Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia's forward-focused, public doctoral research university for high-performing students from around the world who want a rigorous academic experience in a fast-paced and profoundly multi-cultural community.

Norfolk is the educational hub of the region, home to ODU, Norfolk State University, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Wesleyan, and Easter Virginia Medical School. There are seven other outstanding colleges and universities throughout Hampton Roads, plus four more community colleges. Combined with the other educational institutions listed below, these schools provide a variety of courses, locations, and traditions to suit a wide range of people who are on the road to achieving a solid education that benefits businesses here in Norfolk.