Norfolk is the educational hub of the region, home to Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Tidewater Community College. With five additional colleges or universities and two additional community colleges throughout Hampton Roads, combined with other specialized educational institutions, these schools provide a variety of courses, locations, and traditions to suit a wide range of people. The educational programs in the Hampton Roads region, especially Norfolk, contribute to the development of a highly-skilled talent pool that benefits all types of businesses in Norfolk, VA.
In total, there are nearly 70,000 full-time equivalent students enrolled at all eleven higher education institutions in the metropolitan area (four-year public, four-year private, and two-year public). 46% of all full-time equivalent students enrolled at four-year institutions in the metropolitan area attend one of the four-year institutions in Norfolk (ODU, NSU, and EVMS).
Norfolk Higher Education Institutions
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)
In addition to the MD program, the school offers training in a growing number of health professions. EVMS also trains medical school graduates in their chosen specialty, provides sub-specialized fellowship training and sponsors ongoing Continuing Medical Education. In the 2022-2023 Academic Year, nearly 1,400[1] full-time equivalent students were enrolled at EVMS. In 2023-2024, there were 9,113 applicants for 444 spots in the medical and health professions educational programs. (Source: EVMS Facts & Figures 2024)
Norfolk State University (NSU)
Norfolk State University is four-year, public, urban, coeducational comprehensive university offering programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In the 2022-2023 Academic Year, nearly 5,200[1] full-time equivalent students were enrolled at NSU. The university operates the NSU Innovation Center in Downtown Norfolk, which offers entrepreneurship and innovation services and support to the community. (Source: NSU Innovation Center | Norfolk State University – Norfolk State University)
Old Dominion University (ODU)
Old Dominion University is a dynamic public research institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth, the nation and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships and active civic engagement. In the 2022-2023 Academic Year, 18,800[1] full-time equivalent students were enrolled at ODU. ODU operates its Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) in Downtown Norfolk. IIE is a one-stop shop for the community, students, faculty/staff and alumni seeking resources and services for innovation, entrepreneurship, and new enterprises and programs. The Institute contains Tempo, the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), the Women’s Business Center (WBC), the Business Development Center (BDC), and the Open Seas Technology Innovation Hub. Additionally, business and research initiatives contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy. (Source: University Facts & Figures | Old Dominion University (odu.edu), Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Old Dominion University (odu.edu))
Tidewater Community College (TCC)
Tidewater Community College (TCC) serves South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, and 6 regional centers. TCC is the second largest of the 23 Virginia community colleges. In the 2022-2023 Academic Year, over 10,200[1] full-time equivalent students were enrolled at TCC. TCC is also a very popular choice among military-related students, who make up about one-third of TCC’s enrollment. (Source: About TCC | Tidewater Community College, TCC.EDU and Final_2022-23_2021-22_annualenrollment.pdf (tcc.edu))
[1] State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV) Research Report E05A: Annualized Student FTE by Student Level Group 2022-2023)
Four-Year Institutions
- Christopher Newport University
- College of William & Mary
- Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Hampton University
- Norfolk State University
- Old Dominion University
- Regent University
- Virginia Wesleyan College
Community Colleges
Other Educational Centers
- Averett University
- Advanced Technology Institute
- Apprentice School of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance
- Bethel College
- Bryant and Stratton College
- Cambridge College
- Centura College
- DeVry University
- ECPI
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida Insitute of Technology
- Fortis College
- Saint Leo University
- Strayer University
- Troy University
Annual Full-Time Equivalent Enrollment for All Higher Education Institutions in the MSA 2022-2023
*indicates institution is located in Norfolk, VA
Source: State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV) Research Report E05A: Annualized Student FTE by Student Level Group 2022-2023 and Tidewater Community College Annual Enrollment Summary: 2022-2023
Educational Program Completions for All Higher Education Institutions in the MSA 2022-2023
*indicates institution is located in Norfolk, VA
Source: State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV) Research Report C01: Completions Report 2022-2023 and Tidewater Community College Annual Enrollment Summary: 2022-2023
Awards/Certificates: Awards less one year and Awards >=1 YR & <2 YR
Advanced Certificates: Post Bacc. and Post Master
Doctorate/Professional: First Prof.and Doctorate