach
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Virginia Beach graduates reach $35,627 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $13,920 to $36,960.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionAdvanced Technology Institute
Annual Tuition
$14,568
Early Salary
$46,342
Acceptance Matrix
61%
Regent University
Annual Tuition
$20,686
Early Salary
$44,498
Acceptance Matrix
41.2%
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
Annual Tuition
$18,457
Early Salary
$32,568
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Centura College-Virginia Beach
Annual Tuition
$16,637
Early Salary
$25,930
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Virginia Wesleyan University
Annual Tuition
$36,960
Early Salary
$50,074
Acceptance Matrix
71.3%
ECPI University
Annual Tuition
$18,484
Early Salary
$42,837
Acceptance Matrix
82.9%
Virginia Beach City Public Schools School of Practical Nursing
Annual Tuition
$6,034
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Cayce/Reilly School of Massage
Annual Tuition
$17,382
Early Salary
$19,338
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Rudy & Kelly Academy A Paul Mitchell Partner School
Annual Tuition
$19,150
Early Salary
$24,176
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Virginia Beach Theological Seminary
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
South University-Virginia Beach
Annual Tuition
$18,238
Early Salary
$34,421
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach
Annual Tuition
$16,162
Early Salary
$24,407
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics
Annual Tuition
$19,130
Early Salary
$27,047
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Strayer University-Virginia Beach Campus
Annual Tuition
$13,920
Early Salary
$40,092
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
ECPI University-Virginia Beach Health Sciences
Annual Tuition
$18,484
Early Salary
$42,837
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Virginia Beach
01
Academic Diversity
Virginia Beach offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Advanced Technology Institute, Regent University, Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Virginia Beach can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Virginia Beach graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Virginia Wesleyan University lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $50,074. 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 Virginia Beach has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Williamsburg, Melfa, Buena Vista to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Virginia landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Virginia Beach
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Virginia Beach, VA
Selecting a college in Virginia Beach provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 15 institutions within or near the city limits of Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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.