10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Virginia Beach, VA (2025)

Virginia Beach, VA is home to scenic Atlantic Ocean coastlines, multiple beaches, and beautiful neighborhoods for water lovers.

The city is a part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or Hampton Roads area, which includes multiple nearby cities with plenty to do.

Virginia Beach also houses several colleges and universities that offer fantastic educational experiences.

Keep reading to discover some of the best colleges near Virginia Beach, VA.

Featured Colleges in Virginia Beach, VA

This list of schools features some of the best colleges in Virginia Beach, VA.

1. ECPI University

ECPI University, located in Virginia Beach, is ranked among the best colleges in the nation for its superior student support and academics.

The school has also been recognized for its economic and ethnic diversity, class sizes, financial resources, graduate rate, social mobility, and student retention averages.

ECPI offers bachelor's and master's degrees in areas like technology, nursing, business, criminal justice, health science, and the culinary arts.

Specific programs are available in cybersecurity, mechatronics, leadership, data analytics, homeland security, and more.

2. Virginia Wesleyan University

At Virginia Wesleyan University, students have access to 42 majors and 31 minors.

Individuals interested in undergraduate study can choose from degree programs in areas like biochemistry, environmental studies, law, theology, pharmacy, engineering, and computer science.

The university, which is located in Virginia Beach, has been recognized for its ethnic diversity and social mobility.

Virginia Wesleyan University has also been listed among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation.

3. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA, which is a part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The university is only about 20 minutes from Virginia Beach.

Attendees can choose from dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like social work, psychology, accountancy, physics, engineering, special education, and music.

Norfolk State has been ranked one of the top HBCUs in the nation as well as a top public school and top college for veterans.

4. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is located in nearby Norfolk, VA, but also has a campus in Virginia Beach called Princess Anne Academic Village.

The school offers dozens of academic programs for students interested in earning their undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Areas of study include education, computer science, biomedical and health sciences, engineering, communication, and public service.

ODU is ranked among the best national universities and public schools. It has also been recognized for its business, computer science, nursing, and psychology programs.

5. Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA, home to Christopher Newport University, is a part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The city is approximately 45 minutes from Virginia Beach.

Christopher Newport University has been recognized as one of the top public schools in its region and one of the best regional universities in the South.

The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biochemistry, Chinese studies, graphic design, journalism, physics, and more.

6. Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, which is in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The university has been ranked among the best public schools, HBCUs, and regional colleges in the South.

It has also been recognized for social mobility, research, and its promotion of public service.

Elizabeth City State University is home to dozens of degree programs in areas like graphic design, kinesiology, sport management, pharmaceutical sciences, and criminal justice.

7. Chowan University

Chowan University has earned high marks as one of the best regional colleges in the South. It's also been recognized for its social mobility.

Students can choose from 60 programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Programs include biology, business administration, education, economics, psychology, music, organizational leadership, graphic design, and sports management.

Chowan University is located in Murfreesboro, NC, which is more than an hour away from Virginia Beach, VA.

8. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, VA, which is more than an hour and a half away from Virginia Beach.

The school is home to over 200 programs with 66 bachelor's degree options and more than 100 master's and doctoral degree options.

Programs are available in addiction studies, cinema, electrical engineering, criminal justice, forensic science, international studies, and more.

The university has numerous programs ranked among the top 50 in the nation.

9. Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University is also located in Richmond, VA. This university has been ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation.

Some criteria for this ranking include student excellence, graduate indebtedness, faculty, and financial resources, alumni giving, and outcome measures.

The university is home to 25 undergraduate degree options across 14 fields of study. Degrees include accounting, English, chemistry, hospitality management, and mass communication.

Graduate programs are available in divinity, ministry, social work, data analytics, and education.

10. Virginia State University

Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA, which is about one hour and 45 minutes away from Virginia Beach.

The university has been ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation and is considered a great school for students seeking affordability. Its business school is accredited by AACSB International.

Virginia State offers more than 30 undergraduate degrees and more than 15 graduate degrees in areas like accounting, biology, marketing, sport management, and nursing.

What Is the Biggest School Near Virginia Beach, VA?

While many schools in the area have smaller enrollments, there are a few near Virginia Beach, VA with larger student bodies.

The biggest school near Virginia Beach is Old Dominion University. The most recent figures show an enrollment of nearly 24,000 students.

The next largest university in the area is ECPI University with an enrollment of nearly 11,400 students, according to the most recent count.

Virginia Commonwealth University is located just over 100 miles from Virginia Beach. This school also has a large enrollment of more than 20,900 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Virginia Beach, VA

It can be tough to know which school to pick with so many amazing colleges near Virginia Beach, VA to choose from.

You can begin narrowing your options by determining which schools offer your program of choice at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Also, find schools that match your price point or offer tuition reduction options that make earning your degree more affordable.

If you need to live on campus, find schools with appropriate housing opportunities and conditions.

If you must commute and don't own a car, factor in public transportation options.

Finally, take time to visit the campuses you're considering to make sure you're comfortable with the school environment and department faculty and staff.

Paying for Your Degree Near Virginia Beach, VA

When in the process of selecting one of the colleges near Virginia Beach, VA, it's important to make sure you're able to cover school costs.

If paying for school out of pocket is not possible, consider these financial aid options:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are granted to students based on criteria like talent or grades and don't have to be repaid. They can cover a portion of or all tuition costs.
• Grants: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form helps students qualify for federal grants like Pell or FSEOG, which don't have to be repaid.
• Student loans: The FAFSA form also opens up eligibility for student loans, which can cover some school costs. Loans must be repaid.
• Federal Work-Study Program: This program helps students with financial needs earn money for school by working part-time at minimum wage or more.

Additional financial assistance options include military grants, scholarships, and the GI Bill for active military and veterans.

Working students can look into their employer's tuition reimbursement program.

Start Your Degree Near Virginia Beach, VA Today

Are you ready to enroll in one of the top colleges near Virginia Beach, VA? Don't wait any longer.

Explore schools in the area until you find one that matches your educational goals.