College Cost Planning in Virginia Beach, VA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Virginia Beach, Virginia. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Virginia Beach as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,210
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,926
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Local Cost Market
13
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Virginia Beach
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
13
Public tuition
$11,210
Private tuition
$28,926
Community college
$5,340
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
~7.8 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 7.8 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $12,610 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Virginia Beach
How we compile Virginia Beach college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Virginia Beach institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Virginia Beach's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Virginia Beach, VA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Virginia Beach is $11,210. Private university tuition averages $28,926, and community college tuition averages $5,340. When room and board ($9,485/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $20,695.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia Beach uses approximately 13 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 33,334, which represents 7.3% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Virginia Beach?
The average rent near college campuses in Virginia Beach is approximately $975 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 88 (national average is 100), a walk score of 59, and a public transit score of 35. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Virginia Beach?
College graduates in Virginia Beach earn a median starting salary of $45,642. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%. With an average financial aid package of $12,610 per student and a 51% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Virginia Beach, VA?
With a median starting salary of $45,642 and an average 4-year public university cost of $82,780 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 7.8 years. The 51% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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