3 Best Colleges and Universities Near Chesapeake, VA

While Chesapeake, Virginia, is better known for being close to the beach, it also has plenty of work and educational opportunities for people who live in the city.

If you want to know how to make the most of your education while still taking the time to check out the beach on the weekend, or during Spring Break, check out the list below of the top colleges near Chesapeake, Virginia.

Featured Colleges in Chesapeake, VA

There are a few colleges in Chesapeake, Virginia, that residents can be a part of in person or online, depending on the degree they're pursuing. Check them out below.

1. DeVry University's Chesapeake Campus

DeVry University is a private university with its headquarters in Illinois. Though it primarily serves students through online education, it also has campuses across the United States - including one in Chesapeake, Virginia.

DeVry University's Chesapeake location offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, and certificates for students in the area who want to attend classes in person.

With the help of a Student Support Advisor, students can earn degrees ranging from an associate in business to a bachelor's in technical management at DeVry.

2. The Sentara College of Health Sciences

The Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCHS) is a healthcare-focused, private higher learning institution in Chesapeake, Virginia, that's accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

At SCHS, students can earn certificates and associate degrees in various health programs like medical assisting or surgical technology in addition to pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in nursing.

SCHS's connection with Sentara Healthcare also allows students to get hands-on clinical experience and the networking necessary to get a good job right after graduation.

3. Centura College's Chesapeake Campus

Centura College is a series of training schools that provide adult students with the skills they need for entry-level careers in fields like healthcare and business. Centura College has multiple campuses in Virginia, including one situated right in the center of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Centura College's Chesapeake campus has one large computer lab, three medical assisting labs, a Limited-Scope Radiologic Technology laboratory, two massage therapy laboratories, a massage clinic, four Professional Esthetician labs, eleven lecture orientated classrooms, two student lounges, a Career Services center, an Online Learning Center, and a Learning Resource Center.

Featured Colleges Near Chesapeake, VA

In addition to the schools listed above, there are some great colleges near Chesapeake, Virginia, that have many degree options for interested students willing to take on a small commute.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, just over five miles from Chesapeake, Virginia. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), it's one of the largest universities in the state.

ODU offers certificate programs, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees to innovative risk-taking students in subjects like business administration, chemistry, civil engineering, cybersecurity, dental hygiene, history, marketing, nursing, and more.

Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University (NSU) is a historically black public university that's a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and part of the Virginia High-Tech Partnership. It's located in Norfolk, Virginia, which is just outside of Chesapeake, Virginia.

NSU is accredited by the SACSCOC to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Some of the most popular degrees offered by NSU include:

• drama and theatre
• English
• history
• sociology
• psychology
• fine arts and graphic design

Regent University

Regent University is a private Christian university in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that offers online and on-campus education to students in the area � including Chesapeake, Virginia, which is just 30 minutes away by car.

Whether online or in person, students get the same dedicated, supportive faculty whose goal is to prepare students to excel in matters of both mind and spirit. Regent University offers more than 150 areas of study for interested students, including programs in business, communications, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, and psychology.

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) is a private university in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that was previously affiliated with the United Methodist Church but is currently nonsectarian. Students commuting from Chesapeake, Virginia, need to travel 20 miles or less to get to campus.

WVU offers online, undergraduate, and graduate programs that help students build meaningful lives and careers in their profession of choice. The community that VWU fosters on campus is dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship.

Bryant & Stratton College at Virginia Beach

Bryant & Stratton College (BSC) is a private college with campuses located in New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia. BSC's Virginia Beach campus is less than half an hour from Chesapeake and provides associate and bachelor's degrees.

BSC's Virginia Beach campus is most well-known for its programs related to business and healthcare, but it also offers degrees in technology, education, human services, law, and hospitality. Resources available on campus include a computer lab, a library, a daycare alternative for students with children, and a medical assisting lab for healthcare students.

Hampton University

Hampton University is a private, historically black research university in Hampton, Virginia, that also has a satellite campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Both campuses are less than 30 miles from Chesapeake, Virginia.

A hub of culture in the area, Hampton University is home to the Hampton University Museum and is located next to the iconic Hampton River. Students can choose from nearly 100 degree programs, including 50 bachelor's programs, 25 master's degree programs, and nine doctorate programs in psychology, journalism, biology, business administration, and more.

Ascent College

Originally called Bethel College, Ascent College is a Christian ministry-focused college that offers hybrid and online programs in Hampton, Virginia, just over 20 miles from Chesapeake. It's accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

Ascent College offers a diploma, associate degree, and bachelor's degree in ministry leadership for students who want to use their careers to serve their church.

The bachelor's program includes eight different concentrations:

• ministerial leadership
• Biblical studies
• children's ministry leadership
• Christian counseling (with a focus in psychology or pastoral ministry)
• intercultural studies
• worship leadership
• youth ministry leadership

What Is the Biggest School Near Chesapeake, Virginia?

Some schools, such as DeVry University, are larger when you consider all of their locations combined. However, if you consider the campuses in reach of students in Chesapeake, Old Dominion University is the largest college near Chesapeake, Virginia.

Old Dominion University is also one of the largest universities in the state with recent enrollment records of nearly 25,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Chesapeake, Virginia

All of the colleges above are great options for any student in Virginia, but how do you choose the one that's right for you?

First, consider important factors like housing, tuition costs, and available financial aid � these will determine if you can afford to attend a specific university at all. Then, look at the degree programs, clubs, and community opportunities available to be sure you can get the experience and education you want.

If you can find a college that meets all of your requirements near Chesapeake, Virginia, you're all set to start your higher education sooner rather than later.

Paying for Your Degree Near Chesapeake, Virginia

Here are the top ways to pay for your degree in Virginia, according to experts from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia:

• Scholarships and grants - monetary awards for academic merit or financial need that don't need to be paid back
• Loans - money you borrow and pay back with interest. Students often get better deals on loans that make them easier to pay back after college.
• Work-study - a federal program that provides work to college students that takes their school schedule into account and can help pay for education-related expenses.
• Tuition waivers - specific tuition reductions for students in special circumstances such as being fostered or adopted, being employed, being a senior citizen, and more.

Start Your Degree Near Chesapeake, Virginia, Today

Now that you know about the best colleges near Chesapeake, Virginia, what they can do for you, and how to choose the right college among them, it's time for you to start your higher education today so you can start your chosen career tomorrow.