5 Best Colleges and Universities Near Hampton, VA

Whether you want to lie on a gorgeous beach, take a sunset cruise, or spend time inland at the Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum, Hampton, VA, has plenty to offer.

The city, situated near the Chesapeake Bay, delivers beautiful sights and sounds for all to enjoy.

If you want to build a great career in Hampton, you might start with earning a degree. There are plenty of top colleges near Hampton, VA, to give your career the start you desire.

Featured Colleges in Hampton, VA

Want to attend one of the colleges near Hampton, VA? Explore this list of schools in the area.

1. Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport University is a public university located in Newport News, VA, about 10 miles from Hampton.

Areas of study the university offers include business, arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural and behavioral sciences.

Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate degree programs like cybersecurity, social work, writing, neuroscience, financial analysis, and teaching.

The university has been ranked among the top schools for value, social mobility, and computer science, business, engineering, and psychology programs.

2. Old Dominion University

At Old Dominion University, students can choose from more than 175 majors and concentrations. The school offers more than 80 master's and doctoral programs.

Degrees include digital marketing, environmental science, human services, human factor psychology, marketing, public health, and systems engineering.

Old Dominion is in Norfolk, VA, only 15 miles from Hampton.

The university has earned high marks for business, computer science, nursing, and psychology programs and is recognized as a top national university and public school.

3. Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA, is home to Norfolk State University, ranked one of the top 20 HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) in the nation.

The university, which offers dozens of academic degrees, has also been ranked a top public school, one of the best colleges for veterans, and a top performer on social mobility.

Program offerings include physics, mass communications, computer science, chemistry, business, political science, social work, and electrical and electronics engineering.

4. Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University offers students more than 70 areas of study with 42 majors and 31 minors.

Undergraduate programs include mathematics, theology, psychology, history, classical studies, American studies, and criminal justice.

Graduate programs include education, human services, business administration, and environmental studies.

The university has been ranked among the best colleges for ethnic diversity, academic excellence, and social mobility.

Located in Virginia Beach, VA, the school is about 30 minutes from Hampton.

5. ECPI University

ECPI University has earned high marks for its ethnic and economic diversity.

The university, which has a campus in Virginia Beach, has also been recognized for its social mobility, academic reputation, class sizes, graduation rate, and student retention averages.

Programs available at ECPI in Virginia Beach include nursing, information technology, accounting, and digital forensics.

University attendees can take advantage of accelerated degree programs, flexible attendance possibilities, and practical training options.

Featured Colleges Near Hampton, VA

There are also several other colleges and universities near Hampton, VA, that take a bit over an hour to commute to. We've listed the best five below.

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC, is home to Elizabeth City State University, a school located about 65 miles from Hampton.

The university delivers more than 25 bachelor's degrees in areas of study that include the humanities and social sciences, education, business, science, aviation, health, and technology.

Graduate programs are available in school administration, biology, mathematics, and elementary education.

Elizabeth City State University has been ranked among the top HBCU's and public schools and is recognized for promoting public service.

Chowan University

Chowan University students have access to more than 60 academic programs from school departments that include music, psychology, biology, criminal justice, and teacher education.

Educational studies, music, sport management, social sciences, graphic design, business and design, and biology are just a few program offerings.

Chowan has been consistently recognized as a top regional college in the South.

The school, located about 70 miles from Hampton in Murfreesboro, NC, has also earned high marks for social mobility.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is home to more than 200 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Students can earn degrees in theatre, accountancy, science, real estate, neuroscience, human genetics, gerontology, and much more.

The university has been ranked a top 50 school for more than two dozen programs, including social policy, nurse anesthesia, public affairs, nuclear engineering, and pharmacy.

Virginia Commonwealth is located in Richmond, VA�about 75 miles from Hampton.

Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon College is situated in Ashland, VA, about 90 miles from Hampton.

This school offers more than 55 majors, minors, and concentrations in areas of study like education, history, Spanish, business, chemistry, engineering physics, and finance.

Randolph-Macon is recognized as one of the top four-year colleges in the nation for undergraduate education.

The college has earned high marks for its science lab facilities, career services, friendly students, and relationship with the local community.

Virginia State University

Students attending Virginia State University have access to dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree options.

Programs are available in areas of study like management, English, hospitality management, visual arts, nursing, computer science, agriculture, and accounting.

Virginia State is located in Petersburg, VA, which is roughly 95 miles from Hampton.

The university has been ranked among the best HBCUs and is recognized for social mobility, alumni giving, retention, student excellence, and graduate indebtedness.

What Is the Biggest School Near Hampton, Virginia?

One of the largest colleges near Hampton, VA, is just a few miles away in Norfolk, VA. Old Dominion University's most recent student count is nearly 23,500.

The next biggest school in the area is ECPI, which has enrollment numbers of nearly 11,400.

Norfolk State University is the third largest school in the area with a student population of more than 5,700.

The largest school more than 50 miles away from Hampton is Virginia Commonwealth University with more than 28,500 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Hampton, Virginia

Picking which one of the colleges near Hampton, Va, is right for you should not be made in haste.

Take time to research the schools and find out who offers your program of choice. When you find those schools, see which ones provide career services that can help you find jobs after graduating.

Also, check tuition and other school costs. While you don't have to pick the most affordable college, it's good to see which ones can help pay for your degree with financial aid assistance.

It's always a good idea to become familiar with each school's campus. Visit your prospective departments, meet faculty members, and tour the campus grounds.

Taking these steps can make a world of difference in helping you decide which school is right for you.

Paying for Your Degree Near Hampton, Virginia

Once you've chosen your preferred college, ensure you have a solid plan for how to pay for your degree.

If you're in financial need, consider filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Taking this step can give you access to grants, loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program.

You'll also want to apply for scholarships, which can cover a portion or all of your school costs. Scholarships don't have to be repaid and are awarded based on merit, talent, and other criteria.

Military service members and veterans interested in earning a degree might qualify for military grants, tuition reduction programs, scholarships, and the GI Bill.

If you work while attending school, find out if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program through which you could have tuition costs reimbursed.

Start Your Degree Near Hampton, Virginia Today

Don't wait any longer to start a degree program in your desired field. Explore top colleges near Hampton, VA. When you find the right school and program, take the steps to enroll right away.