About Regent University
Pat Robertson founded this Christian university in 1978 to train students in biblical principles across professional fields. The 4,282 students gather on a Virginia Beach campus known for its strong law school, business programs, and communication studies. Robertson's vision created a place where faith intersects with career preparation, particularly in media, ministry, and public service.
Students pay an average net price of $18,749 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private Christian universities. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,498 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $24,534 in debt. The 54% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, which affects the return on investment. Monthly loan payments average $260 for those who borrow.
Women make up 61% of the student body, and the campus reflects significant diversity with 25% Black students and 45% White students. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical for private institutions. About 48% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial population from lower-income families. The Royals compete in 10 varsity sports through the USCAA, though athletics receive no scholarship funding.
Students pay an average net price of $18,749 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private Christian universities. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,498 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $24,534 in debt. The 54% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, which affects the return on investment. Monthly loan payments average $260 for those who borrow.
Women make up 61% of the student body, and the campus reflects significant diversity with 25% Black students and 45% White students. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical for private institutions. About 48% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial population from lower-income families. The Royals compete in 10 varsity sports through the USCAA, though athletics receive no scholarship funding.
Academics & Faculty
Regent University operates as a Christian institution known for its law school, business programs, and communication studies. The university maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing students with reasonably accessible professors despite the moderate class sizes. However, the 54% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The school built its academic reputation around integrating faith-based perspectives into professional training, particularly in fields like journalism, government, and entrepreneurship. Pat Robertson's founding vision created programs that emphasize Christian worldview alongside career preparation. Students here pursue degrees that blend traditional academics with religious study, though the completion rates indicate academic challenges for a significant portion of the student body.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.1%
- Retention Rate
- 66.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,498
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Doctoral | $83,768 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Doctoral | $79,450 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $64,493 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $63,997 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $51,972 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $51,482 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Doctoral | $50,856 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $50,677 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $50,640 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,667 |
Campus Life
Regent's 4,282 students experience campus life in Virginia Beach, about 20 minutes from downtown and the oceanfront. The 70-acre campus feels small and close-knit compared to larger state universities. With only 958 beds for housing, roughly 22% of students live on campus, making it primarily a commuter school. The majority drive in from around Hampton Roads or live in nearby apartments.
Virginia Beach's coastal location means mild winters where you'll rarely need heavy coats, but summers get hot and humid. Students often head to the beach on weekends when not studying. The campus culture centers heavily around Christian faith and conservative values, reflecting founder Pat Robertson's vision. Chapel attendance and Christian service are woven into campus life. With 61% of students being women, the gender ratio shapes social actives. The Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference provides 10 varsity sports, though with just 102 total athletes, sports don't dominate campus culture like at larger schools. Many students participate in ministry activities and mission trips during breaks.
Virginia Beach's coastal location means mild winters where you'll rarely need heavy coats, but summers get hot and humid. Students often head to the beach on weekends when not studying. The campus culture centers heavily around Christian faith and conservative values, reflecting founder Pat Robertson's vision. Chapel attendance and Christian service are woven into campus life. With 61% of students being women, the gender ratio shapes social actives. The Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference provides 10 varsity sports, though with just 102 total athletes, sports don't dominate campus culture like at larger schools. Many students participate in ministry activities and mission trips during breaks.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 958 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1978
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–48°F
- July Avg
- 71°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.2"
Student Demographics
Students come from across Virginia and beyond, with 44% traveling from out of state to attend this Christian university founded by Pat Robertson. Women make up 61% of the student body, drawn to Regent's strong programs in education, psychology, and communication. The campus reflects America's diversity, with white students comprising 44% of enrollment and Black students representing 25%. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing Regent's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to families across economic backgrounds. This mix creates a community united by faith rather than geography or income.
- Men
- 38.7%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 44.4%
- Black
- 25.2%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 43.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 48.0%
Location
Regent University sits in Virginia Beach, Virginia, about 20 miles southeast of Norfolk. The campus occupies 70 acres in one of America's largest cities by land area. Virginia Beach stretches along 35 miles of Atlantic coastline and draws millions of tourists annually. The city combines resort atmosphere with military presence from nearby Naval Air Station Oceana. Students live minutes from the beach while accessing internships in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of 1.8 million people. The region hosts major employers in defense, tourism, and shipping industries. Virginia Beach maintains a year-round population of 459,000 residents. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Regent University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,498
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,687
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $260/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,534
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Regent University?
Regent University accepts 32.34% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1140, reflecting the university's Christian mission to serve a broad range of students seeking faith-based education.
How much does Regent University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,749 annually after aid, with 48% receiving financial assistance. The total cost of attendance reaches $29,344, but the university works to make Christian higher education accessible to families across income levels.
What is Regent University known for academically?
Regent University operates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and offers strong programs in law, business, and communication. Founded by televangelist Pat Robertson in 1978, the university integrates Christian principles across all academic disciplines.
What are the career outcomes for Regent University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $44,498 ten years after graduation, with a 90.1% employment rate. The 54.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on working adults and non-traditional students pursuing Christian-centered careers.
Where is Regent University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Virginia Beach, Virginia, housing 958 students in residence halls. With 4,282 total students and 61.35% women, the university creates a close-knit Christian community near the Atlantic coast.
Does Regent University offer athletic scholarships?
Regent University provides $0 in athletic scholarships across its 10 varsity sports programs. The 102 student-athletes compete as the Royals in the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference, emphasizing participation over athletic recruiting.
