Best Community Colleges in Virginia Beach/Norfolk: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
January 21, 2026
Compare Virginia Beach/Norfolk community colleges with real tuition, earnings, and program data.
Why Community College in Virginia Beach/Norfolk?
Virginia Beach/Norfolk's community colleges offer an affordable launchpad for higher education and career training. With tuition well below four-year university rates and transfer agreements with state universities, the 2+2 path (2 years at CC, 2 at university) can save thousands while putting you on the same career trajectory.
Community Colleges in Virginia Beach/Norfolk
Tidewater Community College (Norfolk)
Tuition: $5,714/year | Enrollment: 11,797 | 6-year earnings: $32,700
Nursing ADN graduates earn $56,086/year.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton)
Tuition: $4,944/year | Enrollment: 3,901 | 6-year earnings: $31,354
Nursing ADN graduates earn $56,528/year.
Tidewater Tech-Trades (Norfolk)
Tuition: $16,337/year | Enrollment: 514 | 6-year earnings: $36,833
Fortis College-Norfolk (Norfolk)
Tuition: $14,083/year | Enrollment: 431 | 6-year earnings: $27,043
Nursing ADN graduates earn $70,471/year.
Advanced Technology Institute (Virginia Beach)
Tuition: $14,568/year | Enrollment: 377 | 6-year earnings: $41,870
The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics (Virginia Beach)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 255 | 6-year earnings: $25,508
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk (Norfolk)
Tuition: $16,757/year | Enrollment: 237 | 6-year earnings: $42,856
Centura College-Newport News (Newport News)
Tuition: $16,637/year | Enrollment: 210 | 6-year earnings: $26,077
How to Choose
| Priority | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest tuition | Virginia Peninsula Community College ($4,944/yr) |
| Best earnings outcome | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk ($42,856 at 6yrs) |
| Nursing | Check which schools offer ADN programs with clinical rotations |
| Transfer | Look for schools with articulation agreements to your target university |
Transfer Pathways
Check with your target university for specific transfer agreements. Most Virginia public universities accept credits from in-state community colleges through statewide articulation agreements. Complete your general education core at a CC and transfer as a junior to save significantly on your bachelor's degree.
Financial Aid
- Federal Pell Grant — up to $7,395/year, often exceeds full CC tuition
- Virginia state grants — check your state's financial aid office for resident programs
- Institutional scholarships — many CCs offer merit and need-based scholarships
- Workforce development grants — available for high-demand programs like nursing and skilled trades
Next Steps
Compare Virginia Beach/Norfolk community colleges on GradeToGrad — see tuition, programs, and transfer rates.
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