College Costs in Virginia Beach, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 13 colleges in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,210
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,926
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Colleges & Universities
13
institutions
Virginia Beach Overview
Population
459,470
Student Population
33,334 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
35/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Virginia Beach
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,780
Total After Financial Aid
$82,780
Annual Cost
$20,695
Annual After Aid
$20,695
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,780 |
| Monthly Payment | $940 |
| Total Interest | $30,014 |
| Total Loan Cost | $112,794 |
Universities in Virginia Beach
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Regent University | Private | $19,100 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Private | $38,752 |
| Old Dominion University | Public | $11,210 |
| Tidewater Community College | Community | $5,340 |
Virginia Beach has 13 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Virginia Beach vs. National Average
| Category | Virginia Beach | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,210 | $10,940 | +$270 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12 |
Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
33,334 students
Virginia Beach has a total population of 459,470, with approximately 33,334 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Virginia Beach offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Virginia Beach
$45,642
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Virginia Beach earn a median starting salary of $45,642, which is $10,642 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,780 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,610 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Virginia
Chesapeake
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,558
Norfolk
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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