Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to several reputable universities that offer a wide range of academic programs. These institutions provide students with opportunities to pursue higher education in various fields and contribute to the thriving higher education landscape of the city.

Regent University
Regent University is a private Christian university established in 1977. With over 11,000 students enrolled, Regent offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in law, business, education, theology, and other disciplines. The university is known for its strong emphasis on spiritual formation and its commitment to providing a transformative learning experience.
Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university founded in 1961. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in business, education, and nursing. Virginia Wesleyan emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and global perspectives in its curriculum.
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College is a public two-year college that serves the Greater Hampton Roads region. With three campuses located in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, TCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. The college provides a flexible and affordable path for students to pursue their educational and career goals.
Other Universities in Virginia Beach
In addition to the three major universities mentioned above, Virginia Beach is also home to several other higher education institutions. These include:
Norfolk State University, a public historically Black university located in Norfolk but with a satellite campus in Virginia Beach.
Old Dominion University, a public research university located in Norfolk but with a branch campus in Virginia Beach.
Christopher Newport University, a public liberal arts university located in Newport News but with a graduate satellite campus in Virginia Beach.
Academic Programs and Offerings
The universities in Virginia Beach offer a diverse range of academic programs to cater to the diverse needs and interests of students. These programs include:
- Business and Economics: Business administration, accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management
- Education: Early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, special education, adult education
- Health Sciences: Nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, public health
- Liberal Arts: English, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, communication
- Science: Biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, computer science, mathematics
- Law: Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Theology and Ministry: Divinity, biblical studies, pastoral ministry
Student Life and Campus Culture
The universities in Virginia Beach foster a vibrant and engaging student life experience. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
- Student government
- Fraternity and sorority life
- Athletic teams
- Cultural groups
- Religious organizations
- Performing arts groups
- Volunteer and service organizations
The campuses are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn, socialize, and grow. They offer modern facilities, comfortable student housing, and dedicated support services to help students succeed both academically and personally.
Career Services and Post-Graduation Outcomes
The universities in Virginia Beach are committed to preparing students for success in their careers. They provide comprehensive career services to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce. These services include:
- Career counseling
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Mock interviews
- Job fairs
- Internships and co-ops
- Alumni networking
Graduates from the universities in Virginia Beach have a high employment rate and earning potential. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual salary for bachelor’s degree holders in Virginia is $66,540.
Table 1: Universities in Virginia Beach at a Glance
University | Type | Enrollment | Founded |
---|---|---|---|
Regent University | Private Christian | 11,000+ | 1977 |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Private Liberal Arts | 2,600+ | 1961 |
Tidewater Community College | Public Two-Year | 30,000+ | 1968 |
Table 2: Academic Programs Offered at Virginia Beach Universities
University | Business | Education | Health Sciences | Liberal Arts | Science | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regent University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Law, Theology |
Virginia Wesleyan University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Tidewater Community College | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Workforce Training |
Table 3: Student Life and Campus Culture at Virginia Beach Universities
University | Student Government | Fraternity and Sorority Life | Athletic Teams | Cultural Groups | Religious Organizations | Performing Arts Groups |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regent University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Virginia Wesleyan University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tidewater Community College | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Table 4: Career Services and Post-Graduation Outcomes at Virginia Beach Universities
University | Career Counseling | Resume Writing | Mock Interviews | Job Fairs | Internships/Co-ops | Alumni Networking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regent University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Virginia Wesleyan University | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tidewater Community College | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |