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$18,238Tuition
252Students
14%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$34,421Earnings
Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About South University-Virginia Beach

South University-Virginia Beach trains students for specific careers through hands-on programs designed to get graduates working quickly. This career-focused college enrolls just 252 students in Virginia Beach's bustling coastal setting. The school operates on a quarter system to move students through programs faster than traditional semester schedules.

Students pay an average net price of $24,372 after financial aid, with 51% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years after starting college, which creates challenging math for loan repayment. Students typically graduate with $26,123 in debt and face monthly loan payments of $277. Only 25% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

The student body reflects Virginia Beach's diversity, with 58% Black students and 86% women enrolled. Just 14% of students graduate within four years, and only 25% return for their second year. Despite low graduation rates, the school reports a 95% employment rate for those who complete their programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention, but students should carefully weigh program costs against potential earnings in their chosen field.

Academics & Faculty

South University-Virginia Beach focuses on career-oriented programs designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides individualized attention in small classes. However, only 13.6% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face completing their degrees. The school primarily serves women, who make up 86% of enrollment, often in healthcare and business programs. Students pay $18,238 in annual tuition regardless of residency status. The quarter system allows for accelerated coursework and multiple entry points throughout the year. Most graduates find employment quickly, with a 94.7% employment rate, though median earnings ten years after graduation reach just $34,421.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
20.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
21.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
13.6%
Retention Rate
25.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,421
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Certificate $98,736
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $91,613
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $66,883
Information Science/Studies. Master $60,839
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $45,207
Information Science/Studies. Bachelor $44,418
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $43,489
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $42,799
Public Administration. Master $41,007
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $39,986

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

South University-Virginia Beach operates as a small career college with just 252 students in the heart of Virginia Beach. The campus sits minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the bustling resort strip that draws millions of tourists annually. Students need light jackets for mild winters but should pack plenty of sunscreen for the humid summers that stretch into October.

Women make up 86% of the student body, creating a predominantly female environment focused on healthcare and business programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more like workplace training sessions than traditional college lectures. Since this is primarily a commuter school with 100% in-state enrollment, most students juggle coursework with jobs and family responsibilities. Weekend social life centers around Virginia Beach's boardwalk, local restaurants, and nearby Norfolk's arts district rather than campus activities. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, with students moving quickly through career-focused curricula designed to prepare them for immediate employment in fields like nursing, business administration, and healthcare management.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–50°F
July Avg
70°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
3.4"

Student Demographics

South University-Virginia Beach draws primarily Black women from Virginia who are changing careers or entering the workforce for the first time. Women make up nearly nine in ten students, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. About half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking practical job training. The entirely in-state student body suggests strong local partnerships with Virginia Beach employers. Most students are older adults balancing education with work and family responsibilities in this career-focused environment.
Men
13.9%
Women
86.1%
White
16.3%
Black
58.3%
Hispanic
11.5%
Asian
6.4%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
51.2%

Location

South University-Virginia Beach sits in Virginia's largest city, home to 459,000 residents along the Atlantic coast. The campus operates in a major metropolitan area known for its 35 miles of beaches and massive military presence. Virginia Beach anchors the Hampton Roads region, which houses the world's largest naval base and creates a diverse economy beyond tourism. The city blends resort atmosphere with year-round residents, offering internships in healthcare, hospitality, and defense contracting. Students enjoy ocean access while living in an urban environment that stays active through all seasons. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare South University-Virginia Beach with similar schools in the region.
Address
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,421
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,826
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,500
Loan Repayment Rate
25.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$277/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,123

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at South University-Virginia Beach?

The school maintains a 25% retention rate, suggesting relatively open admissions for this career-focused college. South University-Virginia Beach serves 252 students and functions as a for-profit institution targeting working adults seeking practical career training.

How much does South University-Virginia Beach cost after financial aid?

The average net price reaches $24,372 annually, with tuition set at $18,238 for all students regardless of residency. About 51% of students receive financial aid, though only 2.38% get institutional grants averaging $4,555.

What is the academic experience like at South University-Virginia Beach?

Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio in a quarter-based calendar system. The college operates as a career-focused institution designed to provide hands-on training for specific professional fields rather than traditional liberal arts education.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at South University-Virginia Beach?

The six-year graduation rate stands at just 13.60%, though the employment rate reaches 94.7% for graduates. Median earnings hit $34,421 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically carrying $26,123 in debt and monthly loan payments of $277.

Where is South University-Virginia Beach located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Virginia Beach, a large city setting that attracts 100% in-state students to this small college of 252 enrolled students. The student body is predominantly female at 86.11% and reflects significant diversity with 58.33% Black students and 16.27% White students.

Does South University-Virginia Beach have good loan repayment rates?

Only 25.48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, a concerning figure that reflects challenges graduates face in the job market. With 50.24% of students taking federal loans and monthly payments averaging $277, debt management becomes a significant issue for many alumni.