South University-Virginia Beach
The Vibe Check
South University-Virginia Beach offers an intimate, career-focused learning environment where small class sizes foster direct interaction with instructors. The urban campus feels like a professional stepping stone, catering primarily to working adults and transfer students seeking a direct path to graduation. It's a practical, no-frills atmosphere centered on balancing education with real-world responsibilities.
Academics & Majors
Academic programs are streamlined to accelerate entry into high-demand fields, with top strengths in Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice. The curriculum is practical and career-oriented, emphasizing applied skills over theoretical research. However, resources for traditional undergraduate research are limited, focusing more on professional preparation than academic exploration.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers a coastal lifestyle where students can enjoy the famous boardwalk, beach activities, and outdoor recreation like kayaking and hiking. The city has a vibrant food scene, local breweries, and seasonal festivals, providing a mix of relaxation and entertainment. Students often balance their studies with part-time work in the tourism or healthcare sectors common to the area.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($34,421):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in an urban setting, and while specific campus crime statistics are low due to the small enrollment, students should remain aware of their surroundings. Virginia Beach is generally considered a safe city, but standard urban safety precautions are advised.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Flexible scheduling options designed for working adults and non-traditional students.
- ✓ Focused career services and programs in high-growth fields like healthcare.
- ✓ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from instructors.
- ✓ Streamlined admissions process with open enrollment policies for many programs.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation (21.6%) and retention (25.0%) rates indicate significant student challenges.
- ✗ Limited campus life and traditional college social experiences.
- ✗ Median earnings after graduation are relatively low compared to the cost of attendance.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
South University-Virginia Beach is primarily known for its career-focused programs in Health Professions (such as Nursing and Medical Assisting), Business & Marketing, and Criminal Justice. The institution caters to adult learners and offers flexible class schedules, including evening and online options, to facilitate degree completion for working students.
No, South University-Virginia Beach has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. The acceptance rate is generally high, as the university focuses on providing educational opportunities rather than selective enrollment. Admissions decisions are typically based on a high school diploma or GED, and the process is designed to be straightforward.
Campus life is professional and focused, with a student body primarily composed of working adults and transfers rather than traditional undergraduates. There are limited on-campus social activities or athletics; instead, the environment is geared toward academic achievement and career networking. Students often commute and manage their studies alongside work and family responsibilities.
The value depends heavily on the chosen major and the student's career outcomes. While the average net price is significant and median earnings are modest, degrees in fields like Nursing or allied health can lead to stable employment that justifies the cost. Prospective students should carefully research job placement rates in their specific field of study to determine the return on investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 380
- In-State Tuition $18,238
- Zip Code 23452
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $24,372, the financial investment is moderate for a private institution, though the 10-year median earnings of $34,421 are below national averages for bachelor's degrees. The value proposition lies in the specific vocational training in high-demand fields like Health Professions, which can lead to stable employment. Prospective students should weigh the cost against the potential earnings in their chosen field, as the ROI is highly dependent on the major selected.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.