College Costs in Chesapeake, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Chesapeake, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,558
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$19,500
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$850
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Chesapeake Overview
Population
249,422
Student Population
15,635 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
91 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Chesapeake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,380
Total After Financial Aid
$85,380
Annual Cost
$21,345
Annual After Aid
$21,345
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,380 |
| Monthly Payment | $969 |
| Total Interest | $30,957 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,337 |
Universities in Chesapeake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South University Virginia Beach | Private | $19,500 |
| Tidewater Community College Chesapeake | Community | $5,340 |
Chesapeake has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chesapeake vs. National Average
| Category | Chesapeake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,558 | $10,940 | +$618 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $850 | $1,050 | -$200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 | -9 |
Chesapeake's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Chesapeake
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
15,635 students
Chesapeake has a total population of 249,422, with approximately 15,635 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Chesapeake offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chesapeake
$46,756
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chesapeake earn a median starting salary of $46,756, which is $11,756 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,380 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,853 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Virginia
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13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,210
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16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,571
Richmond
11 colleges · Avg tuition $14,676
Alexandria
8 colleges · Avg tuition $14,726
Hampton
7 colleges · Avg tuition $7,217
Lynchburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,181
Harrisonburg
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,458
Charlottesville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $19,584
Blacksburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $14,726
Fredericksburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,886
Williamsburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $23,628
Lexington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $19,476
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