Best colleges in Norfolk

The Heart of the Virginia Waterfront

On the water and on the national stage for young professionals

Nestled where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Norfolk is an aquatic play land that will enchant you with its equally alluring nightlife, delicious seaside cuisine, and arts and entertainment offerings. Surrounded by the water, it's not surprising to learn that Norfolk will keep you busy with all the kayaking, sailing, fishing and water skiing you can handle. Beyond its waterfront lifestyle, Norfolk's higher education portfolio is stacked. With 3 major universities in town and 40 education institutions within reach, Norfolk has a robust list of major options whether you fancy fashion merchandising or aim to be a marine biologist. Norfolk's nautical charm is also met with some pretty stellar career options, too. Home to highly respected organizations like BlackHawk Products Group, FHC Health Systems, Landmark Communications and Portfolio Recovery Associates, and named in the top 10 markets for business relocation and expansion by Expansion Management Magazine, you'll want to set your sea legs in Norfolk even after graduation.

Norfolk, with its 144 miles of shoreline, wealth of premier festivals and special events, one-million square foot McArthur Shopping Center, and highly adored Greens on the Green farmers market, is a city that will have you feeling like you're on vacation 24-7. But Norfolk is so much more than just an entertainment hotspot. Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO. In addition to its prominence in the military community, Norfolk has been named one of the top 10 booming downtowns by USA Today, a testament to its ever-growing marketplace. With an average temperature of 69 degrees, you'll be soaking up the sun and surf year around. Trust us, you don't want to miss out on Norfolk's friendly, work hard play hard culture and outstanding collegiate environment.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*visitnorfolktoday.com *norfolk.gov *“Norfolk” Wikipedia *usclimatedata.com

Best Four Year Universities in Norfolk

William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA

William & Mary offers 93 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 2,741 students graduated with students earning 1,583 Bachelor's degrees, 805 Master's degrees, 310 Doctoral degrees, and 43 Certificates.

Christopher Newport University offers 26 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 1,139 students graduated with students earning 1,056 Bachelor's degrees, and 83 Master's degrees.

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Hampton University
Hampton, VA

Hampton University offers 114 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 828 students graduated with students earning 674 Bachelor's degrees, 83 Master's degrees, 64 Doctoral degrees, 4 Certificates, and 3 Associate's degrees.

Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University offers 244 degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 2,373 students graduated with students earning 1,075 Master's degrees, 673 Bachelor's degrees, 559 Doctoral degrees, 42 Certificates, and 24 Associate's degrees.

Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Wesleyan University offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 281 students graduated with students earning 246 Bachelor's degrees, and 35 Master's degrees.

Norfolk State University offers 52 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 858 students graduated with students earning 689 Bachelor's degrees, 157 Master's degrees, 10 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Associate's degrees.

Centura College-Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA

Centura College-Virginia Beach offers 8 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 99 students graduated with students earning 80 Certificates, and 19 Associate's degrees.

Old Dominion University offers 272 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 5,125 students graduated with students earning 3,640 Bachelor's degrees, 1,016 Master's degrees, 259 Certificates, and 210 Doctoral degrees.

ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA

ECPI University offers 99 degree programs. It's a large, private for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 3,975 students graduated with students earning 1,810 Associate's degrees, 1,280 Bachelor's degrees, 755 Certificates, and 130 Master's degrees.

Centura College-Chesapeake offers 7 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 127 students graduated with students earning 86 Certificates, 29 Associate's degrees, and 12 Bachelor's degrees.

Best Community Colleges in Norfolk

Centura College-Norfolk offers 7 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 170 students graduated with students earning 155 Certificates, and 15 Associate's degrees.

Centura College-Newport News
Newport News, VA

Centura College-Newport News offers 6 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, less than two-year school in a midsize city. In 2022, 138 students graduated with students earning 138 Certificates.

Northeast Community College offers 131 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2022, 784 students graduated with students earning 658 Associate's degrees, and 126 Certificates.

Riverside College of Health Careers offers 8 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 151 students graduated with students earning 115 Associate's degrees, 21 Certificates, and 15 Bachelor's degrees.

Fortis College-Norfolk offers 6 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 145 students graduated with students earning 95 Certificates, and 50 Associate's degrees.

Rappahannock Community College offers 33 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a faraway rural area. In 2022, 525 students graduated with students earning 280 Associate's degrees, and 245 Certificates.

Virginia Peninsula Community College offers 64 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 972 students graduated with students earning 800 Associate's degrees, and 172 Certificates.

Tidewater Community College offers 109 degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 2,289 students graduated with students earning 2,177 Associate's degrees, and 112 Certificates.

List of all colleges in Norfolk

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
William & Mary Logo William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
4/5
14 : 1 9,654
Christopher Newport University Logo Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA
4/5
16 : 1 4,559
Hampton University Logo Hampton University Hampton, VA
5/5
15 : 1 3,286
Regent University Logo Regent University Virginia Beach, VA
4/5
72 : 1 10,337
Virginia Wesleyan University Logo Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, VA
5/5
18 : 1 1,538